Have you noticed stretch marks on your body or have they already started to grow to a size where they can no longer be ignored? What can we reassure you about, because this is one of the most common cosmetic problems faced by millions of people around the world, regardless of gender, age, or body type.
They appear in everyone, starting from teenagers during growth, in pregnant women, in athletes with rapid muscle gain, and even in those who have lost weight dramatically.
Many people believe that stretch marks are permanent. But modern science and practice prove that they can be significantly reduced (i.e., visually improve the appearance of your body), and in some cases, made almost invisible altogether.
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In this article, we will analyze why stretch marks appear? Which treatments are really effective? And which are just marketing to sell unnecessary products in the pharmacy?
What are stretch marks and why do they occur?
Stretch marks, as they are popularly called (or striae as a scientific term), are atrophic scars that form in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. When the skin is stretched rapidly, the collagen and elastin fibers cannot keep up and simply tear. At the site of this rupture, connective tissue forms, which initially has a reddish or purple color (fresh striae), and over time it lightens and becomes white or pearly, as we are used to perceiving them.
The main causes of stretch marks on the body
Numerous studies and the practice of dermatologists show the following most common causes of stretch marks (striae) on a person’s body, regardless of their age:
- Sudden weight changes (gain or loss)
- Pregnancy (this is common in more than 50–90% of women)
- Adolescence (rapid growth, especially during adolescence)
- Hormonal disorders (elevated cortisol , Cushing’s syndrome )
- Strong physical exertion and rapid muscle gain (in athletes or people who have started actively playing sports)
- Genetic predisposition (inherited from mother or father or grandparent)
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
When do stretch marks most often appear?
The most vulnerable areas of the body for stretch marks are:
- Abdomen (namely its lateral and lower parts, less often near the center)
- Thighs (very common in both the inner and outer thighs)
- Buttocks
- Breasts (and not only in women)
- Shoulders and back (in athletes or the elderly)
Stretch Mark Myths You May Still Believe
- “Stretch marks can only be completely removed with a laser” (this is a myth that has been scientifically refuted)
- “If you apply oils, they will disappear” (oils are not a proven effective means for completely removing stretch marks on the body)
- “Stretch marks only happen to fat people” (as we wrote above, everyone can have them, even children)
- “After childbirth, they go away on their own” (not always and not in all cases, here you need to monitor the recovery process)
Stretch marks are actually scar tissue and cannot be completely removed. But they can be made much less noticeable.
What really works: scientifically proven methods
Please note: to start using any of the scientifically proven methods suggested below, consult a doctor and start treatment procedures only according to his prescription. Self-medication can be harmful to your health.
1. Prevention (most effective) The best way to combat stretch marks is to prevent them from appearing. During pregnancy, weight gain, or exercise, moisturize your skin regularly and take care of its proper condition.
2. Retinol and Tretinoin The strongest evidence-based treatment. Retinol stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture. Studies show visible results after 3–6 months of regular use.
3. Acid peels (glycolic, lactic, salicylic) Improve skin texture and reduce the depth of stretch marks.
4. Microneedling and Dermapen Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. The effectiveness has been confirmed by numerous studies.
5. Laser treatment (fractional CO2, Fraxel, Pico) The most effective method for old white stretch marks. Significantly evens out skin color and texture.
6. Mesotherapy and PRP therapy. Administration of vitamins, peptides, and autologous blood plasma.
Scientific sources that prove this
- Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27251414/
- Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8624148/
- Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28295194/
- Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30004879/
Which methods have a weak evidence base?
- Most stretch mark creams (with collagen, elastin, aloe)
- Massage brushes and dry massage
- Envelopment
- Folk remedies (olive oil, honey, lemon)
Practical care recommendations
Daily care for problem areas:
- Morning and evening massage with moisturizing cream
- Using products with retinol or centella asiatica
- Sun protection (stretch marks darken from UV rays)
Nutrition for skin health:
- Sufficient protein in your daily diet (eggs for breakfast and milk for lunch as an example)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (both vitamins and separately from fish from the store)
- Vitamin C and E
- Zinc and silicon
When to see a doctor
- If stretch marks appear suddenly for no reason
- If they are accompanied by other symptoms (rapid weight gain, striae on the chest in men)
- If home care does not work for 3–6 months
Read also: Acne on the face (face): causes and what really helps against acne
Conclusion
So, in conclusion, it is worth saying with confidence that stretch marks are not a sentence. Your beauty is natural. It is difficult and impossible to completely remove them, but it is quite possible to significantly reduce their visibility and prevent the appearance of new ones. Therefore, the main thing is regularity and the right approach. Start small: make it a habit to regularly moisturize your skin, buy a moisturizing cream, include foods rich in collagen and omega-3 in your diet, and massage problem areas. If the situation is critical, make an appointment with a dermatologist or cosmetologist. Stretch marks on the body are one of the most common problems faced by people who are concerned about their appearance. The main thing is not to give up and act systematically.
