Stretch marks appear when skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, commonly during puberty growth spurts, pregnancy (especially third trimester), bodybuilding, or quick weight changes, showing as red/purple streaks that fade to white/silvery lines as the skin tears in the dermis layer.
Most pregnant women are unaware of when stretch marks appear during pregnancy, as it varies depending on each individual's body. According to statistics, up to 90% of women experience stretch marks during the 6th to 7th month of pregnancy.
It's normal to get stretch marks when losing weight because when skin pigment cells (melanocytes) are stretched by rapid weight loss or pregnancy, they eventually begin to produce less melanin (the substance that gives skin its color). This process appears to start after just three weeks of significant weight loss.
Weight gain is more likely to cause stretch marks, especially on your stomach. They do however usually become more visible when you shed the pounds again.
At first, stretch marks may show up as reddish or purplish lines that can look indented and have a different texture from the skin around them. Stretch marks often turn lighter and almost disappear over time.
Signs of stretch marks
Stretch marks look like lines or streaks across the skin. Stretch marks can be pink, red, brown, black, silver or purple. They usually start off darker and fade over time. Stretch marks are most common on the tummy, breasts, chest, upper arms, legs, bottom, hips or back.
Avoid sudden weight gain. Moisturize your skin liberally, especially during pregnancy (you can look for hydrating active ingredients touted for their “stretch mark fighting” properties: shea butter, fruit acids, vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, sweet almond oil, argan oil, etc.)
Females tend to gain the most weight during two key periods: emerging adulthood (late teens to mid-20s) when life changes often disrupt habits, and midlife (around ages 45-55) during menopause due to hormonal shifts that decrease muscle and increase abdominal fat, although the rate of gain slows in later decades. While the 20s see significant overall gain, menopause brings distinct body composition changes and fat redistribution, not just scale weight.
Stretch marks form when the skin stretches quickly, and the collagen and elastin proteins in the skin can't support the rapid change. Pregnancy, puberty, and obesity are the most common causes of stretch marks because they are times when the skin adapts and stretches most rapidly.
The 30-30-30 rule for weight loss is a simple morning routine: eat 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking, then do 30 minutes of low-intensity cardio (like a brisk walk) to help with fat loss and appetite control, according to this article from Moshy. Popularized by Tim Ferriss and wellness podcaster Gary Brecka, this method aims to kickstart your metabolism, increase fullness, and burn fat by leveraging your body's depleted glycogen stores after sleep, but it's not a magic bullet and works best as part of a balanced lifestyle, note Healthline and this article from bodyandsoul.com.au.
At times, you get confused between stretch marks and varicose veins. When you notice the purplish red lines on your skin, which are also twisted at times, you get a feeling of having either stretch marks or varicose veins. Unfortunately, the two conditions can occur simultaneously, making it difficult to differentiate.
It's common for stretch marks to appear during teen years when rapid growth of weight gain occurs. Other factors that make teens predisposed to stretch marks appearing include a genetic risk or family history of stretch marks, pregnancy, being overweight or obese, or topical or oral steroids, like prednisone.
Insulate Your Skin
Avoid petroleum products that create the illusion of hydrated skin, but actually suffocate your pores by keeping out air and moisture. Stretch marks can appear overnight, but they can often disappear quickly. With a little extra care, deep, purple stretch marks can fade to white within months.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep the skin hydrated and supple, reducing the likelihood of stretch mark formation. Eat a Nutritious Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can support skin health and elasticity.
Stretch marks can appear at any age, but they are most common during puberty, pregnancy, and periods of rapid weight gain or loss.
Whenever your skin has gone through major weight gain or weight loss, it might leave behind some stretch marks. These long stretches of tissue are tightened spots on the skin that don't seem to ever smooth out over time.
When stretch marks first appear, they tend to be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin color. Early stretch marks may feel slightly raised and can be itchy. In time, the color fades and the narrow bands sink beneath your skin.
Treatment
People naturally lose muscle after 40, especially women after menopause. Because muscle burns more calories than fat, this can slow down your metabolism and make it harder to shake those stubborn pounds.
The best time to weigh yourself is first thing in the morning after you've gone to the restroom but before you eat or drink anything. The reason for this is that your body has had enough time to digest all the food and drinks you've consumed from the day before all while you were getting your beauty sleep.
The Kardashians, known for their flawless skin, have openly spoken about their efforts to reduce stretch marks using advanced skin treatments. One of the key methods they have used is resurfacing laser technology, which helps stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
Moisturize. There's no magic cream that can absolutely prevent stretch marks, but keeping skin supple may make a person less susceptible to developing stretch marks. If stretch marks do develop, well-moisturized skin also may respond better to treatment. Eat nutrient-rich foods.
The cause of stretch marks is stretching of the skin. Their severity is affected by several factors, including your genetics and the degree of stress on the skin. Your level of the hormone cortisol also might play a role. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.