Are you having stretch marks? And are you distressed, wondering what could be wrong with you, and why you could be falling victim to these admittedly disfiguring markings on your body?

If that is the case, you could find information on four probable reasons as to why you could be having stretch marks edifying. Incidentally, by stretch-marks, we are talking about those off-hue markings that occur in some people's skins at various points of their life. In light skinned people, the markings are typically red or purple in color.

1) Now one reason as to why you could be having stretch marks is pregnancy. You should have heard this by now, but if you haven't, then it would help knowing that the occurrence of stretch marks is the rule, rather than the exception, during pregnancy. Thus if you are expectant, it would be quite naturally for you to have stretch-marks form on your body; thanks to the changes in body form and rapid growth spurts that occur during pregnancy. As it were, these changes often subject the body to growth that is beyond the skin's elasticity limits - ultimately leading to 'internal tearing' and the formation of the stretch marks.

2) The second reason as to why you could be having stretch marks is if you are teen (or otherwise pubescent), and you are going through one of your prime growth periods in life. Human growth, as we know it, is never quite even. It doesn't take place gradually, but rather in spurts (where you meet a 'boy' today - only to find him with a 'man's full height' next week). Such rapid growth often subjects the skin to more than it can take, in terms of elasticity limits, ultimately leading to tearing and the formation of the stretch-marks. This is especially the case with ladies, as they grow from girls to women: where one of the hallmarks of this growth is rapid gain in hip-size, which often causes formation of stretch-marks. Thus if you are a teen, and you have noticed stretch-marks on you, it is really nothing to be worried about: it is a part of your growth process.

3) The third reason as to why you could be having stretch marks is if you have recently gained much weight (as in, ordinary weight, from lack of exercise or 'eating the wrong stuff'). This too can lead to formation of stretch marks, as your body is subjected to growth beyond its skin's elasticity limits.

4) The fourth reason as to why you could be having stretch-marks is if you have recently built considerable muscle mass, maybe from your exercise. Many people appreciate the fact that the rapid growth associated with 'ordinary' (unhealthy) weight gain can cause stretch marks. But not many people appreciate the fact that the 'healthy' rapid growth associated with muscle-mass gain can also result in the formation of stretch-marks. But the truth of the matter is that any growth that causes pressure beyond the skin's elasticity limits is likely to result in stretch-marks.