Many of us find the stretch marks unsightly. In most of the cases stretch marks occur across the skin when the exterior is stretched quickly due to weight gain, pregnancy, or fast weight loss.  Stretch marks generally start as dark lines and then turn into lighter lines. Stretch marks can be removed or avoided with a proper understanding of the causes that create them.

In most of the cases stretch marks are caused when your skin grows and doesn't return to its normal shape. This stretching usually starts in the middle layer of the skin that is known as called the dermis. As soon as this layer of skin stretches too much in one direction due t some reason which can be sudden weight gain or weight loss, pregnancy etc , a stretch mark appears on your body. In the beginning the stretch marks are red or purple in color and then in some cases fade over with time. The common areas where the stretch marks usually show up are the thighs, hips, breasts, shoulders and lower back. These are the areas which are affected due to sudden weight gain or loss. The type of skin also plays an important part in getting stretch marks. Usually those with elastic skin are more likely to develop stretch marks that appear on the abdomen, thighs or buttocks.