Stretch marks, a common skin concern, appear as narrow bands or lines on the skin. Often triggering questions like “Why Did I Get Stretch Marks?”, these marks are essentially scars that develop when the skin is rapidly stretched or shrunk. While they are a natural skin response, understanding why they occur and what can be done about them is important.
Stretch marks are a result of the skin’s support structure, composed of collagen and elastin, being disrupted. These proteins provide skin with its elasticity and resilience. When rapid changes in body size occur, such as during growth spurts or pregnancy, these fibers can rupture. As the skin repairs itself, stretch marks emerge. It’s important to note that not everyone develops stretch marks; hormonal fluctuations and genetics can significantly influence susceptibility. If family members are prone to stretch marks, you might also be at a higher risk.
Several life stages and situations are commonly associated with the development of stretch marks:
- Puberty Growth Spurts: The rapid growth during puberty is a prime time for stretch marks to appear.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and significant skin expansion during pregnancy make stretch marks very common.
- Rapid Weight Loss or Gain: Significant fluctuations in weight, whether gaining or losing, can strain the skin and lead to stretch marks.
- Weight Training with Rapid Muscle Growth: Quick muscle development can stretch the skin faster than it can adapt, resulting in stretch marks, particularly for bodybuilders.
- Corticosteroid Use: Prolonged application of corticosteroid creams or ointments can reduce skin elasticity and increase the likelihood of stretch marks.
- Medical Conditions: Certain conditions like Cushing’s disease and Marfan syndrome, which affect hormone levels or connective tissue, can also predispose individuals to stretch marks.
Initially, stretch marks can present in various colors, including red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin tone. At this early stage, they might feel slightly raised and can sometimes be itchy. Over time, the vibrant color typically fades, and the marks may sink slightly below the surrounding skin. Mature stretch marks often feel like slight depressions when you run your finger over them.
What Treatments Can Diminish Stretch Marks?
It’s crucial to understand that, like any scar, stretch marks are permanent. While complete removal isn’t possible, various treatments can significantly reduce their visibility and alleviate symptoms like itching. For those wondering “how to get rid of stretch marks?”, it’s more accurate to focus on making them less noticeable.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult your doctor before starting any stretch mark treatment. Some ingredients, such as retinol, can be harmful during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations, as no single treatment is universally effective, and many over-the-counter products may not provide noticeable results. However, research has shed light on some approaches that can be beneficial.
Stretch Mark Creams, Lotions, and Gels: Numerous topical products are marketed for stretch mark treatment. While their effectiveness varies, research suggests some strategies to maximize their potential:
- Early Application is Key: Treatments are generally more effective on new stretch marks (those still red or purple). Mature, faded stretch marks respond less favorably.
- Massage Enhances Absorption: Gently massaging the product into your stretch marks can improve absorption and efficacy.
- Consistent, Long-Term Use: Visible improvements typically require weeks of daily application. Patience and consistency are essential.
Debunking Home Remedies: Popular home remedies such as almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, and vitamin E have been studied and have not been proven to effectively fade stretch marks. Massaging these oils may feel good, but they are unlikely to significantly reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Tanning and Stretch Marks: Tanning, whether from sun exposure or tanning beds, will not eliminate stretch marks and can actually make them more prominent. Stretch marks do not tan, so they will stand out against tanned skin.
Self-Tanner for Camouflage: While tanning exacerbates stretch marks, self-tanner can be used to effectively camouflage both new and mature stretch marks. Self-tanner evens out skin tone, making stretch marks less noticeable, but it is not a treatment for the marks themselves.
Prescription Topical Medications: For more effective topical treatments, prescription medications containing the following ingredients have shown promise:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Studies have demonstrated that applying hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks can reduce their visibility.
- Tretinoin: A retinoid, tretinoin is another prescription cream that can improve the appearance of new stretch marks. Research indicates that consistent nightly application over several months can lead to less noticeable stretch marks compared to untreated marks. Retinol, a related retinoid available in some over-the-counter products, may also offer similar benefits for early stretch marks, though often at lower concentrations than prescription tretinoin.
Professional Procedures by Dermatologists: For more significant improvement, dermatologists offer various procedures to minimize the appearance of stretch marks. These treatments do not remove stretch marks entirely but can make them considerably less visible:
- Chemical Peels: These treatments use chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin, which can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Laser Therapy: Various laser treatments are available that stimulate collagen production and can improve the color and texture of stretch marks.
- Microdermabrasion: This procedure involves exfoliating the top layer of skin, which can help to blend stretch marks with the surrounding skin.
- Radiofrequency: Radiofrequency treatments use energy to heat the skin and stimulate collagen production, potentially improving the appearance of stretch marks.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound treatments can also stimulate collagen and elastin production, leading to improvement in stretch mark appearance.
Dermatologists may combine multiple procedures for optimal results, such as radiofrequency combined with a pulse dye laser. While side effects are possible with these procedures, they are typically minor and temporary, such as redness and swelling, especially when performed by a board-certified dermatologist. Consulting a dermatologist is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual factors like skin type, health history, and the age of the stretch marks.
Can Stretch Marks Be Prevented?
The question of “how to prevent stretch marks?” is common. While there’s no foolproof method, some strategies may help reduce the risk. Many purported preventative remedies, such as almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, and vitamin E, have been found ineffective in studies. However, certain ingredients show potential:
- Centella Asiatica: Products containing Centella, an herb known for its skin-healing properties, may help prevent stretch marks.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Similar to its treatment benefits, hyaluronic acid may also play a role in preventing stretch marks by maintaining skin hydration and elasticity.
When to Seek Professional Dermatological Advice
Over-the-counter stretch mark treatments can be costly, and if you’re not seeing results, consulting a board-certified dermatologist can be a worthwhile step. In-office procedures offered by dermatologists have generally demonstrated higher effectiveness compared to topical creams and lotions. A dermatologist can provide personalized advice, discuss advanced treatment options, and inform you about any emerging products or procedures that might be beneficial for your specific situation.
Are All Dermatologists Board Certified?
No, not all doctors who call themselves dermatologists are board certified. Board certification signifies that a dermatologist has met rigorous standards of education, training, and competency in dermatology.
What is a dermatologist?
*Image 1 used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides*.
Image 2 and 3: Getty Images
References
Hague A and Bayat A. “Therapeutic targets in the management of striae distensae: A systematic review.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;77(3):559-68.
Stier MF and Hirsch RJ. “Rejuvenation of scars and striae.” In: Hirsch RJ, et al. Aesthetic rejuvenation. McGraw Hill Medical, China, 2009:224-9.
Ud‐Din S, McGeorge D, et al. “Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016; 30(2): 211–22.
