The World's #1 Stretch Marks Resource

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks, or striae, are lesions that make look like stripes or lines that tend to form in the dermis during periods of hormonal flux, with weight gain or loss, weight lifting, puberty, pregnancy, and other periods of hormone change. When our body’s elastic fibers deep beneath the epidermis become damaged these scars can appear. Women tend to get them on their breasts, thighs, hips, abdomen, arms, around the belly button, buttocks, and back. This is especially true during puberty and pregnancy when a rapid onset of marks can appear. Initially they may be red, but as the redness fades, they may turn white.  They may be slightly depressed, and have a different texture than normal skin.  Stretch marks can also result from abnormal formation of collagen in skin, or potentially from medicine or chemicals that interfere with collagen formation. In some cases it can be associated with prolonged use of cortisone compounds, diabetes, obesity, Cushing Disease, and after pregnancy. StretchMarks.org is the online authority for striae and their treatment. Our mission is to provide you with scientifically accurate information about the condition, treatment options like over the counter creams & topicals, laser removal or therapy, and other modalities.