All about stretch marks: types, causes, prevention and treatment
Posted by Ivatherm
In this article, we explain what stretch marks are, their specific types and signs, as well as the factors that contribute to their appearance. You will learn about effective treatment options and measures that can be taken to prevent them, regardless of age or skin type.
Stretch marks are scars in the form of stripes that appear on different parts of the body if the skin stretches or shrinks too quickly.
Stretch marks are very common, with estimates suggesting that up to 90% of people have such scars on their skin. They typically appear during periods of growth, such as puberty, during pregnancy or after childbirth, or when sudden or rapid changes in weight occur. For example, adolescents undergoing rapid growth may notice some stretch marks, as may people who train with weights if their muscles develop very quickly.
Stretch marks are not painful and do not affect health, but some people consider them unsightly. Over time, they may fade, but they will never disappear completely.
Table of Contents
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are a type of scar that develops when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly. The sudden change causes the collagen and elastin fibers, which provide skin elasticity, to break down. As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear, but these skin scars do not form in everyone. Fluctuating hormone levels appear to play a significant role in scar formation.
Stretch marks primarily appear during the following periods of life:
at puberty – when growth spurts occur;
during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester;
during periods of sudden or rapid weight gain or loss.
When the skin cannot return to its original shape after a period of intense growth, stretch marks may appear. Over 50% of women have stretch marks during pregnancy.
Most commonly, stretch marks appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks, lower back, and upper arms. Initially, stretch marks may appear as reddish or purplish lines with a different texture from the surrounding skin. Stretch marks do not require treatment and often fade over time, with or without the help of cosmetic products or specific procedures.
Although stretch marks do not affect physical health, they can have negative effects on mental well-being. People with stretch marks may worry about how they are perceived by others. They can also cause self-image issues and lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. For some people, stretch marks represent a significant aesthetic concern that can affect their daily lives.
Types of stretch marks
Stretch marks can be divided into several categories, depending on their formation and appearance:
striae rubrae – pink stretch marks / red stretch marks (or the acute stage of stretch marks, the earliest physical signs of overstretched skin);
striae albae – white stretch marks (the chronic stage of stretch marks or the final form, when they look more like scars);
striae gravidarum – stretch marks that appear as a result of pregnancy;
striae nigrae – dark gray stretch marks or black stretch marks (usually appear in people with darker skin);
striae caerulea – dark blue stretch marks or purple stretch marks (usually appear in people with darker skin);
striae atrophicans – thin skin associated with stretch marks (this problem is more common in those suffering from Cushing's syndrome, who use corticosteroids long-term, or who have undergone a surgical procedure).
Specific signs of stretch marks
Stretch marks are not all alike. The signs vary depending on how long they have been present, what caused them, their location on the body, the natural skin tone, and the health and elasticity of the skin.
Newly developed stretch marks may be slightly raised and can cause pruritus (itching) and irritation. Initially, stretch marks are pinkish or reddish, and over time they become bluish, purplish, or brownish (depending on how pigmented the skin is). In their final form, they are white and resemble scars more closely.
Stretch marks may become less visible over time, but this can take years.
Why do stretch marks appear: causes and risk factors
The main cause of stretch marks is skin stretching. Their severity, however, depends on several factors, including genetics and stress level. Cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, can play a role in the appearance of stretch marks, as it weakens the elastic fibers of the skin. When the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, the elastin and collagen fibers break. Elastin's primary role is to allow the skin to stretch, while collagen provides structure, strength, and support. As the skin heals, stretch marks appear in areas where elastin fibers degrade.
Stretch marks: risk factors
A number of risk factors have been associated with the development of stretch marks, including:
Pregnancy – stretch marks commonly develop on the abdomen and breasts of pregnant women due to distension;
Weight training – bodybuilders, especially those who use supplements to promote rapid muscle growth, may develop stretch marks on their arms, chest, buttocks, and thighs due to rapid skin expansion;
Puberty – adolescents and pre-adolescents often develop stretch marks during puberty due to growth spurts that cause the skin to stretch rapidly;
Medical treatments – some medications can cause weight gain or other physical changes that stretch the skin and lead to stretch marks, including hormone-based medications (such as birth control pills) and corticosteroids (which relieve inflammation in some areas of the body);
Medical conditions – diseases that cause accelerated weight gain or those that affect the skin, such as Cushing's Syndrome and Marfan syndrome, can be risk factors for the appearance of stretch marks.
