Stretch marks can be frustrating and debilitating at times. It is not a severe health issue, but it’s a cosmetic concern. But look at the flip side of it: Stretch marks are a bane to our existence! You can see a map of purple and white lines criss-crossing your skin; stretch marks on thighs, abdomen, stomach, back, and buttocks are most common. Whether you are a proud mother who’s just given birth to a beautiful baby or have indulged in junk food, stretch marks are the souvenirs that keep on appearing. But don’t worry; we are here to help you navigate this tricky terrain and help you say goodbye to your stretch mark!
What Is a Stretch Mark?
Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, are narrow lines or stripes that appear on the skin due to rapid stretching or contraction of the skin. Stretch marks can occur to anyone, irrespective of gender and age. They are often caused by weight gain, weight loss, rapid growth during puberty, pregnancy, and other factors. Stretch marks on thighs, hips, abdomen, breasts, and buttocks are common, but it can also appear on other parts of the body. They may appear red or purple when new but tend to fade to a white or silvery color over time.
Stretch marks occur when the skin of that particular area is ruptured due to the tensile pressure. Decreased collagen production in the body, reduces the skin’s elasticity, resulting in stretch marks.
Types Of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are common for many people, but did you know there are different types of stretch marks? This article will explore the various types of stretch marks and their unique characteristics.
- Striae Rubra: These are the most common stretch marks, usually red, purple, or pink. They tend to be itchy and are commonly found on the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, hips, and thighs. This is the initial stage of stretch marks.
- Striae Alba: As these stretch marks age, they turn white or silver. They are obscure and less itchy than striae rubra. This is known to be the advanced stage of stretch marks.
- Striae Gravidarum: Also known as “pregnancy stretch marks,” these stretch marks are caused by the rapid stretching of the skin during pregnancy. These pregnancy stretch marks are usually found on the belly, breasts, and hips.
- Striae Atrophicans: This stretch mark is caused by a loss of elasticity in the skin, leading to skin thinning and easy bruising. Commonly found in those suffering from Cushing’s syndrome.
- Striae Nigra: Dark grey or black coloured marks often seen in people with a darker complexion.
- Striae Caerulea: Purple or dark blue coloured stretch marks found in people with a dark complexion.
Understanding the different types of stretch marks can help you understand your skin and seek the appropriate treatment to remove stretch marks.
How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are permanent skin scars, but they gradually lighten or fade away with time. Home remedies can relieve stretch marks, but the result may differ from person to person. Many home remedies, topical stretch mark creams, and in-office treatments are available to remove stretch marks.
- Home Remedies
Home remedies can help to lighten stretch marks. Regularly applying moisturizers such as shea or cocoa butter and massaging with argan, olive, or almond oil are two practical options for topical treatment. Consider keeping your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and taking Vitamin C and collagen supplements orally; additionally, adding foods rich in vitamins A & E – carrots, spinach, broccoli etc – in your diet could help promote collagen production. It may take some time to deliver the desired result, so just be patient and consistent.
- Topical Creams
Stretch mark removal creams, lotions and serums are available, which help to fade away stretch marks. As per experts, topical stretch mark removal creams and lotions help only in the initial stage of stretch marks. Look for skin-friendly ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalene, and tretinoin in your skincare products. I highly recommend using ThriveCo’s Stretch Marks Expert Serum Cream! Formulated with Striover, an active ingredient that stimulates collagen production and reactivates elastin fibres, this Stretch Mark Expert Serum Cream has been hailed by dermatologists as one of the best skincare products on the market. It goes beyond just fading away those pesky stretch marks; its unbelievable moisturizing properties will give your skin a more youthful glow while providing added nourishment from natural oils like almond oil and rosehip oil, which are rich sources of Vitamin E and A.
- In-Office Treatments
There are now several types of in-office treatments available to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and give you back your confidence! These include laser therapy, radiofrequency therapy in which energy waves are sent to the skin to boost collagen production, microdermabrasion and micro-needling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy. Each treatment works differently but is designed to break down scar tissue and stimulate collagen production to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Choosing which treatment is right for you will depend largely on your individual needs and goals. Your dermatologist will be able to assess your condition and recommend which treatment would be most suitable for you based on factors such as skin type, the severity of stretch marks, the location of stretch marks, etc.
Stretch marks can be embarrassing, but they don’t have to stay forever! With proper care and smart lifestyle choices (such as eating right and exercising regularly), you can reduce their visibility until they become barely noticeable!
*This is a collaboration post. Readers are requested to exercise their own judgement and understanding in following the information given.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Monidipa Dutta.
I completely agree that stretch marks can be frustrating and affect our self-confidence. It’s reassuring to know that stretch marks are not a severe health issue, but rather a cosmetic concern. The tips and advice on how to get rid of stretch marks are helpful for those who are struggling with them. Indeed this post is informative and provides practical solutions for managing stretch marks. Thanks for sharing.
