Stripes Are In: How to Care for Stretch Marks With Pride

Whether they appear from growth spurts, pregnancy, a new fitness journey (or all!), stretch marks are like little badges of life’s changes. Let’s learn what causes them and how to manage them.

Stretch marks are characteristic marks on your skin that may develop in as many as 90% of individuals at some point or another. While completely harmless and a normal part of life, many want to reduce their appearance. Whether they happen during pregnancy, growth spurts, or weight changes, knowing what these typical skin markings are is important in the proper management of expectations and treatment options. Here's everything you ever wanted to know about stretch marks, from their causes to symptoms and treatment techniques.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks, more casually referred to as striae, are generally indented streaks on the skin that occur when rapid growth or changes in weight stress the skin beyond its elastic limit. At first, they appear as red or purple lines and then fade out to lighter shades than the surrounding skin. These are dermal marks that originate from the middle layer of the skin due to a disruption in collagen production. They can occur anywhere but most likely occur on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks, and thighs.

Causes of stretch marks  

The causes of stretch marks are varied, but they all stem from one primary factor: rapidly increasing skin tension. Here are some of the most common causes of stretch marks: 

• Pregnancy

• Hormonal changes 

• Rapid weight gain or loss

• Bodybuilding

• Puberty growth spurts 

• Age

• Certain medical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome and Marfan syndrome

Symptoms and signs: How stretch marks show up 

Stretch marks or striae are a common skin concern that develop when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly due to factors like growth, pregnancy, or weight changes. They typically follow a predictable pattern of progression, evolving through distinct stages over time. Here's a breakdown of how they change:

Symptoms of stretch marks at every stage:

Stage 1: Striae Rubra (Early stage):

• Raised and reddish or purplish in appearance

• May feel itchy, inflamed, or tender

• Some people experience a tight, prickling, or mild burning sensation

Stage 2: Striae Alba (Later stage):

• Marks become lighter and fade into a silvery-white hue

• Texture remains different from surrounding skin

• No pain, but can affect self-image and confidence

Additional characteristics:

• Often appear symmetrically on both sides of the body

• Size can vary widely — from a few millimetres to several centimetres

• Though harmless, they are permanent unless treated

Understanding this progression can help in recognising and addressing stretch marks early, especially if aesthetic concerns are a priority.

Home remedies for stretch marks: At-home treatments 

Natural remedies and home treatments can help minimise the appearance of stretch marks, especially when used in their early stages. Regular application of coconut oil, almond oil, or cocoa butter keeps the skin hydrated and elastic, reducing the chances of new marks forming. Aloe vera is a popular choice, particularly among mothers, as it helps heal and regenerate skin, even improving older stretch marks.

Massaging vitamin E oil onto the affected area can smooth the skin and aid healing. Hyaluronic acid has also shown promise in studies by boosting hydration and stimulating collagen production. Some people opt for natural exfoliation using sugar or coffee scrubs, which improve blood circulation and encourage skin renewal.

Lifestyle changes also play a key role. Staying well-hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, and protein helps maintain skin health. Vitamin C, in particular, supports collagen production, making the skin more resilient. It can be consumed through citrus fruits to prevent and reduce stretch marks. Regular exercise helps stabilise body weight and enhances skin elasticity by improving circulation. Additionally, protecting stretch marks from sun exposure prevents further discolouration. 

Love your skin: A never-ending journey  

While indeed a natural part of life that affects everybody, regardless of age and all walks of life, knowledge of the causes and treatments of stretch marks will better assist their management. While they cannot be prevented entirely or removed, numerous treatments and remedies at home may reduce their appearance. Healthy skin through nutrition, hydration, and proper skincare is the foundation for good skin health, whether you treat stretch marks or just accept them as part of your body.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks appear when the skin rapidly stretches due to pregnancy, weight changes, puberty, or muscle growth, disrupting the collagen in the dermis layer.

2. Will scarring stretch marks disappear?

Stretch marks will never fully go away, but usually, they fade over time from deep purple/red to silvery white and tend to become much less noticeable.

3. Boob stretch marks: Are they normal? 

Yes, breast stretch marks are absolutely normal, something that affects many women during puberty, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations when the breasts grow rapidly in size. 

4. How do I stop these stretch marks symptoms? 

To reduce stretch marks symptoms, we should keep our skin moisturised, maintain stable body weight, stay hydrated, and apply specific creams through the expected body changes to prevent stretch marks.