Stretch Marks: Causes and Mitigation Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a common skin condition that occurs when the skin is stretched beyond its normal capacity. They often appear on areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. These marks are typically white or silver in color due to the tearing of the skin’s elastic and collagen fibers during overstretching. This results in visible protrusions of the subcutaneous fat tissue, creating dermal scar tissue that lacks melanin, leading to the characteristic white appearance of stretch marks. Over time, the melanin continues to fade, making the marks more prominent. Laboratory... Learn more