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Stretch marks are visible narrow streaks or lines with an off-color hue on your skin surface. They form on the dermis layer when the connective tissues are stretched beyond their elasticity. Connective fibers are found in this layer. They enable your skin to stretch as you grow. Thus, rapid growth can lead to breaking of these fibers due to overstretching. They at first appear reddish and then turn to silver lines.Blood vessels show through when there is a tear in the dermis layer. This explains why the stretch marks are red or purple in color, when they first appear, they change to silvery-white, because of the pale-colored fat underneath your skin. It is visible when the blood vessels contract.

Mostly, they appear on the abdominal wall, thighs, upper arms, buttocks and breasts; where fat is stored. You can prevent them and or also reduce their appearance. Stretching weakens the collagen production cycle. They make you feel uncomfortable about your appearance. Here are some reasons behind having stretch marks are:

1. Pregnancy
During this time, hormones are produced to soften ligaments around your pelvis. Ligaments are tissues that connect joints. The hormones also tend to soften fibers in your skin. Your skin stretches as the baby grows. This leads to stretch marks on the skin around your tummy, thighs and breasts.

Stretch marks formation depends on your skin type and elasticity. After childbirth they fade and become less noticeable. They do not disappear completely leaving you with an unpleasant appearance on your skin.

2. Rapid weight loss or gain
Putting or losing a lot of weight within a short durationleads to the appearance of stretch marks. This is due to rapid skin expansion and contraction.  Excess weight increases the levels of insulin and cortisol hormone which breaks down the collagen. This leads to sagging of the skin and formation of wrinkles. Repeatedly losing and gaining of weight breaks your skin elasticity leading to stretch marks. Thus, it is important to gain or loss weight steadily. This will prevent overstraining of your skin.The stretch marks will eventually fade when you maintain the same weight.

3. Dieting
It leads to gain or loss of weight. It is important to take your meals appropriately without skipping or overeating.  Avoid overeating by taking small portions of food more often. This helps in boosting your metabolism. Also, drink water before and after the meal.

You can lose weight moderately by exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet.The diet should be rich in minerals and vitamins which keeps your skin healthy. You can also use dietary supplements. This will help to keep stretch marks at bay.

4. Puberty
During this time, the body develops rapidly leading to formation of stretch marks. They may appear on hips,thighs and breasts of some girls and on shoulders and back of some boys. They do not occur to all adolescents at this age due to the skin type and elasticity.

5. Heredity factors
You have high chances of developing stretch marks if you have a close relative with the marks. They commonly appear in women along the line of family history.

6. Health conditions
There are rare conditions such as Cushing's syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and other adrenal gland disorders. Cushing's syndrome occurs when cortisol hormone is produced by adrenal glands in excess. When the body is under stress, the hormone is produced.

Excess weight can also cause stress to your skin leading to increase of this hormones. The hormone breaks down collagen and cause damage to the skin elastin. It leads to rapid weight gain especially the area around the abdomen. Also, it makes the skin to be susceptible to scaring and infections.

Marfan syndrome arises as a result of a faulty gene. The gene weakens the connective tissues in the body. This reduces skin elasticity making it susceptible to stretch marks.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is an inheritable condition. It disrupts the integrity of collagen thus leading to stretch marks.

7. Prolonged use of corticosteroids
Use of products that contain corticosteroids for long duration can lead to stretch marks. These products include creams or lotions that are used to care for your skin. They affect collagen production by reducing the amount that is to be produced. They also make your skin to appear thin.

Collagen aids in keeping your skin stretchy. These products should not be applied on the sensitive areas such as armpits.

There are various ways on how to remove stretch marks. Some involves review of medical history and examination of your skin. This will help you to improve your skin appearance.You can remove the marks by use of anti-stretch mark cream or lotions. Theycontain hydroxyprolisilane-C, rosehip oil and vitamin E.

• You can use retinoid cream to rebuild collagen fibers. However, they should not be used by pregnant of nursing mother since they might affect the baby.
• You can also try light and laser therapies. They stimulate growth of collagen fibers.
• Try microdermabrasion which involves exfoliating your skin with small crystals.
• Also, you can use natural remedies such as use of Aloe Vera, egg whites etc.

Conclusion
It is so unfortunate that you cannot be in a position to completely prevent yourself from getting stretch marks. Having the above knowledge on the reasons behind stretch marks, you will be in a position to control some causes of stretch marks. For the inevitable ones, focus on fading them. The good thing is that they are harmless to your body and they fade with time.