Stretch marks 101: Everything you need to know about the causes, prevention and treatment

Most of us are affected by stretch marks at some point in our lives. Whether during puberty, pregnancy, or after weight gain, these marks commonly appear on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks and hips, and are dark at first, before gradually fading to a lighter colour.

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Stretch marks are not painful or harmful, but sometimes they can make us feel self-conscious, especially in the summer months when we wear less clothing. Dr Judey Pretorius, Biomedical Scientist and founder of Biomedical Emporium, explains what they are, why we get them, and if there is anything we can do to remove or minimise their appearance:

What are stretch marks, and why do we get them?

Stretch marks form in the connective tissues deep within the dermis. They are a type of scarring that appears when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly. With this abrupt change, our natural collagen and elastin are ruptured, and when the skin heals, stretch marks may appear.

When stretch marks first form, they tend to be red, reddish-brown, brown or purple in colour. They may be slightly raised and are sometimes itchy. In time, stretch marks fade, taking on a silvery colour. Older stretch marks often become indented.

Who is at risk of developing stretch marks?

Stretchmarks do not discriminate against age or gender. They can affect anyone of any ethnicity. When they first form, stretch marks appear red or pinkish on fair skin, and darker brown, purple or even grey on darker skin tones. When the marks fade, they may be more noticeable on darker skin tones because dark skin has a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Teenagers: Many teens experience rapid growth and development, and stretch marks are prevalent among teenage girls when they develop breasts and their hips broaden. 

Women: Stretch marks may form after cosmetic surgery, after breast implants, during pregnancy or after weight gain, when the skin is stretched.

Men: Stretch marks are common among bodybuilders or men who experience rapid muscle growth due to weight training. Rapid weight gain in men (particularly in the abdominal area) may also lead to stretch marks.

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Some people are more prone to developing stretch marks than others, and this sometimes comes down to genetics. Those who suffer from Cushing’s disease or Marfan syndrome often develop stretch marks, and applying corticosteroids to your skin over a long period may also increase your risks. Sun exposure and tanning beds may make stretch marks more visible.

Can stretch marks be treated?

Stretch marks are notoriously difficult to treat. There are hundreds of so-called “miracle” products on the market that promise to eliminate stretch marks completely, but with no real results.

Some treatments and products can help minimise the appearance of stretch marks and improve the skin’s appearance, but the reality is that they likely won’t disappear completely. Addressing stretch marks when they first appear will yield better results than treating older stretch marks, which are more challenging to treat.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for stretch marks, and different products and treatments may work for different people, depending on the severity and the age of the marks.

Professional treatments such as laser therapy, chemical peels and microdermabrasion, or a combination thereof, can be used to help minimise the appearance of stretch marks.

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Certain skincare products can be applied to help the skin rebuild collagen and heal. Biomedical Emporium Stretchmark & Cellulite Therapy restores the deconstructed collagen fibres while promoting the elastic fibre architecture of damaged skin. It reduces skin roughness, helps fight sagging and tightens the skin.

Tissue oil is commonly massaged into affected areas to help fade and minimise stretch marks. Best results are achieved when it is massaged into the skin every day. Biomedical Emporium Q10 Tissue Oil contains co-enzyme Q10 to improve skin elasticity, promote cellular energy and offer advanced skin hydration. When the skin receives adequate hydration, stretch marks are less likely to feel itchy or uncomfortable.

If you’re pregnant, then Biomedical Emporium Maternal Calming Tissue Oil is a fantastic option. It deeply nourishes the skin to improve elasticity and lock in moisture. Regular use helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks, keeping skin soft, smooth, and supple.

A collagen supplement may also help your body rebuild its collagen. Biomedical Emporium Skin Biotic Collagen Supplement restores healthy bacteria in the gut while collagen peptides aid in slowing down the process of ageing.

There is a common myth that tanning gets rid of stretch marks. Do not fall for this! Sun exposure can actually make stretch marks more visible, plus it can damage skin at a DNA level and accelerate skin ageing. If you want to camouflage your stretch marks, consider a self-tan product that gives your skin a sun-kissed glow without the risk.

Can stretch marks be prevented?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple “yes” or “no” answer to this question. There are precautions one can take to try and prevent them (such as massaging the skin on your abdomen with a suitable product every day when you find out you are pregnant). But in other cases where genetics, hormones or medication play a role in their formation, there is little you can do to prevent stretch marks.

You can take steps to prevent them by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, drinking lots of water and exercising regularly to improve your skin elasticity. If you are pregnant or in the process of building muscle, you can massage your skin with Biomedical Emporium’s Q10 Tissue Oil or Stretchmark & Cellulite Therapy every day to help prevent formation.

For more information, visit https://biomedicalemporium.com/.