Stretch Marks – What Causes Them and How Can They Be Treated?

Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a common but often bothersome skin concern caused by rapid stretching of the skin. They are especially common among women during and after pregnancy, but can also appear in other situations involving quick weight changes, such as weight gain or weight loss.

Stretch marks form when the skin’s elastic collagen fibers are stretched due to rapid growth, leading to damage in the skin layers. In the early stages, stretch marks may appear red or bluish, but over time they fade to lighter shades such as pale or yellowish, while the skin’s surface remains raised or depressed, making the marks clearly visible against the surrounding skin. Although stretch marks do not affect physical health, they often raise aesthetic concerns and can impact self-esteem, as many people find them an unpleasant feature on the skin.

How Do Stretch Marks Form?

Stretch marks mainly develop due to rapid stretching of the skin, which affects the middle layer of the skin — the dermis — where most of the collagen fibers are located. Pregnancy and the hormonal changes it brings, particularly the increase in estrogen and cortisol, influence skin elasticity and weaken collagen production. When the skin stretches too quickly, the dermis tears, resulting in scar-like streaks on the skin’s surface. These tears first appear as colored lines, but as the skin gradually heals, the marks fade.

The development of stretch marks is also influenced by genetic predisposition, as the tendency to scar is partly hereditary. Skin type plays a role as well; for example, stretch marks may be more visible on fair skin than on darker skin.

The structure and elasticity of the skin largely determine how it responds to sudden stretching. People prone to developing keloid or hypertrophic scars may experience stretch marks that become raised and firm, making them more difficult to treat.

Stretch marks can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the abdomen, thighs, hips, breasts, and arms — areas most sensitive to rapid changes in shape.

Types and Stages of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can be classified into different types and stages based on their appearance, structure, and stage of development. In most cases, stretch marks go through two distinct phases: the acute stage (striae rubra) and the mature stage (striae alba).

• Striae Rubra: This is the initial stage of stretch marks, when they are still fresh and typically appear red, bluish, or purple. Blood vessels are visible through the skin, which gives them their bright color. At this stage, the marks may be slightly raised and even itchy. Striae rubra is also when stretch marks are most treatable, as fresh scar tissue responds more quickly to treatments than matured scars.
• Striae Alba: As stretch marks develop and mature, they progress to the striae alba stage, where they become white, pale, or yellowish. In this mature stage, the blood vessels retreat from the scar tissue, causing the marks to fade in color and partially flatten. This is a more permanent stage, and reducing these scars is more challenging than treating fresh ones.
• Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars: In some cases, stretch marks may become especially raised and thickened, forming hypertrophic or keloid scars. Keloid scars extend beyond the original boundaries of the scar and may continue to grow in size, whereas hypertrophic scars remain within the original injury site. Both scar types can be cosmetically challenging, and reducing their appearance often requires professional treatment.

Stretch marks can appear in different forms and shades, and their appearance and treatment options depend largely on the stage they are in and how each individual’s skin type responds to scarring. Understanding these types can help in choosing the right treatment and minimizing their visibility.

How to Treat Stretch Marks?

Below are some of the most popular treatment options for reducing the appearance of stretch marks:

• EXION Fractional RF: Uses microneedles set at different depths, with radiofrequency energy passing between them. This gently heats the tissue and stimulates collagen production.
• EXION Clear RF: Stimulates collagen and elastin production, tightening and rejuvenating the skin from within, making stretch marks less visible.
• Profhilo Body: Deeply hydrates and rejuvenates the skin, improving elasticity and texture. It makes stretch marks and skin irregularities less noticeable.
• Mesotherapy and Biorevitalization: Deeply hydrate and nourish the skin, supporting regeneration and improving skin quality. They do not directly remove stretch marks but help the skin recover and appear smoother and healthier.
• Laser Treatment: Utilizes laser technology to stimulate skin regeneration and collagen production. Especially effective for stretch marks in the striae rubra (red) stage.
• Retinoid Creams: Vitamin A–based creams that stimulate skin cell renewal. Not recommended during pregnancy.
• Chemical Peel: Removes the outer layers of skin, reducing unevenness and encouraging the formation of new skin cells.
• Silicone Gel or Patch: Creates a protective layer on the skin and smooths raised scars, such as keloids and hypertrophic scars.
• Collagen Supplements: Taken orally, they can improve skin elasticity and support the fading of scars.