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How to Get rid of Stretch Marks: Causes, Types and Prevention

What are stretch marks and what causes them? Learn more about them and the care you can take to reduce their appearance.

What's in this article:

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks appear when the skin stretches or shrinks in quick succession and are completely normal and harmless. This rapid expansion or contraction of the skin leads to the disruption of Collagen and Elastin fibres that maintain the skin's integrity. Stretch marks begin to form when the skin begins to heal after these sudden changes. 
Sometimes referred to as striae, stretch marks can appear on areas such as the stomach, breasts, hips, bottom, and thighs. Just like every other scar, stretch marks are permanent, but there are ways to minimise their appearance through various treatments, creams and lotions.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

The root cause of stretch marks is the rapid expansion or contraction or skin. Their emergence can be more prevalent during periods of rapid body growth where the skin cannot keep pace. Here are the most common factors that can either cause, or contribute to stretch mark formation:
woman using Nivea Luminous Body Oil Serum
  1. Low levels or structural issues of Collagen
    Collagen helps to maintain skin elasticity and promote healing - a lack of it or an anomaly in its structure can lead to the formation of noticeable stretch marks during skin stretching.
  2. Rapid growth during puberty 
     Stretch marks are likely to occur in puberty as this is a rapid period of growth for the body, and the skin may not keep pace. This is a normal process and these marks may fade with age.
  3. During pregnancy 
     Changes in your body and hormones cause your skin to stretch, weakening its fibres. Although these marks might fade as you lose weight after childbirth, they can still remain noticeable.
  4. Rapid muscle growth
     Avid gym goers, athletes or bodybuilders may notice stretch marks if they gain muscle mass too quickly as the skin may not be able to keep up with the muscle growth."
  5. Genetics
     Although there isn't a specific gene that will cause stretch marks, a combination of genes control Collagen, skin elasticity, and other aspects of skin health that can lead to stretch mark formation in case of anomaly.
  6. Rapid weight changes
     Rapid changes in weight puts pressure on the skins fibres, in turn causing stretch marks to appear.
  7. Sports and lifestyle
     Intense movements in sports can sometimes contribute to stretch marks. This is due to stress placed on the skin during the activity, rapidly stretching and contracting skin fibres.

 

2 MAIN TYPES OF STRETCH MARKS

Stretch marks can be classified according to their stage of formation and colour.

1. Immature stretch marks

These stretch marks are called immature because they appear at the beginning of the stretch mark formation process. They are generally pink, red or purplish in colour (Striae Rubrae) in fair-skinned people, but can take on a darker or even black appearance (Striae Nigra) in dark-skinned people. 

Their red or dark colour is a result of inflammation caused by the damage to the elastic fibres as the skin expands. This stage of stretch marks is generally the best time to treat them since they are at the beginning of the scarring process.

The colour of black or dark stretch marks (Striae Nigra) is linked to the presence of higher concentrations of melanin. Although their colour can fade over time, the use of targeted cosmetic treatments can also reduce their appearance.

2. Mature stretch marks

White stretch marks, or lighter than the skin (Striae Albae) are simply older, faded versions of red or dark stretch marks, and are very common. 

White or light stretch marks may be more difficult to reduce than red or dark marks since the scarring process is already advanced. Though they may be permanent, it's possible to fade their appearance over time and through proper, consistent skincare.

There are also other classifications of stretch marks which are not detailed in this article.

Who Gets Stretch Marks?

young woman using Nivea Luminous Anti Stretch Marks

While often associated with pregnancy, stretch marks can affect anyone during periods of rapid growth or weight changes. This includes:

  • Teenagers: During puberty due to rapid growth and development.

  • Men: During puberty, weight gain, or intense muscle growth from bodybuilding.

  • Women: During puberty, weight gain, bodybuilding, and most commonly, pregnancy (affecting 50-90% of women).

 

Stretch Marks from Pregnancy

Stretch marks are very common during pregnancy, usually forming on the abdomen, chest, thighs and hips. This is for two key reasons:

  • Rapid stretching: The skin stretches significantly to accommodate a growing belly, chest, and other areas of weight gain.

