"The Science Behind Stretch Marks: Unveiling the Causes"
Stretch marks, medically known as striae, affect up to 90% of people and are primarily a cosmetic concern. They occur when the skin is stretched rapidly, causing the breakdown of elastic skin tissue or tearing of collagen in the middle layer of skin. Stretch marks can appear on various parts of the body but are most common on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, breasts, and hips. They can be caused by factors such as rapid weight gain, muscle growth, genetics, hormonal changes, medications, and certain medical conditions. While stretch marks are not dangerous and do not cause medical problems, they can be unsightly. Treatment options like retinoid creams, microneedling, and laser therapies may help fade stretch marks, but they may never completely disappear.