Why do stretch marks appear?
Rapid stretching or shrinking can break collagen and elastin, the structures that help give skin strength and elasticity. The resulting marks are a form of scarring, also called striae. Common situations include a growth spurt, pregnancy, bodybuilding and significant weight gain or loss. Stretch marks are not limited to people who gain weight: teenagers can develop them during normal growth, including horizontal lines across the back. Breasts that develop rapidly can also develop stretch marks during puberty.234
Will stretch marks fade?
Stretch marks become less prominent over time without treatment. Marks associated with weight gain often begin as red or purple lines, then become white, slightly sunken and wrinkled. Fading means a change in their visibility, not necessarily a return to completely smooth skin. During pregnancy, stretch marks can look red, brown or purple. After delivery, they fade and become less noticeable. Their early colour alone is not a reason to treat them.56
What should you do about them?
If the appearance does not bother you, you can leave stretch marks alone. For the surrounding skin, ordinary gentle care is enough: wash with a mild cleanser and warm rather than hot water, avoid scrubbing, and use a lotion, cream or ointment to prevent dryness. A moisturizer helps prevent dry skin, but it is not an eraser with a lid. These are general skin care steps, not a treatment that removes stretch marks.7
Can creams or oils prevent them?
Lotions and oils cannot reliably prevent pregnancy stretch marks. Cocoa butter has not been shown to prevent them or reduce their appearance; coconut oil, olive oil and shea butter do not work as stretch mark treatments either. Moisturizing serves a different purpose from preventing scars. Most pregnant women develop stretch marks on the belly, and some also develop them on the breasts, hips and buttocks. Belly marks appear as the baby grows, while breast marks appear as the breasts enlarge in preparation for breastfeeding.36
What if you want them less visible?
A dermatologist can discuss cosmetic treatment, including microneedling, which can fade stretch marks. Tretinoin is a topical treatment that can help, especially with early marks, but must not be used during pregnancy. Laser treatment is another option, though it can cause discoloration in darker skin tones. Discuss the likely improvement and risks before choosing a procedure. During pregnancy, ask your doctor before using botanical creams for stretch marks because some are not well studied for pregnancy use.13
Will a tan hide stretch marks?
Do not tan to disguise stretch marks. Scars do not tan, so tanning can make the contrast more obvious while exposing skin to sun damage. Sunless self tanner can provide temporary camouflage. Protect exposed skin with clothing and sunscreen rather than trying to match its colour to the marks.37
When should you ask a doctor?
If new marks have no obvious connection to growth, pregnancy or a weight change, ask a doctor to assess them. Rarely, stretch marks are associated with Cushing disease, a hormonal condition, Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue condition, or steroid use, including steroid creams. Mention any steroid medicines you use during the appointment. During pregnancy, persistent itching without a rash needs medical advice rather than being dismissed as stretching skin: it can signal cholestasis, a liver condition.46
Where this answer comes from
- 1Scars and stretch marksaad.org
- 2Breast problems (Female) - My Conditionmyhealth-devon.nhs.uk
- 3Does Cocoa Butter Help With Stretch Marks?health.clevelandclinic.org
- 4DermNet Case: A Big Stretchdermnetnz.org
- 5Obesity and the skindermnetnz.org
- 6Skin and hair changes during pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopediamedlineplus.gov
- 7Skin Conditions | Hives | Acnemedlineplus.gov
