Also known as striae, stretch marks form when the skin is stretched beyond its capacity. This can happen during periods of rapid growth, such as puberty or pregnancy, or due to significant weight loss or gain. When the skin stretches too quickly, the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) can tear, creating scars that appear as stretch marks.

These marks start off as red or purple streaks and eventually fade to white or silver. Although they are harmless, many people find them unsightly and seek treatments to reduce their appearance. This is where microneedling comes in!