Stretchmarks are thin, silvery/blue scars that appear on skin that has been stretched. All genders can get them, and one common cause is the stretching of skin from the body changes that happen naturally as you grow up (like growth spurts and the redistribution of healthy body fat). Many people feel very self concious about this naturally occuring phenomenon, but you don't need to - and here're my reasons why!

My Story
I personally have large stretchmarks on my back from when I was growing up. I am a reasonably tall girl at 5'8, and most of that height was gained very quickly! This left me with long silver stretchmarks along my back, which made me self concious - I wouldn't wear a bikini or crop top in case someone noticed. It took me a long time to realise that stretchmarks are never anything to be ashamed of, and here are my reasons why!

The Beauty of Stretchmarks
Not only do stretchmarks not tell others anything about your inner beauty, I believe that they also represent overcoming hardship in your life. The things that result in stretch marks (like pregnancy, growing up, and weight struggles) are actually all very hard experiences to get get through, and stretch marks are the badges you get for getting through or overcoming your personal struggles! They are the blue, silvery stripes that you have earned - something I encourage you to accept and be proud of.

How do you work through insecurities?