Stretch mark treatment
Stretch marks do not necessarily require treatment. They are harmless and, most often, fade over time. To the question "How to get rid of stretch marks?", there is no answer that fully satisfies people who have such marks on their body.
Indeed, certain treatments can help reduce their visibility and intensity, but it is possible that stretch marks may never completely disappear.
Among the treatments that have proven effective in treating stretch marks are:
Retinoid creams. Derived from vitamin A, retinoids applied to the skin can improve the appearance of recently formed stretch marks (a few months). Tretinoin helps restore collagen levels, making stretch marks look more like unaffected skin, but this ingredient can irritate the skin.
Hyaluronic acid creams. Applying hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks can make them less visible.
Creams with brown algae extract and olive oil. These prevent the formation of new stretch marks and reduce the size of existing ones. By restoring collagen and elastin fibers, they restore skin elasticity and increase its resistance to distension.
Resveratrox V Anti-Stretch Mark Cream contains brown algae extract, which has a deep restructuring effect and helps the skin regain its elasticity and suppleness, Centella Asiatica, which contributes to deep skin restructuring through a different mechanism of collagen fiber regeneration, olive oil, which has properties to diminish stretch marks during pregnancy or after childbirth, Shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii), known for its important moisturizing properties, as well as Herculane Thermal Water, which has proven anti-inflammatory properties, being indicated for sensitive and reactive skin.
Light and laser therapies. There are a number of light and laser therapies that can stimulate collagen production, restoring skin elasticity. A dermatologist can help a person with stretch marks identify the best technique to diminish them.
Microneedling. This type of treatment involves a device with tiny needles that puncture the skin to induce a natural healing response and stimulate collagen production.
Dermabrasion. This type of surgical intervention is performed with a specialized instrument to remove stretch marks. The process improves the skin's contour and gives it a smooth appearance. Adverse effects include hyperpigmentation and dilated pores.
How can stretch marks be prevented?
To prevent the appearance of stretch marks, some lifestyle changes or adaptations are necessary.
Weight control. Gaining or losing weight at a slow pace gives the skin time to compensate for shape changes and reduces the likelihood of tearing. For pregnant women, weight control means only gaining the necessary weight to support a developing fetus. For athletes, this means building muscle mass over time. For people starting a diet, weight control means losing weight gradually and not making drastic dietary changes that encourage rapid weight loss.
Eating foods that contribute to collagen production. Although the body naturally produces collagen, the level of this protein that supports skin elasticity may not be sufficient to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Therefore, it would be beneficial to include foods that support collagen production in your daily diet, such as lean meat, green vegetables, and fruits rich in amino acids.
Fluid intake. The skin must be hydrated to maintain its elasticity, as dehydrated skin is at a higher risk of tearing during distension. For this reason, specialists recommend drinking at least two liters of water every day.
Avoiding sun exposure. Ultraviolet rays destroy collagen fibers, so sun exposure increases the risk of stretch mark formation by making the skin more fragile. If direct sunlight exposure is unavoidable, it is mandatory to use sun protection products to block UV rays.
Engaging in physical exercise. Exercise is also essential in preventing stretch marks. Practiced in moderation, sport tones the body and reduces the risk of stretch marks.
Stretch marks can be unsightly, but they are a common and often temporary problem. The main cause of their formation is skin distension, and there are certain periods when their development is more frequent. Pregnant women are more prone to stretch marks, but risks also exist for men and children. Although they do not pose a long-term health risk and do not require treatment, measures can be taken to alleviate scars to improve the self-image of the person with stretch marks.
