Stretch marks are a common skin problem most of us will encounter at some point in our lives, especially during puberty and pregnancy. Find out what causes stretch marks, who's prone, and how to get rid of them.

What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are tiny striped markings that occur when expanding skin is stretched to its limit, causing the small connective fibers within the skin's supporting tissue to break and tiny tears to appear in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin).

Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, overstretching can disrupt the normal production of collagen (the major protein that makes up the connective tissue in the skin), and scars called stretch marks may form.

This excessive stretching can happen during rapid weight gain and/or weight loss such as puberty, pregnancy and dieting, and frequently afflicts places where body fat is stored, including the breasts, hips, thighs and buttocks.

Initially, stretch marks may show up as raised or indented lines in red or purple. Over time, the scars usually turn lighter and become less noticeable.