Everything You Need to Know About Stretch Marks

Stretch marks frequently appear after pregnancy, but various factors can lead to their formation. They may develop on many areas of the body.

Stretch marks are scars that form when skin stretches or contracts rapidly, usually showing up as streaks or bands across the skin.

These marks are very widespread — estimates indicate as many as 90 percent of people have them. They often occur during or after pregnancy, or after sudden changes in weight. For instance, individuals who gain weight quickly may notice stretch marks.

Stretch marks can occur almost anywhere on the body, though they are most often found on the:

• stomach
• breasts
• upper arms
• thighs
• buttocks

When pressed with your fingers, you might detect a slight ridge or dip in the skin. They can also be itchy or tender.

Stretch marks are not dangerous. Like other scars, they may be permanent, but they often alter and fade over time. For example, stretch marks from pregnancy usually lighten several months after delivery.

Continue reading to learn more about stretch marks and to explore treatments that may make them less visible.

Signs of stretch marks

How your stretch marks look depends on several factors, such as:

• your natural skin tone
• the condition and elasticity of your skin
• the body area involved

Typically, these streaks differ in color and texture from surrounding skin. Their hue can range from purple or red to pale gray or white.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• indented lines or streaks on the skin, varying in length and width
• pink, purple, red, bluish, or dark brown streaks — colors vary according to skin tone
• thin, shiny lines that may become whitish over time
• itching or irritation of the skin before the marks emerge

How to get rid of stretch marks

Numerous products and procedures claim to reduce the visibility of stretch marks or eliminate them entirely. However, evidence supporting many of these claims is limited.

Some commonly suggested approaches include:

• Moisturizing. Many creams promise to reduce or remove stretch marks, but studies generally do not support these claims. Research indicates moisturizing stretch marks usually does not change their appearance. If you choose to try it, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests gently massaging moisturizer into new stretch marks for several weeks.
• Self-tanning lotion. The AAD notes self-tanners can temporarily lessen the contrast between stretch marks and surrounding skin by evening out color.
• Prescription creams. Some studies show certain prescription topical treatments may help reduce the appearance of newer stretch marks. Examples include hyaluronic acid and tretinoin, a retinoid derivative of vitamin A.

Medical treatments for stretch marks

Stretch marks often become less noticeable over time.

If you prefer not to wait, there are procedures that can improve their look. Bear in mind no treatment can guarantee total removal.

A dermatologist can advise on professional options to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, such as:

• Tretinoin cream. Known by brand names like Retin-A and Renova, this restores collagen — the protein that gives skin its elasticity. It’s most effective on newer reddish or pink stretch marks and can irritate the skin. Tretinoin is not recommended during pregnancy.
• Hyaluronic acid cream. Regular application may help early stretch marks. Hyaluronic acid is generally safe for most users.
• Pulsed dye laser therapy. This stimulates collagen and elastin production and tends to work best on newer marks. It may cause pigment changes in darker skin tones.
• Fractional photothermolysis. A laser-based approach that targets tiny skin zones, working similarly to pulsed dye lasers but with a lower risk of damage.
• Microdermabrasion. This technique uses fine crystals to exfoliate the surface, revealing newer skin and potentially improving the look of older stretch marks.
• Excimer laser therapy. This promotes melanin production so stretch marks better match adjacent skin color.

Again, no medical treatment can promise to eliminate stretch marks completely, and procedures may cause side effects like swelling, irritation, or redness.

Professional treatments can also be costly.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, costs can range roughly from $167 for microdermabrasion to more than $2,000 for some laser treatments.

What causes stretch marks?

Two main mechanisms lead to stretch marks:

• skin stretching
• elevated cortisone levels in the body

Cortisone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. High levels can reduce skin elasticity.

Stretch marks are more likely in certain situations:

• Many people develop stretch marks during pregnancy as skin is repeatedly stretched to accommodate the growing fetus.
• They can appear after rapid weight gain or loss; adolescents may get them after quick growth spurts.
• Use of corticosteroid creams, lotions, or oral steroids can weaken skin’s ability to stretch and contribute to stretch marks.

Who is at risk for developing stretch marks?

Your likelihood of getting stretch marks is higher if you:

• are female
• have a family history of stretch marks
• are pregnant
• have Marfan syndrome
• have previously delivered large infants or multiples
• have higher body weight
• experience major weight fluctuations
• use corticosteroid medications

The color and visibility of stretch marks are influenced by skin tone, and they may be more noticeable in people with darker pigmentation.

How are stretch marks diagnosed?

A dermatologist or other clinician can usually identify stretch marks by examining your skin.

They will likely ask about your medical history, since certain disorders can be associated with stretch marks. These include:

• Cushing’s syndrome
• Marfan syndrome
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• chronic liver disease
• anorexia nervosa

Other conditions, such as anetoderma and pseudoxanthoma elasticum, can cause skin lesions that resemble stretch marks.

If an underlying disorder is suspected, your provider may order blood, urine, or imaging tests to investigate further.

When to consult a dermatologist

Stretch marks are a normal occurrence and are not medically dangerous.

Still, because they sometimes signal underlying health issues, it’s reasonable to consult a dermatologist if you notice other concerning symptoms, such as:

• unexplained weight gain
• skin that is thin, bruises easily, or heals slowly
• muscle weakness or persistent fatigue
• an overall feeling of being unwell

Seeing a dermatologist can also help if stretch marks cause significant emotional distress or make you uncomfortable showing certain body areas.

There’s nothing wrong with having stretch marks, but there’s also nothing wrong with wanting to reduce them.

If home methods haven’t helped, a dermatologist can provide more options and support.

Keep in mind that medical treatments won’t completely remove stretch marks, but those advised by a dermatologist are more likely to yield improvement.

How can I prevent stretch marks?

Maintaining hydration, eating a nutritious diet, and getting regular exercise may help reduce the risk of stretch marks from rapid weight changes, including during pregnancy.

Working with a dietitian when you are trying to gain or lose weight can help you reach goals gradually and safely, which may lessen the chance of developing stretch marks.

However, stretch marks often have a genetic component, and there’s no guaranteed way to prevent them entirely, even with creams or lotions. Ultimately, it’s helpful to remember that stretch marks are common, natural, and not harmful to your health.