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Stretch Marks: Prevention and Treatment
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Stretch Marks: Prevention and Treatment

28 January 2025


Stretch Marks: Prevention and Treatment




Worried about stretch marks? You’re not alone. Up to 90% of women get stretch marks during pregnancy and weight changes. These narrow stripes form when our skin stretches faster than the skin’s structural collagen can keep up. While some wear their tiger stripes with pride, they can also irritate sensitive skin and leave some feeling self-conscious. The good news? Certain stretch marks can fade over time, especially with targeted skincare. Read on to learn what causes these marks, which types of marks you can minimize, and how to keep your skin stretch-free in the future.



Be sure to take our skin type quiz so you can find the best products for treating striae on your skin type!




What are stretch marks?



Stretch marks, also known as Striae are lines or streaks that appear on the skin when it expands or contracts rapidly. They occur when the middle layer of skin tears from sudden growth. (8) Stretch marks are often red, purple, pink, or brown in color initially. Over time they may fade to a silvery-white color. They are commonly found on the belly during pregnancy, but can occur on the thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, and buttocks as well. Men bulking up from either the gym or a robust diet might also find striae developing on their bodies. (9)




What causes stretch marks?



The rapid stretching of the skin causes stretch marks. This stretching can happen from sudden weight gain or loss, pregnancy, rapid growth spurts during adolescence, or bodybuilding. (10) Genetics also play a role. Some people are just prone to developing stretch marks while others aren’t. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, or bodybuilding can increase striae risk too since hormones soften connective tissue and skin loses elasticity.




Preventing stretch marks



While some stretch marks are inevitable during growth phases like puberty and pregnancy, keeping the skin supple and elastic can reduce their formation.(6) Moisturizing daily with creams, oils, or butters containing ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil help keep skin resilient. These nourishing ingredients provide fatty acids, antioxidants, and compounds that attract moisture. Well-hydrated and supple skin increases flexibility to better endure stretching without tearing. Gentle skin massage while applying moisturizers can support circulation and stimulate collagen too. Consistent hydration both internally (with water) and externally is key for keeping skin strong enough to avoid stretch mark emergence during rapid growth periods.




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Stretch mark removal




Early stretch marks that are still red/purple may fade over one to two years. Mature white striae are permanent indentations where too much skin was stretched out. No treatment can remove mature white stretch marks, but laser treatments can improve appearance by stimulating new collagen production to plump indented scars. (1,2,6)



Red or purple stretch marks




New stretch marks start out red, purple, pink or brown. At this stage they may sting or feel irritated. The color comes from blood vessels showing through tear/injury sites. Only fresh striae have potential to be reversed since the dermis is still intact – just inflamed from moderate injury. (9) If you want to laser away stretch marks- you need to do it while they are still red/purple.



White stretch marks




Over time, untreated red stretch marks turn silvery-white. Once a stretch mark has turned white, this means the dermis is permanently torn. White striae feel smooth, with a dent-like appearance. They cannot be removed by any laser, acid, or treatment. Some improvement in appearance is possible through procedures that plump indented scars. (9,10)



Stretch marks during pregnancy




Up to 90% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy, (3) often on the belly and breasts. Pregnancy stretch marks emerge during the sixth or seventh month when skin rapidly expands. Hormones like cortisol and estrogen reduce collagen levels, compromising skin elasticity. (4) Staying hydrated and using moisturizers may reduce stretch marks. (5)



How to treat stretch marks




The only stretch marks that can be treated are recent ones still red/purple. (6) Pulsed dye lasers work well by increasing collagen production which plumps indented scars. Retinoids (derived from Vitamin A) like tretinoin stimulate new collagen too. (2,7) Alpha hydroxy acids chemically exfoliate to reveal smoother skin. (1) Just staying hydrated and massaging in nourishing oils/creams can prevent emergence of new stretch marks.



Conclusion




Hopefully this article helped you understand why stretch marks form, what types of marks can be treated, and how you can work to prevent and minimize their appearance. No one is immune to stretch marks but knowing your risk factors and taking proactive skincare steps can reduce your chances.



We all have unique skin, so what helps or harms one person’s stretch mark situation won’t necessarily apply to another’s. For personalized advice tailored to your exact Skin Type, start by taking our simple skincare quiz in the link below. In around 5 minutes you’ll have your Baumann Skin Type profile, and use this to browse skincare just right for your skin’s needs, including stretch mark creams if that’s your top concern right now!














DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
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