Stretch marks are usually blamed on the rapid expansion of the skin. Although this is true, the real culprit for causing stretch marks is the hormones called glucocorticoids. These are secreted by the adrenal glands, which lies on top of the kidneys and the production of this hormone is increased during pregnancy, adolescence, with obesity, weight lifting and Cushing's disease.

Getting to the Cause - Cushing's disease is said to be a result of a tumor in the adrenal gland which causes the gland to excessively produce cortisol, which will cause the person to gain weight and another symptom of this disease is the thinning of the skin. When you look at stretch marks under the microscope, you will see that the layer of the skin called the dermis is thinner than normal. That is why if someone is suffering from Cushing's disease, the person will also develop stretch marks on the skin. There are actually two types of scars. The newer formed marks are red or purplish in color, while the more matured ones are commonly silver or white stretch marks.

Early Signs - In the early life of a stretch mark, it is often protruding and still reddish. If you have dark skin, you will not clearly see these marks but they are there. Then they turn purplish or bluish after a while and overtime they become flattened white stretch marks streaks because they already have aged. These unsightly marks will not occur if the dermis is strong.

Skin Tearing - The skin tissues will start to break only if collagen and elastin fibers are prevented from forming. If this happens, the dermis no longer has support and will consequently tear once it reaches its breaking limit. Stretch marks are usually seen on the different areas of the body like the buttocks, hips, breasts, abdomen, and thighs. In addition to tearing, the thinning and flattening of the dermis will also make these marks more visible on the skin.

Treatments - Most people know what stretch marks look like but many are not familiar with the variety of treatments that can cure them. There are actually different methods to cure each specific phase of the scar. Laser light treatments are effective in removing newly formed scars. This method works by applying a controlled amount of laser beam on the affected are. This beam will break down scar tissues and once these tissues are gone, healthier skin cells and collagen start to develop in the vacated area.

Topical Options - Some topical creams can also remove stretch marks but if it is stubborn and aged marks that you want to get rid of, you will need a more potent solution for this. There is one cream available in the market that works and penetrates into the middle layer of the skin and its natural ingredients work together to heal the torn tissues and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

Surgical Procedures - Microdermabrasion can also help remove stubborn and white stretch marks. This procedure uses tiny particles to sand the skin and slowly remove the scarred or discolored tissue. But the stretch marks will not be removed in just one sitting. You will need to go back for more sessions and the number of times will depend on the severity of your scars. However, the best cure for stretch marks is still prevention.