This is very comprehensive information about stretch marks. As you mention, they do have nuisance value. I do prefer home remedies and use of natural ingredients to get rid of them.
Stretch marks could be really nasty, and troublesome. Glad to know we have easy to do treatments at home and kitchen to get rid of these.
This is a very informative post on stretch marks. I have some and will surely try the Thriveco’s product too. I have been using cocnut oil till now.
Woooooaaah! That’s a lot of information Varsha… I had no clue stretch marks are of so many different types. Your write up is really useful to many out there who may be looking for solutions. I am not too sure but I think I used either olive or almond oil during my pregnancies. Those are the only home remedies we knew back then.
Stretch marks look bad and act harshly on self-esteem. Though it’s not a health concern, getting rid of them is usually our preference. Thanks for sharing the treatment tips.
Despite being a doctor myself and having been writing articles on health and well-being, I am impressed that you did such a thorough job explaining stretch marks or striae in easy language along with possible treatments.
Stretch marks are of so many types I was not aware about. All thanks to you for educating us with such information. I was aware of only 2 types. The first one was obviously due to pregnancy and the 2nd one in our growing years when the muscles expand we have some stretch marks and I have it at my lower back. I saw similar things for my sister’s son. Your tips are are really helpful for many who are scared about these marks and have it on some visible areas of the body. Thanks once again for this informative post
Frankly speaking I never thought there were different type of stretch marks. I was like ok these are stretch marks and you need to loose weight and apply stretch mark cream to reduce them. Now I know in depth thanks to you.
Stretch marks and I have a love hate relationship. Blaming it on my pregnancy and frequently fluctuating weight loss/gain I adopt the careless attitude towards them. reading your post and seeing simple and effective ways to treat them is surely motivating me to give the remedies a try. Thanks for the informative post.
weight gain and weight loss both result in stretch marks will Check out the product thrive co. Thank you for the helpful post.
I didn’t know there were so many types of stretch marks. Back in our days we didn’t have all these creams for them. Thanks for sharing such a useful post.
This is such a different and useful post. Having stretch marks can be very stressful for a person.
I never ever knew there was a classification to stretch marks. For me, it was our body’s answer to the pull and contract of skin due to pregnancy or weight gain/loss.I find your post extremely informative as you not only impart detailed information about stretch marks but also provide the remedies for it. I take my stretch marks to be nature’s permanent tattoo on my body. They’ve been there for years and I have given up hope that they will ever fade away. Will now try ThriveCo stretch mark cream as you have suggested. Seems promising! Enjoyed reading the post. 🙂
Complete guide Varsha. I know only two types of strech mark. One we woman have during our pregnancy and Mens have due to exercise,😃 Get to know vide variety of. I had on medication which includes vitamin C and I don’t like to consume. Thank you for educating us.
I am so sick of my stretch marks! My first encounter with them when I was around 11. I started developing them on my arms. And after 2 pregnancies, I have these all over my tummy. It’s gross!
I didn’t know that there were different kind of stretch marks. Thanks for such a detailed post. I do have a few due to the steroids bloating me up. I will sure check out the ThriveCo.
This is the best post on stretch marks, I would say. You have covered all the necessary info from what it is, to remedies, how it looks etc. I remember searching for a similar article a couple of months ago when I found stretch marks on my body. I am checking out ThriveCo for sure and I am bookmarking this right away.
I have a few on my upper thigh mainly due to my weight fluctuations. Though I havent really tried any remedies, have heard of some oils that work. Very informative post….I guess identifying correctly will help us with understanding the reason and treat them too
I didn’t know that the stretch marks are of these many types. And of course I do have them and I believed I couldn’t get get rid of them. It’s really irritating to have them and see them at times. I am saving this post to get rid of my stretch marks.
I’m glad to read this article clearing up the misconception that stretch marks isn’t a medical concern but a cosmetic one. While it’s true that as humans, having stretch marks, especially for women, can deter our confidence but like any other scars we gain throughout our life, it should be our mindset that we focus on making sure to be in good shape. You’ll never see your stretch marks as a flaw when you have a good mindset but simply accept them and see them as a part of you and the changes/challenges/blessings you’ve had throughout your life.
Firstly I feel we should wear our wounds and flaunt them but it is easier said than done with keeping up with our peers. I am blessed that I didnt have any stretch marks till now but aging and muscle loss is bringing them out now. I will try out Thrive.co’s serum cream. Thanks for sharing, Varsha.
Stretch marks has always been the common term your post really helped knowing more in-depth information. Thanks for the helpful tips, I agree with you stretch marks need not stay forever, we have various options now.
This is a common problem experienced by all and thanks for this detailed post. It has information I didn’t know before, like the types. I never imagined that stretch marks can be of this many number of types.
I have tons of stretch marks so will check out ThriveCo’s cream. Thanks for the recommendation.