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
All about stretch marks: types, causes, prevention and treatment
In this article, we explain what stretch marks are, their specific types and signs, as well as the factors that contribute to their appearance. You will learn about effective treatment options and measures that can be taken to prevent them, regardless of age or skin type.
Stretch marks are scars in the form of stripes that appear on different parts of the body if the skin stretches or shrinks too quickly.
Stretch marks are very common, with estimates suggesting that up to 90% of people have such scars on their skin. They typically appear during periods of growth, such as puberty, during pregnancy or after childbirth, or when sudden or rapid changes in weight occur. For example, adolescents undergoing rapid growth may notice some stretch marks, as may people who train with weights if their muscles develop very quickly.
Stretch marks are not painful and do not affect health, but some people consider them unsightly. Over time, they may fade, but they will never disappear completely.
Table of Contents
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are a type of scar that develops when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly. The sudden change causes the collagen and elastin fibers, which provide skin elasticity, to break down. As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear, but these skin scars do not form in everyone. Fluctuating hormone levels appear to play a significant role in scar formation.
Stretch marks primarily appear during the following periods of life:
When the skin cannot return to its original shape after a period of intense growth, stretch marks may appear. Over 50% of women have stretch marks during pregnancy.
Most commonly, stretch marks appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks, lower back, and upper arms. Initially, stretch marks may appear as reddish or purplish lines with a different texture from the surrounding skin. Stretch marks do not require treatment and often fade over time, with or without the help of cosmetic products or specific procedures.
Although stretch marks do not affect physical health, they can have negative effects on mental well-being. People with stretch marks may worry about how they are perceived by others. They can also cause self-image issues and lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. For some people, stretch marks represent a significant aesthetic concern that can affect their daily lives.
Types of stretch marks
Stretch marks can be divided into several categories, depending on their formation and appearance:
Specific signs of stretch marks
Stretch marks are not all alike. The signs vary depending on how long they have been present, what caused them, their location on the body, the natural skin tone, and the health and elasticity of the skin.
Newly developed stretch marks may be slightly raised and can cause pruritus (itching) and irritation. Initially, stretch marks are pinkish or reddish, and over time they become bluish, purplish, or brownish (depending on how pigmented the skin is). In their final form, they are white and resemble scars more closely.
Stretch marks may become less visible over time, but this can take years.
Why do stretch marks appear: causes and risk factors
The main cause of stretch marks is skin stretching. Their severity, however, depends on several factors, including genetics and stress level. Cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, can play a role in the appearance of stretch marks, as it weakens the elastic fibers of the skin. When the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, the elastin and collagen fibers break. Elastin's primary role is to allow the skin to stretch, while collagen provides structure, strength, and support. As the skin heals, stretch marks appear in areas where elastin fibers degrade.
Stretch marks: risk factors
A number of risk factors have been associated with the development of stretch marks, including:
Stretch mark treatment
Stretch marks do not necessarily require treatment. They are harmless and, most often, fade over time. To the question "How to get rid of stretch marks?", there is no answer that fully satisfies people who have such marks on their body.
Indeed, certain treatments can help reduce their visibility and intensity, but it is possible that stretch marks may never completely disappear.
Among the treatments that have proven effective in treating stretch marks are:
How can stretch marks be prevented?
To prevent the appearance of stretch marks, some lifestyle changes or adaptations are necessary.
Stretch marks can be unsightly, but they are a common and often temporary problem. The main cause of their formation is skin distension, and there are certain periods when their development is more frequent. Pregnant women are more prone to stretch marks, but risks also exist for men and children. Although they do not pose a long-term health risk and do not require treatment, measures can be taken to alleviate scars to improve the self-image of the person with stretch marks.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stretch-marks/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351144
https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/stretch-marks-why-appear
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stretch-marks/
https://www.healthline.com/health/stretch-marks
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283651
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/stretch-marks.html
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-are-stretch-marks
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-stretch-marks
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10785-stretch-marks
https://www.stretchmarks.org/preventing/
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.