Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, are a common skin condition that occurs when the skin is stretched too quickly, causing the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin to break down. This can happen during pregnancy, puberty, or rapid weight gain. Stretch marks typically appear as long, thin lines on the abdomen, thighs, hips, and breasts. While they are not harmful, many people find them to be unsightly.
There is no surefire way to prevent stretch marks, but there are a few things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing them. These include: