It is caused mainly when a person gains weight and the skin grows rapidly causing stretch marks. Even though our skin happens to be very elastic overstretching may lead to stretch marks. It usually happens at the time of puberty when girls and boys body go through a speedy change, during pregnancy or when you happen to gain or lose weight.

With an elastic skin the production of collagen gets affected which leads to stretch marks in many areas of our body like bikini area, stomach, thighs, hands, breasts, hips, legs and even buttocks. Even though the stretch marks appear to be normal from outside the stretching happen inside.

The lower layer of the skin which provides it strength and elasticity tend to get thinner and uneven. As the skin is very transparent the blood vessels can be easily seen. Due to which the stretch marks happen to be seen. Men suffer from stretch marks too. These stretch marks usually disappear after period of time, but that too can stretch depending upon the marks you have.

Stretch mark starts developing to pregnant women on the abdomen during the second half of the pregnancy. The skin stretches to accommodate a growing baby which develops comparatively as there are stretch marks on the skin.

Sometimes the skin color plays a part too. According to the skin color the mark may begin as a pink, reddish, brown, or dark brown color. These reddish-brown marks fade gradually with passage of time which later on looks like shining silver lines.

Due to pregnancy your skin gets stretched a lot basically near the abdomen and breasts. These are caused partially due to hormonal changes. Women who have weaker collagen tend to get more stretch marks than the others and may take even more time to heal.

Research has showed that due to the frail pelvic floor ligaments women suffer from stretch marks. This can be corrected by doing pelvic floor exercises to avoid any incontinence of urine. Bodybuilders also get stretch marks due rapid growth of their body similar to pregnant women.

Remedial measures for stretch marks

- Applying collagen creams, even though its benefits are still unclear so check it up with your doctor before applying any lotions

-Cocoa butter creams are said to do wonders to your skin as it softens scars

-Applying olive oil and Vitamin E oil which would help in getting rid of the stretch marks

-Mixture of 1/2 cup virgin oil, 1/4 cup aloe Vera gel including liquid of 6 Vitamin E capsules and liquid from 4 Vitamin A capsules mix then together and store it in the fridge to be applied daily

-Have a healthy diet which has plenty of protein and is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which helps in tissue growth

-Mixture of any carrier oils like avocado, sweet almond, jojoba mixed with drops of lavender and few drops of chamomile can still do wonders on your skin

-Massaging your body with most of these oils would tone your body making it more supple and soft

-There is laser treatment which can be done when they are still sore and red

-Surgery is also another option given to remove those stretch marks