Stretch marks (striae) are indented streaks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks or other places on the body. They're common in pregnant women, especially during the last trimester. Stretch marks aren't painful or harmful, but some people don't like the way they make their skin look.

How do you know when stretch marks are forming?

Signs and symptoms. Before stretch marks begin to emerge, the skin can appear thin and pink. It may also feel irritated or itchy. The marks initially develop as wrinkly, raised streaks that can be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown or dark brown, depending on skin color.

Can you get stretch marks just from growing?

Stretch marks are a normal part of growing for many men and women. They can occur during puberty, pregnancy, or rapid muscle or weight gain. Stretch marks are not likely to go away on their own.

What to do when you see stretch marks forming?

1. Overview. Stretch marks, also called striae distensae or striae gravidarum, look like indented streaks in your skin. ...
2. Control your weight. ...
3. Stay hydrated. ...
4. Eat a nutrient-rich diet. ...
5. Include vitamin C in your diet. ...
6. Soak up some vitamin D. ...
7. Eat foods rich in zinc. ...
8. Treat fresh stretch marks when they appear.

Can 12 year olds get stretch marks?

Stretch Marks are a Normal Part of Puberty

It is normal for teenagers to get some stretch marks. The marks occur when a person experiences a significant amount of growth or weight gain in a short period of time, such as during puberty. Getting stretch marks does not necessarily mean a person is overweight.

Stretch Mark Procedure Gone Wrong!

22 related questions found

Why are my old stretch marks turning red?

If the skin stretches too quickly, the collagen and elastic tissues in the skin may break, resulting in stretch marks. Stretch marks typically first appear as red, pink, or purple lines. Over time, the blood vessels heal, and the lines often fade and become less noticeable.

Why does my 12 year old daughter have stretch marks?

Your children most likely have stretch marks because they are going through their growth spurts. Such stretch marks are most commonly seen on the outer thighs and the back and buttocks. They can also be seen on the breasts of girls and occasionally on the upper arms.

How can a 12 year old get rid of stretch marks?

REMEDIES FOR STRETCH MARKS

1. Retinoid cream — This helps rebuild collagen in the skin, which can help make the scar tissue appear more like the undamaged skin and improve the appearance of stretch marks.
2. Light and laser therapies — These help stimulate the growth of collagen or elastin in the skin.

Are purple stretch marks permanent?

They aren't dangerous, and although they may first appear dark purple or red, they usually fade over time. If you're interested in products to improve the appearance of stretch marks, consult your dermatologist or doctor. Some of the treatments commonly used for stretch marks include: Retinoid cream.

Do stretch marks start as red dots?

New stretch marks can appear bright red at first. This is due to the stretching of the surface of your skin, and the color is only temporary. After a while, the stretch marks will fade over time, eventually turning into light pink or white.

Why do I have stretch marks on my bum at 14?

Stretch marks sometimes appear when you rapidly gain or lose weight. Teenagers may also notice stretch marks after a sudden growth spurt. Corticosteroid creams, lotions, and pills can cause stretch marks by decreasing the skin's ability to stretch.

Does scratching make stretch marks worse?

Scratching the skin might be uncomfortable but the myth of scratch causing stretch marks needs to be debunked. It just deepens the stretch marks and makes the itchiness worse.

Why are stretch marks itchy?

Most stretch marks run vertically along your body, though they can sometimes be horizontal, too. Healing skin tends to be itchy. With dermal tearing, your nerves respond by creating the itchy sensations. This is also why your stretch marks might itch after you've lost weight.

What are white stretch marks?

White stretch marks are older skin scars that are more difficult to treat than newer stretch marks. However, there are options available to reduce the appearance of your scars if you so choose. Before pursuing treatment, understand there's a possibility your stretch marks may not disappear completely.

Can Vaseline help stretch marks?

Try massaging a moisturizing cream or lotion that contains petroleum jelly into your skin using circular motions – the physical act of massaging may be beneficial for stretch marks as it can help promote new tissue growth and break down the bands of collagen that form in the underlying tissue leading to stretch marks.

Do guys love stretch marks?

What Men Love: Your Stretch Marks. "Stretch marks—especially on the hips… They're very personal and few men get to see them."

Are stretch marks bad?

Stretch marks aren't dangerous, and they often disappear over time. You can have stretch marks just about anywhere, but they're most common on your stomach, breasts, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks.

Is it normal to have stretch marks at 14?

Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for most people. People who are obese often have stretch marks. Bodybuilders can get stretch marks because of the quick body changes that can come with bodybuilding.

Do stretch marks ever go away?

What exactly is a stretch mark? Stretch marks fade with time; however, treatment may make them less noticeable more quickly. A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. The abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to rupture.

How do teens get rid of stretch marks on their thighs?

Treatments to reduce the appearance of your stretch marks include:

1. Moisturizers. Apply a vitamin-rich moisturizer, oil or lotion to your stretch marks. ...
2. Exfoliation. Regular exfoliation will remove dead skin from your thighs and can improve skin regeneration.
3. Topical creams. ...
4. Laser therapy. ...
5. Microdermabrasion.

Can stretch marks go away if you lose weight?

In some cases, stretch marks may disappear on their own after weight loss. But if your stretch marks do not fade in time, there isn't really anything you can do on your own to completely remove them. Treatment can help minimise the appearance of stretch marks.

Why do I have stretch marks on my thighs if I'm not fat?

Stretch marks happen when your body grows quickly for any reason. Your skin can't stretch enough to keep up. Collagen is a protein that makes your skin more elastic. If your skin doesn't have enough, the marks may show up as it stretches.

Are white stretch marks from losing weight?

Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches. They commonly develop when someone rapidly gains or loses weight. They are also common during pregnancy.

What are brown stretch marks?

Stretch marks are caused by changes in the elastic supportive tissue that lies just under the skin. The skin on your belly and breasts may become streaked with reddish brown, purple, or dark brown marks, depending on your skin color. Some women also get them on their buttocks, thighs, and hips.

Do stretch marks burn in the sun?

Although some people will advise you to actually sit out in the sun to reduce stretch marks, this is bad advice and can be dangerous to your skin. Stretch marks don't tan, so as the surrounding areas darken, it will actually make your stretch marks stand out more.