TEEN HEALTH What causes stretch marks?

TEENSHEALTH.ORG
Your skin is usually fairly elastic, but when you grow or gain weight really quickly (like during puberty or pregnancy), you may get fine lines on your body called stretch marks. Stretch marks occur when the tissue under your skin tears from rapid growth or stretching. When the skin is over-stretched, it produces too much collagen, which can form the "scars" called stretch marks.
Stretch marks often show up on places like your breasts, thighs, hips, and butt. Most girls and women have stretch marks, so if you have them, you're not alone.
Although they're more common in girls, guys can get stretch marks, too. Guys and girls who are body builders are more prone to getting them because of the rapid body changes that body building can produce. Obesity can also lead to stretch marks. Stretch marks are also more likely to occur if a person uses steroid-containing (such as hydrocortisone) creams or ointments on their skin for a long time (more than a few weeks).
Fade over time
At first, stretch marks may show up as reddish or purplish lines, but they often will turn lighter (whitish or flesh-colored) and almost disappear over time. So if you're taking a trip to the beach this summer, you shouldn't stress out too much about them. Your stretch marks will usually fade and become less noticeable over time.
Although there are tons of products on the market that claim to eliminate stretch marks, the truth is you can't make them go away without the use of a form of plastic surgery called microdermabrasion. If you are concerned about your stretch marks, talk to a dermatologist.
Stretch marks are a totally normal part of puberty -- try not to sweat them and they'll start to fade before you know it.
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