  • Hormones like oestrogen and relaxin can weaken Collagen and Elastin fibres in the skin, making them more prone to tearing, leading to stretch marks.

While there is no way to entirely prevent stretch marks, there are a number of ways that might help during the pregnancy and beyond.

How to help prevent stretch marks?

It is difficult to completely prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Although most prevention methods have not been scientifically proven, they can help keep your skin in good condition. 
  1. Drinking enough water
    Those lacking sufficient hydration are more susceptible to stretch marks than those with a balanced water intake. Adequate water consumption can help to maintain skin elasticity, reducing the likelihood of stretch marks.
  2. Eat a healthy diet
    Fuel your body with a healthy diet to maintain skin flexibility. This is especially important for achieving gradual, healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Make sure to eat foods rich in Zinc and Vitamins D, A, C, and E - all of which play an important role in skin health.
  3. Moisturise regularly
    Although the efficiency of moisturising products like creams, lotions, and oils to reduce the risk of stretch marks is debated, they may help to keep your skin supple and hydrated.
    Look out for hydrating ingredients that are generally safe to use during pregnancy, such as Shea Butter, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic Acid. During pregnancy it is recommended to avoid Retinol. If you have any concerns, always be sure to check the packaging before use or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
  4. Avoiding excessive and rapid weight fluctuations
    Whilst this is not possible in all circumstances, such as puberty and pregnancy, you may have more control over this if you are experiencing rapid weight changes due to lifestyle choices. If you are looking to gain or lose weight, you should do so gradually.
bottle of water

Stretch Marks and Sport

The intense movements in sports like weightlifting and gymnastics could sometimes cause stretch marks. These activities place stress on the skin, rapidly stretching and contracting your skin fibres.

High-impact activities like running and jumping could also contribute to stretch marks. While less common than with activities like weightlifting, the intense muscle contractions and repetitive movements can still put stress on the skin, potentially leading to stretch marks in some individuals.

If you’re weightlifting and are concerned about stretch marks, you can reduce their likelihood by taking your time with muscle gain. Gradual progress also applies to how hard you push yourself during workouts, so gradually increase the intensity to avoid overloading your body.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Is Stretch Mark Removal Possible?

Unfortunately completely getting rid of stretch marks is very near impossible. However there are certain practises or treatments available that you can adopt to help to reduce their appearance over time.
Here are a few methods to reduce the appearance of stretch marks include:
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  1. Light or laser treatments
    These treatments are aimed to encourage the growth of Collagen and Elastin, which could minimise the appearance of stretch marks worsening. These methods are usually aimed at newer stretch mark formation.

  2. Microdermabrasion
    This process involves scrubbing skin with tiny crystals, removing the top and revealing new layers of skin under the stretch marks. This method may be able to improve the appearance of older stretch marks.

  3. Skincare routine solutions
    Topical creams could help to fade the appearance of stretch marks when used regularly. Skin care routines can also help to maintain levels of Collagen and Elastic in skin, preserving its elasticity.

  4. Self tanning lotions
    Whilst these will not do much to reduce the actual stretch marks themselves, applying self tanner can help to temporarily minimise the colour difference between stretch marks and your skin tone. This could help to make them less noticeable.

Do keep in mind when contemplating any treatment option that there is no guarantee of cure or improvement for stretch marks.

Facts Overview

Stretch Marks

Cause: Stretch marks develop when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, disrupting collagen and elastin fibres, as well as skin integrity.

Common Areas: Stretch marks commonly appear on the stomach, breasts, hips, buttocks, thighs, arms, shoulders, and back.

Factors Contributing: Rapid weight gain, puberty growth spurts, pregnancy, bodybuilding, genetics, and certain medical procedures can contribute to stretch mark formation.

Prevention and Management: Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, exercise gradually, and use moisturising products to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. 

