What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are a form of scarring that result from damage sustained by the dermis layer of the skin. The dermis layer is the middle layer of your skin in charge of elasticity. When this layer of skin is stretched too taut, it breaks and results in marks that are initially red or purple in color. While the stretch marks eventually fade, they will never go away on their own. As with all scars, topical treatments are available to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but only surgical procedures can eliminate the scarring completely.

Stretch marks, or striae gravidarum, are lines that appear on the skin as slightly indented pink, red, or white streaks. They develop from the growth of underlying tissue and most often develop on the abdomen, but may also develop on the breasts and thighs.

Stretch marks may appear any time a person gains a substantial amount of weight. Almost all women get stretch marks during pregnancy.

Creams and oils do not prevent stretch marks. Although stretch marks never go away, they fade and become less obvious over time.

Stretch marks are a form of scarring caused by the overstretching of skin. This stretching disrupts the normal production of collagen and a scar results. Stretch marks are not a disease, but rather a term to refer to the physical appearance of these scars.

The term "stretch marks" is a nonprofessional term. Dermatologists (skin doctors) refer to stretch marks by their scientific names, such as striae distensae, striae atrophicans, striae rubra (red stretch marks) and striae alba (white stretch marks). Though stretch marks first appear as reddish or purple lines, they usually fade very gradually to a lighter color.

Stretch marks may appear anywhere on the body. They are most likely to appear in places where fat is stored, or that have a tendency to stretch. Most common places are the abdomen (especially near the belly button), breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs (both inner and outer), and buttocks. They pose no health risk in and of themselves, and do not compromise the body's ability to function healthily.

Stretch marks may occur with pregnancy, obesity, bodybuilding and, occasionally, puberty. Women with darker skin are less likely to get stretch marks. Though stretch marks are relatively common, especially among athletes and women who have given birth, many individuals feel self-conscious about their scars.

There are several popular treatments for the prevention and minimization of appearance of stretch marks. Diet, hydration and physical exercise are among the therapies thought to prevent stretch marks. Over-the-counter creams, lotions, and oils are also available, although there is mixed evidence about the safety and efficacy of some of these products. Prescription medications are available. Some people have also used chemical peels or laser/light therapy to minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Stretch marks are caused by skin stretching during quick weight gain and then loss. This can occur during pregnancy, tissue expansion, or breast implant surgery. There is permanent breakage of the underlying fibers of the skin with thinning out of the damage area. There are often color changes from red/pink to brown to finally light white. They are NOT caused by Dry skin whatsoever. Moisturizers and fluid hydration may help to reduce incidence of stretch marks. 

During pregnancy, as a woman's skin stretches to accommodate her baby's growth, stretch marks may appear. They are initially light pink or purple lines that eventually fade to white. Stretch marks are most often found on the breasts, thighs, abdomen or hips. Stretch marks may also be caused by pubescent growth spurts or other rapid weight gain or muscle buildup.

Stretch marks appear on areas of the body during growth spurts, such as puberty, or during times when body shape and size change rapidly, such as during pregnancy, during periods of dramatic weight gain, or when body size increases rapidly through strength-training and muscle building. The marks appear when the body's skin is stretched beyond its elastic capacity and the skin "tears" below the surface, creating a scar.

These scars may first appear reddish-purple. Over time, stretch marks may fade to a shade that is closer to a person's natural skin tone. The lines may affect the texture of the skin, giving it a slightly rippled feel and appearance.

Stretch marks commonly appear on the hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, or breasts.

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Stretch marks are technically atrophic scars, meaning the skin is thinner and pulled. They look like wiggly rivers with a slight indentation, almost like wood grain. The skin also tends to be a little shinier in the area. People usually get them around the belly, on the backs of the hips, on the insides of the knees, and on the sides of the breasts. Stretch marks tend to be symmetrical and localized, occurring on both hips, both knees, and both breasts.

During weight gain, the epidermis (upper layer of the skin) expands rapidly; the dermis (lower layer of the skin), however, cannot grow as rapidly. It actually splits, creating a stretch mark. A new stretch mark looks reddish or blue, because the translucent epidermis allows the underlying blood vessels to be seen. The new stretch mark is inflamed and red for the first year.