What Causes Stretch Marks and How Can You Treat Them?
Stretch marks are lines that appear on the skin, often because of rapid changes in the body. You can see them in puberty, pregnancy, weight gain, weight loss or after building muscles. They can appear on the stomach, thighs, hips, arms, breasts, back and shoulders. The lines can be red or pink at first or purple or brown. They often pale or turn white with age.
Stretch marks are very common and usually do not hurt. But some people want to make them less visible because of how they look. The right treatment for stretch marks depends on their age and color, where they are on the body and your skin type.
What Causes Stretch Marks and How Can You Treat Them? Common Reasons, Types and Skin Changes
To understand what causes stretch marks, it helps to know what happens under the skin. When the body grows or changes faster than the skin can keep up, collagen and elastin can get damaged. This leaves narrow lines that we call stretch marks.
Some of the most common stretch marks causes are:
- Pregnancy
- Puberty and growth spurts
- Fast weight gain
- Sudden weight loss
- Muscle gain from workouts
- Hormonal changes
- Long-term use of some steroid medicines
- Family history of stretch marks
Where the marks appear can also give you a clue. Stretch marks on shoulders, for example, are often seen in people who gain upper-body muscle quickly. Inner thigh stretch marks are common after weight changes and during puberty.
Why Do Red Stretch Marks Turn White?
New stretch marks often look different from old ones. Red stretch marks may appear red, pink, purple, or dark brown, depending on your natural skin colour. They are fresh marks, so treatment at this stage may give better visible improvement.
Older marks usually fade and become white stretch marks. They may look silver-white and sometimes feel slightly lower than the nearby skin.
Some people also search “when will it get dark” after seeing a change in the colour of their marks. There is no fixed colour cycle. Stretch marks can look different on different skin tones and usually become lighter as they get older.
Does Cream for Stretch Marks Really Work?
Walk into a pharmacy or search online and you will find plenty of products sold as a cream for stretch marks. Moisturisers can help with dryness and may make the skin feel softer, but an old stretch mark usually will not disappear simply by applying cream.
The same applies when searching for the best stretch marks removal cream or स्ट्रेच मार्क्स हटाने वाली क्रीम best cream. One product cannot give the same result to every person.
Some creams may be more useful on fresh marks than old white ones. Prescription creams also contain ingredients that are not right for everyone. This is especially important during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a dermatologist before using strong active creams.
How to Remove Stretch Marks Permanently and Which Treatments May Help?
A common online search is how to remove stretch marks permanently. The important point is that no treatment can promise complete removal in every case. Stretch marks are a type of scar. Treatment mainly works to make the lines less visible and improve how the skin looks and feels.
Depending on your skin and the age of the marks, a dermatologist may discuss:
- Microneedling or dermaroller
- Selected laser procedures
- Prescription creams for newer marks
- Other skin procedures based on the marks
Older white stretch marks can take more time to treat than fresh red ones.
Dermaroller Therapy for Stretch Marks
Dermaroller Therapy for Acne Scars and Stretch Marks is one treatment that may be considered for visible stretch marks. A dermaroller makes very small controlled punctures in the skin. This activates the skin’s natural repair process and encourages new collagen.
The treatment may gradually make some marks look softer and less noticeable. It does not give an overnight change. The number of sessions can also vary from one person to another.
Dr Abhilasha Patidar can check the stretch marks before deciding whether dermaroller treatment suits the skin. This matters because fresh red marks, old white marks, and deeper stretch marks may not need the same approach.
Skin Concerns That May Appear Along With Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are not always the only reason someone visits a skin clinic. Acne marks, dark spots, uneven-looking skin, and hair concerns may also need attention.
For acne-related marks, Pimples Its Marks & Scars and Chemical Peeling for Pimples & Dark Spots are useful related topics to explore. People looking for skin care procedures may also read about Vampire Facial for Skin Rejuvenation and Hydra Facial/Medi Facial.
These treatments serve different purposes. A treatment used for dark circles, acne marks, or pigmentation should not automatically be used for stretch marks. Your skin should be checked first.
When Should You Get Stretch Marks Checked?
Most stretch marks are harmless. If they seem to suddenly appear in large numbers, develop for no apparent reason or bother you because of their appearance, you can still go to the dermatologist.
A consultation can also save you from spending money on creams that may not suit your skin. At Aayam Skin Clinic, Dr Abhilasha Patidar can check whether you have fresh red marks, older white marks, or another skin concern that looks similar.
Starting with the right diagnosis makes it easier to choose a sensible treatment rather than trying one product after another.
FAQs
1. What causes stretch marks?
Pregnancy, puberty, quick weight changes, muscle gain, hormones, and genetics are common causes.
2. Can white stretch marks go away?
They may become less visible with treatment, but complete removal cannot be guaranteed.
3. Are red stretch marks new?
Yes. Red, pink, purple, or darker stretch marks are usually newer than white ones.
4. Can dermaroller help stretch marks?
Dermaroller treatment may make some stretch marks less visible by encouraging collagen production.
5. Which cream is best for stretch marks?
There is no single best cream for everyone. The choice depends on your skin and how old the marks are.