NIVEA Routine to Help Reduce Stretch Marks

As mentioned above, there is no way to completely remove stretch marks - however, there are ways to help fade their appearance. One of the most accessible steps is to focus on a dedicated skincare routine:
young Asian woman using Nivea Luminous Body Oil

1. Cleanse

To begin with, cleanse your body with a gentle and nourishing shower gel or cream. Preferably use a pH-neutral product to protect the skin from drying out.

The NIVEA Rich Moisture Creme Caring Shower Cream is an ideal choice as its formula, enriched with Vitamin C and E and care oils forms a rich lather that nourishes the skin whilst maintaining the normal pH balance.

 

2. Treatment

Use skincare product or a serum that can help to improve skin elasticity, or reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time. To help visibly reduce the appearance of stretch marks, try the NIVEA Serum Oil Anti Stretch Marks. The serum provides 48-hour moisturisation to the skin for first visible results in from 2 weeks - and with regular pinch massages it can help prevent new stretch marks from appearing.

If you prefer a creamier consistency, the NIVEA Luminous630 Anti Stretch-Marks & Dark Spots Cream is suitable for all skin types. Its formula helps to reduce stretch marks, sun spots and pigmentation marks, while providing 48 hours of hydration.*

Whether you choose the oil-serum or the cream, a single application per day on the targeted area is sufficient and use only one product containing LUMINOUS630® on your body per day.**

* Instrumental test, 33 subjects, 48 hours after a single application.
** Consumer test, 89 participants

3. Moisturise

In addition to targeted skin care, use products such as nourishing body lotions to moisturise the skin of the body and stretch marks, which is particularly useful if they are recent, inflamed or itchy.

NIVEA Body Lotions

How Does NIVEA Luminous630 Help Care for Stretch Marks?

NIVEA's patented Luminous630 ingredient, developed over a decade of extensive research and testing of 50,000 molecules, targets stretch marks at a cellular level by balancing melanin production. 

Through its action on melanin and its ability to promote an even skin tone, Luminous630 not only helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks but also contributes to a brighter, more even complexion.

Luminous630 Range

Summary

Stretch marks are a natural consequence of rapid skin changes, often caused by factors like weight fluctuations, growth spurts, or pregnancy. These changes can cause damage to collagen and elastin fibres that provide your skin with its elasticity.


While stretch marks are permanent, there are ways to minimise or to help reduce their appearance. These include intentionally gradual weight gain, drinking plenty of water, eating a diet rich in essential vitamins, and dedicated skincare that helps to improve skin tone and elasticity or to help even out the complexion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where do stretch marks appear?

Stretch marks can appear on various parts of your body, including the buttocks, thighs, hips, breasts, belly, shoulders, arms, and back.

Can stretch marks occur in older adults?

Yes, while stretch marks are commonly associated with periods of rapid growth or weight gain in younger individuals, they can also develop in older adults due to factors like fluctuations in weight, hormonal changes, or certain medical conditions.

Are stretch marks a sign of an underlying health problem?

In most cases, stretch marks are harmless and primarily a cosmetic concern. However, in some instances, they may be associated with underlying health conditions. If you're concerned about your stretch marks or notice sudden and unexplained changes, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Can stretch marks go away without treatment?

No, stretch marks don’t completely go away, but in many cases, they may fade and become less noticeable over time, especially if they are treated when relatively new. However, the extent of fading varies from person to person, and some stretch marks may remain prominent..

Are there any natural remedies for reducing the appearance of stretch marks?

While there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of natural remedies for stretch marks, some ingredients like Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, or Shea Butter are frequently used to moisturise the skin and improve its appearance. It's essential to note that results may vary.

Can stretch marks cause itching or discomfort?

Yes, some people may experience itching, tenderness, or discomfort in the area affected by stretch marks, especially if they are new or undergoing changes. Using moisturising creams or lotions can help alleviate symptoms and keep the skin hydrated.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help prevent stretch marks?

Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, practising gradual progress in exercise routines, and avoiding rapid fluctuations in weight. Additionally, wearing supportive clothing during physical activities can also help reduce the risk of developing stretch marks.