When your skin is stretched past its limits, such as during pregnancy or periods of extreme weight loss or gain, it gets damaged and develops scars known as stretch marks. The damage takes place in the intermediate layer of skin, known as the dermis. The effects, however, show up on the surface skin layer, which is the place where you actually notice the stretch marks. Those unattractive lines can get in the way of your self confidence and a positive body image. When they appear, you will want to learn as much as you can regarding the choices for reducing stretch marks.