Stretch marks are the distinctive lines that appear when skin stretches or shrinks quickly. They are completely harmless and very common, whether from pregnancy, weight changes or growth spurts. Even so, they can be a source of aesthetic worry. This article explains what causes stretch marks and reviews the evidence-backed treatments that fade them. It also covers safe options for sensitive skin and pregnancy.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Doctors call stretch marks striae distensae. They are essentially scars that form when the skin stretches or shrinks faster than it can adapt. This ruptures the collagen and elastin that support it. As the skin heals, the marks appear. They often start red, purple, pink or dark brown depending on skin tone. Over time they fade to a paler, slightly indented, silvery line. This maturation matters for treatment, since early red or purple marks respond far better than older silvery ones. The main triggers are below.
- Pregnancy: Known as striae gravidarum, these form as the skin stretches to fit the growing baby. They appear mostly on the tummy, breasts, hips and thighs. Hormonal changes also soften the skin’s fibres and make it more prone to tearing. As a result, marks often appear in the later trimesters.
- Growth spurts: Rapid growth during adolescence and puberty can stretch the skin beyond its elastic capacity. This commonly affects the back, shoulders, thighs, hips and breasts. There the dermis cannot keep pace, and the micro-tears that form heal into streaks.
- Rapid weight change: A quick gain stretches the skin and ruptures its collagen and elastin. Sudden loss can leave previously stretched skin without time to contract. Both put stress on the skin and commonly affect the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts and upper arms.
- Corticosteroid use: Long-term or high-dose corticosteroids, whether creams, inhalers, tablets or injections, thin the skin and reduce its ability to stretch. They are often used for conditions like asthma, allergies, eczema and arthritis, and prolonged use raises the likelihood of stretch marks.
Can a Medical Condition Cause Stretch Marks?
Some medical conditions make stretch marks more likely by affecting the skin’s elasticity, collagen production or hormone balance. It is worth seeing a doctor if you develop widespread or unexplained stretch marks. They can be a sign of one of these conditions.
- Cushing’s syndrome: An overproduction of the hormone cortisol causes skin fragility and weight gain, which makes the skin far more prone to stretch marks.
- Marfan syndrome: This genetic disorder weakens the connective tissue that gives skin its strength and elasticity, so marks can form with very little stretching.
- Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: This group of connective-tissue disorders leaves the skin overly stretchy and fragile, which leads to easy bruising and stretch marks.
- Obesity: Significant, sustained stretching of the skin, particularly where fat is concentrated, readily produces stretch marks.
What Skincare Treats Stretch Marks?
Skincare is the best and easiest place to start. The right actives can reduce existing marks, lower the risk of new ones and enhance the results of any professional treatment. These are the most useful options.
- Retinoids: Prescription retinoids like tretinoin boost collagen production and skin renewal, which thickens the skin and improves elasticity. They work best on new stretch marks that are still red and less than a few months old. They also fade the discolouration. You cannot use them in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and they can irritate sensitive skin. See a doctor before starting tretinoin for stretch marks.
- Hyaluronic acid: This naturally occurring hydrator keeps the skin supple and may stimulate collagen. Applied to early marks, hyaluronic acid can improve their appearance over time. It is also gentle enough to be a safe option during pregnancy.
- Centella asiatica: Also known as gotu kola, this herb may stimulate collagen and support wound healing. Some studies suggest it may help prevent stretch marks in pregnancy, though you should check with your doctor before using it.
What Professional Treatments Can Help?
Some in-clinic procedures can improve stretch marks, usually best alongside a good skincare routine. City Skin Clinic is an online clinic that provides topical prescription treatments. A qualified practitioner carries out the procedures below in person, rather than us. Results vary from person to person, and several sessions are usually needed.
- Laser therapy: Laser treatments use concentrated light to resurface the skin and stimulate healing. Fractional lasers promote collagen and elastin, whilst pulsed dye lasers target the red or purple colouration of newer marks. It can help both new and old marks but may involve some downtime and is not advised in pregnancy.
- Microdermabrasion: This non-invasive treatment buffs away the outer layer of dead skin to encourage fresher skin and a smoother, more even texture. It suits most skin types with minimal downtime, though it usually needs several sessions and is not advised during pregnancy.
- Microneedling: Also called collagen induction therapy, microneedling uses fine needles (sometimes combined with radiofrequency energy) to create tiny punctures that trigger collagen and elastin production. It can help various types of stretch marks, including older ones, but is best avoided in pregnancy.
How Do You Treat Stretch Marks When Pregnant?
Stretch marks in pregnancy are very common, appearing on the belly, breasts and thighs as the skin expands. During this time it is vital to choose options that are safe for both mother and baby, which does narrow the field, but several measures still help.
The simplest is to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin E and C, with foods like almonds, spinach, citrus fruits and avocados. Moisturise regularly to maintain suppleness, though popular options like Bio Oil, cocoa butter and shea butter have no evidence of working better than an ordinary moisturiser. Hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica do have some supporting evidence and are generally considered safe in pregnancy, but always check with your healthcare provider first. Your options widen after pregnancy, and once you have finished breastfeeding you can consider retinoids, laser and microneedling.
What Lifestyle Measures Help?
You cannot fully prevent stretch marks or clear them with lifestyle alone, but good habits reduce the risk and severity.
- Hydration: Keeping the skin well hydrated helps maintain its elasticity.
- Balanced diet: Foods rich in vitamins C, D and E, along with zinc and protein, support skin health and healing.
- Prevention: Aim for a stable weight and avoid large fluctuations, manage any underlying conditions and discuss with your doctor any medications that could predispose you to stretch marks.
Stretch marks are a common and often unavoidable part of life. They are not harmful, but if they bother you there are plenty of good treatments, from at-home skincare to professional procedures. It helps to set realistic expectations, since you may not be able to remove them completely, and whatever you choose takes time and consistency. If you are dealing with stretch marks in pregnancy or have an underlying medical condition, see a healthcare professional to make sure you start the safest and most effective option, and combine your treatment with simple lifestyle measures for the best results.
At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Our online skin clinic offers safe and effective custom treatments, and where appropriate our doctors use ingredients such as tretinoin and hydroquinone to treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical provider for any medical concerns or questions you might have.
