Why stretch marks appear and what to do for them

You may develop stretch marks on any part of your body. They often appear on the arms, back, breasts, buttocks, hips, shoulders, stomach, and torso. During pregnancy with the rapid growth of the belly, marks stretch across the abdomen. 

50 to 90% of those assigned female at birth (AFAB) have stretch marks, and doctors state that other genders can also experience them. Despite how common stretch marks are, you may feel insecure about yours and wonder, “Do stretch marks disappear or fade?” Most people try to prevent stretch marks on their skin. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with self-esteem issues related to stretch marks, you might choose to reach out for help through a counselor.  

Body image issues can indicate an underlying mental health concern

Speak to a compassionate counselor

How do stretch marks form? 

Stretch marks might develop when your skin grows and shrinks throughout life. They are common in transitional periods such as adolescence and adulthood. When your body changes, collagen and elastin in your skin may rupture, and stretch marks may be left behind as your skin heals. Some risk factors for developing stretch marks include a family history of striae and changes in diet. 

Depending on your skin tone, new stretch marks may start as bright red, purple, pink, or brown scars on the skin (striae rubrae). They can be itchy, have a different texture from the rest of your skin, or be slightly raised when they first appear. 

Over time, stretch marks may sink beneath the surface of the skin. The color of older stretch marks can change over time, and they may fade or become a lighter version of your skin tone, such as white or light brown. Stretch marks are normal, and many people experience them. 

Side effects of stretch marks

The side effects of stretch marks are primarily cosmetic (lines in the skin and discoloration), but can also include itchiness and irritation. In some cases, stretch marks can become disfiguring and people may choose to consult with a dermatologist. 

How can you get rid of stretch marks?

Preventing stretch marks is not always possible and like scars, striae are often permanent. However, they often lighten up on their own over time. There are also a variety of treatments that may make stretch marks less noticeable.

Home remedies for stretch marks

While many stretch mark creams, lotions, and other skin products may claim to be a miracle cure, few ingredients have been scientifically proven to be able to remove stretch marks. 

For example, many claim Vitamin E, olive oil, cocoa butter, and almond oil are effective in treating stretch marks. Although these products may moisturize your skin, science shows there is little proof that these can make stretch marks disappear.

Tanning vs. self-tanner

Tanning with the sun or a tanning machine does not reduce stretch marks. Scars don't tan, so tanning may only make them more noticeable. However, self-tanner can often reduce the appearance of stretch marks. While it doesn't get rid of these scars, it may camouflage their appearance to appear the same color as your surrounding skin.

Body makeup

There are many different brands of makeup on the market that you can choose to make your stretch marks blend in with your skin. 

Foundation can come in a significant range of skin tones and may be affordable depending on your chosen product. However, these products are often sold in small quantities and may not be sufficient to cover all areas where you have stretch marks. 

Over-the-counter ingredients

Research has shown that hyaluronic acid is an over-the-counter product that can reduce the appearance of new stretch marks. Applying hyaluronic acid is safe as it is naturally present in your skin. You may find moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid at your local drugstore for an affordable price. 

Prescription ingredients and in-office procedures

If you'd like to take a more aggressive approach to stretch mark removal, you may wish to see a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your options. To find a dermatologist in your area, you may use the database provided by the American Academy of Dermatology Association; this is not an exhaustive list and you are advised to do your own research before making your final selection. The following procedures and prescriptions are a few you might try, along with a prescription or referral from your doctor. 

Tretinoin/retinoid cream

Tretinoin, often called Retin-A, contains a similar compound to Vitamin A. It increases collagen production, encouraging the skin to renew and fade stretch marks. Tretinoin or Retin-A is also used for acne and wrinkle treatment. Although it's effective some people experience side effects; it may cause skin irritation or reddening. 

Light and laser therapy

Pulsed dye laser therapy is a medical procedure that can be used to get rid of stretch marks. It involves a pain-free blast of light on new striae. The energy from the light may calm blood vessels under the skin, reducing redness. Redness for a few hours after the procedure can be expected, but contact a doctor if symptoms persist for several weeks.

Microneedling

Microneedling for stretch marks involves a handheld device with tiny needles. Microneedling results in increased collagen production. Since it comes with less risk of hyperpigmentation than light and laser therapy, it's often preferred by those with darker skin tones while yielding similar results. Although microneedling is not painful, it may cause discomfort. 

Chemical peel

Chemical peels may not eliminate stretch marks but can lessen their appearance. A chemical peel works by applying an acidic solution to the skin. The solution burns off the top layers of skin, removing damaged and dead skin cells. After, new skin will grow on top of the old skin, creating a fresher or younger skin appearance. 

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is often used in conjunction with chemical peels. It is similar to microneedling, but instead of using tiny needles, it employs small crystals that remove the top layer of skin. Microdermabrasion has been shown to fade stretch marks, but it doesn't remove them altogether.

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency may not be used as often as other procedures on this list. The procedure uses radio wave energy to create heat and encourage collagen production. However, studies on this procedure are limited, and further information could be beneficial. Consider speaking to your dermatologist about this procedure if you are interested. 

Ultrasound

Like radiofrequency, ultrasound treatment for stretch marks sends sound waves deep into the skin. These sound waves are said to heat the skin, tighten it, and stimulate new collagen production to lighten stretch marks.

Cosmetic surgery

A more invasive approach, cosmetic surgery for striae may involve removing extra skin or layers of fat in areas of the body where stretch marks are present. Often, cosmetic surgery comes with complications and is not covered by medical insurance, so talk to your doctor about whether it is the best option for you. 

Self-love and feeling confident in your body

There are ways to camouflage and lighten stretch marks. However, you might wish to learn to accept them instead. Having confidence and healthy self-esteem may allow you to learn to love any aspect of your appearance, including those parts of yourself you cannot change, such as your height or skin color. The following tips may be helpful in this process.

Examine your social media usage 

Social media can cause problems with self-esteem, body image, and mental health, especially if you compare yourself to others. It can be helpful to unfollow accounts that encourage a certain beauty standard, disordered eating, or unrealistic expectations around personal appearance.

Seek out accounts with a similar body type to yours or accounts that promote body positivity and mental health. You might also choose to take a social media break to reduce your exposure to these inputs. 

Identify what you love about yourself

List ten things you love about your personality, character, and appearance. Maybe you go above and beyond for the people you care about, or you're excellent at setting and achieving goals. When you're feeling down, look at the list. You might also put it up on your wall where you can view it daily. 

Take care of your body

Give your body the love and care it deserves by nourishing it with healthy foods, exercising daily, drinking water, and sleeping for seven to nine hours each night. You may feel better physically and mentally and more comfortable in your skin. 

Choose clothing that makes you feel confident 

Dress in a way that makes you feel confident, whether in sweats and a t-shirt or a suit with a tie. Imagine yourself as a genuinely confident person; what would you wear? Take the time to find clothing that makes you feel good about yourself, and wear it with pride!

Body image issues can indicate an underlying mental health concern

Speak to a compassionate counselor

Counseling for self-esteem 

Many individuals turn to a counselor for support in their feelings about their bodies. They may struggle with accepting stretch marks, weight changes, or other bodily features. If you relate, counseling could benefit you. 

In the modern age, technology assists us in many ways, including medically and therapeutically. Online counseling is available to those who wish to find a more affordable treatment option. Additionally, studies show that counseling is highly effective for various mental health concerns. 

If you're ready to sign up, consider an online platform like BetterHelp for adults or TeenCounseling for those aged 13-19. During weekly text, phone, or video sessions, you can discuss self-esteem, confidence, and other concerns.