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Stretch marks are small lines or streaks that appear on the surface of the skin. Their colour may vary depending on the skin type and the stage they are in, ranging from pink or purplish to white or silvery tones. The texture can feel slightly indented or different from the surrounding skin.
They most commonly appear on areas where the body is more prone to natural volume variations, such as the thighs, hips, stomach, buttocks, upper arms and chest.
Stretch marks are more common than you might think. Up to 80 percent of women and approximately 40 percent of men will develop them at some point in their lives. Often linked to periods of rapid physical change, their appearance varies from person to person and can evolve over time, becoming lighter or less noticeable.
Stretch marks form when collagen and elastin fibers in the deeper layers of the skin are stretched too far or too quickly. They’re most often triggered by physical changes and hormonal shifts that affect the skin’s structure and elasticity.
Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stretch marks. Between 50 and 70 percent of women develop them during their first pregnancy, especially on the abdomen, chest and hips. As the body expands and hormones shift, the skin is placed under significant tension. This combination can overwhelm the skin’s natural ability to stretch without causing visible disruption in the dermal layer.
Stretch marks are commonly associated with significant weight changes. Whether it’s rapid weight gain, weight loss or increased muscle mass, the skin is required to stretch or contract quickly to accommodate the new shape. When these changes happen faster than the skin can adjust, collagen fibers may tear, leading to visible streaks. This is especially true when weight fluctuations are repeated over time or involve large volume shifts. The marks tend to appear in areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips and upper arms, and may be more noticeable depending on the individual’s skin type, skin color and natural elasticity.
During puberty, the body experiences rapid growth spurts. At the same time, the adrenal glands produce more cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with collagen production. When the skin stretches quickly and collagen levels are reduced, stretch marks can form—often on the thighs, hips or upper arms, where the body naturally stores volume during adolescence.
Elevated cortisol levels are not limited to puberty. Prolonged stress, certain medical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, or hormonal fluctuations can also lead to increased cortisol production. When this happens, the activity of fibroblasts is reduced, slowing down collagen and elastin synthesis. The skin may then become less resilient and more prone to visible changes.
Chronic stress may increase cortisol levels, which can negatively affect collagen and elastin production. Incorporating regular movement, quality sleep, mindfulness or breathing techniques can help maintain hormonal balance and support the skin’s overall resilience.
Aim for steady, controlled changes in body composition rather than rapid loss or gain. This gives the skin more time to stretch or contract gently, reducing the risk of fiber rupture in the dermal layer. Quick shifts in body shape are more likely to overwhelm the skin’s natural adaptability.
Drink water consistently throughout the day to maintain hydration at the cellular level. Topically, apply a rich moisturizer morning and night to help preserve the skin barrier and elasticity. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides or peptides that help lock in moisture and support long-term suppleness.
What you eat plays a key role in how your skin looks and feels. Nutrients like vitamin C from citrus fruits, vitamin E found in nuts and seeds, zinc from whole grains and legumes, vitamin D sourced from fatty fish and safe sun exposure, along with quality proteins, all contribute to healthy collagen production and skin regeneration. Together they help maintain a resilient and balanced skin barrier especially during periods of change. Daily sun protection remains essential even when exposure is minimal.
Focus on areas most affected by volume variations, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, chest and upper arms. Daily use of a nourishing body cream in these zones can help preserve elasticity. Ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, and niacinamide may offer added support to skin texture.
Retinol is known to encourage collagen production and improve skin renewal, but should be used gradually and with proper guidance. Choose a formulation that suits your skin type and start slowly to build tolerance. Avoid overuse and pair with hydration and sun protection.
UV exposure can further damage collagen fibers and slow down the skin’s ability to regenerate. Using a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen helps protect the skin, especially when using active ingredients like retinol or glycolic acid. Consistent protection helps preserve skin texture and tone.
Vascular laser therapy is commonly used for early-stage stretch marks that appear red, pink, purple or brown, depending on skin tone. These colours result from dilated blood vessels under the surface. Devices like Vbeam (Pulsed Dye Laser) or Nd:YAG target the vascular component to reduce visible redness and promote a more even skin tone.
This type of treatment is most effective during the active inflammatory phase, before stretch marks fade to white. It is typically recommended for fair to medium skin tones. Please note that some vascular lasers are not suitable for darker skin types, but alternatives may be considered. A consultation in clinic is essential to evaluate your skin safely and determine the most appropriate plan.
Fractional laser resurfacing is often used to treat mature stretch marks, especially those that appear white or silvery and are more deeply embedded in the skin. Devices like Fraxel or ablative CO₂ lasers create precise micro-columns of controlled damage within the dermal layer, triggering a healing response that stimulates collagen production and helps improve skin texture, firmness and tone over time.
While fractional lasers can offer visible improvement for striae albae, they are not suitable for all skin tones. Deeper lasers, particularly CO₂, carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin. It’s essential to consult with a medical professional experienced in treating diverse skin types to ensure safety.
Radiofrequency with microneedling uses ultra-fine needles to deliver heat into the deeper layers of the skin, triggering the production of collagen and elastin. This technique is designed to improve skin firmness, refine texture and reduce the visible depth of stretch marks. Morpheus8 is a leading example of this technology and is known for its precision and customizability.
This treatment is well tolerated across all skin types and tones. It is performed over a series of sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, to allow for gradual and natural improvement. It can be used alone or combined with other modalities to enhance overall results. A consultation will help determine whether this option fits into your customized treatment plan.
This nutricosmetic has been designed to support the natural production of collagen, which contributes to the skin’s resistance and elasticity. It contains a unique combination of hydrolyzed collagen, vitamin C and two amino acids, L-lysine and L-proline. Collagen Formula stimulates collagen production from within, brightens the complexion and provides antioxidant protection.
This lipid-rich cream restores dehydrated, fragile skin. An optimized ratio of essential lipids balances the lipid barrier to soothe the skin and protect it against dryness.
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Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen production, which supports skin structure and elasticity. While it cannot erase stretch marks, topical or dietary vitamin C may help improve overall skin tone and firmness, making stretch marks appear slightly less visible over time. For deeper or mature stretch marks, professional in-clinic treatments are typically required for more noticeable results.
Stretch marks first appear as lines that may be red, pink, purple or brown, depending on your skin tone. At this early stage, they are often slightly raised or inflamed. Over time, they fade to a lighter, silvery or white colour and become more indented or textured. This transition marks the difference between early-stage (vascular) and mature (atrophic) stretch marks.
Stretch marks can result not only from rapid weight gain, but also from significant or fast weight loss. When the skin loses volume quickly, especially after weight fluctuations or use of weight-loss medications, existing stretch marks may become more visible or new ones may form. This is often due to reduced collagen and elastin in the dermal layer, which limits the skin’s ability to contract and adapt smoothly.
Stretch marks commonly appear in areas where the skin stretches most during growth or weight changes. This includes the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms and chest. The exact location can vary depending on factors like age, gender, body composition and hormonal influences.
