Stretch marks are usually harmless, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to accept. Some MyObesityTeam members have shared that seeing stretch marks can cause feelings of insecurity.

“I’m unhappy about my skin — its stretch marks and loss of elasticity,” one member said. Another replied, “I discovered new stretch marks as I was changing into my pajamas. My scale says I weigh the same, but I feel like I gained 30 pounds today alone.”

Stretch marks — medically known as striae — are very common. These scars often appear when skin stretches quickly, often due to a growth spurt in adolescence or a rapid change in weight. Obesity can raise the risk of stretch marks because of these changes in body size. Obesity is a medical condition in which a person’s body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight relative to height, is 30 or higher.

If you’re bothered by your stretch marks, you might wonder if there’s a way to make them disappear. In this article, we’ll explore what causes stretch marks and whether treatments can make them less noticeable.

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are a type of scar that forms when skin stretches faster than it can grow. The middle layer of your skin (called the dermis) contains elastin and collagen — proteins that help it stay stretchy and firm. But when your body grows or changes quickly, like during weight gain or loss, those fibers can tear. As your skin heals, stretch marks appear in the area.

Often, stretch marks begin as indented, discolored lines. Depending on your skin tone, they may look pink, red, purple, blue, brown, or black. Over time, stretch marks may become glossy or turn into white or silvery streaks. Some stretch marks feel itchy or irritated.

Stretch marks commonly form on the:

• Thighs, hips, or buttocks
• Abdomen
• Breasts
• Upper arms
• Lower back

Causes of Stretch Marks

Some studies estimate that up to 43 percent of people diagnosed with obesity develop stretch marks. However, these scars don’t affect only people who are overweight or living with obesity. Stretch marks can result from any condition that causes rapid growth or weight changes, including pregnancy (affecting 43 percent to 88 percent of pregnancies) and puberty (occurring in 6 percent to 86 percent of adolescents).

According to Mayo Clinic, other risk factors for stretch marks include:

• Bodybuilding or steroid use for muscle gain
• Female sex
• Breast enlargement surgery
• Long-term use of corticosteroids such as prednisone
• Family history of stretch marks

Even though stretch marks are common, some people are more likely to get them. Genetics, hormone levels, and stress all play roles. When you’re stressed, your body makes more cortisol, a hormone that can weaken your skin’s elastic fibers.

Certain rare genetic disorders can also raise the risk of stretch marks. For example, Marfan syndrome affects the body’s connective tissue and can make people very tall. Cushing’s syndrome, which is caused by having too much cortisol for too long, can lead to weight gain.

Managing Stretch Marks

You don’t need to do anything about stretch marks unless they bother you. They aren’t harmful and don’t pose any health risk.

However, stretch marks can affect how you feel about your body. You might also worry about how others may see you. You may wonder, “Can obesity stretch marks go away? Will stretch marks go away after losing weight?”

Stretch marks tend to become less noticeable over time and usually begin to fade within six months to a year. However, the scars may never completely disappear. If your stretch marks are upsetting you or you’re curious about treatment, talk with a dermatologist (skin doctor), an obesity specialist, or another healthcare provider. They can explain your options.

Some treatments can help make stretch marks — especially new ones — less visible, but there’s not a lot of evidence to support their effectiveness. Research shows mixed results, and no treatment works for everyone.

Retinoid Creams

Topical retinoid creams, such as tretinoin, are made from vitamin A and applied directly to the skin. These creams may improve the appearance of stretch marks by boosting collagen to help keep skin smooth.

Tretinoin is available only by prescription and seems to work best on newer stretch marks. Some studies have shown that using tretinoin cream for six months led to improvements. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to talk with your doctor before using retinoid creams, which can have side effects that may affect a baby.

Laser Therapy

Also called laser skin resurfacing, laser therapy may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Laser treatment involves aiming a focused beam of light to target stretch marks in quick pulses. Top layers of the skin are removed, which prompts collagen production and can make skin feel smoother and firmer.

Unlike topical creams, laser therapy may bring quick results after a period of healing. Your skin may also continue improving for months after the treatment. For some people, results can last for several years. Possible side effects include swelling, skin discoloration, and milia (small white bumps).

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. A special tool gently removes the outer layers of skin, and as the area heals, smoother skin appears. (This treatment is different from microdermabrasion, which works only on the surface and isn’t helpful for stretch marks.)

Dermabrasion tends to work best on lighter skin tones. Darker skin is more likely to develop discoloration and scarring.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive way to help damaged skin repair itself. During this procedure, a tool with very fine needles makes tiny holes in the top layer of skin. This prompts the body’s natural healing process and boosts the production of elastin and collagen.

It generally takes three to six treatments to see results. Some stretch marks fade within four to six months, but full results can take longer — and the marks might not go away completely. Possible side effects include skin discoloration, flakiness, irritation, and swelling.

At-Home Remedies

If you’d like to try getting rid of your stretch marks at home, a few options may help as part of your self-care routine. These approaches include:

• Hyaluronic acid — A moisturizing ingredient that may help make stretch marks less noticeable
• Aloe vera gel — A substance often used to soothe skin and support healing
• Centella asiatica — An herb found in some creams that may help improve skin texture

If you choose to try an at-home remedy, gently massage the product into your stretch marks daily. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks before you see any changes, and results vary from person to person.

Many people use coconut, olive, or almond oil or cocoa butter on their skin. However, there’s no evidence that these popular moisturizers help fade stretch marks.

Speak With Your Doctor

If your stretch marks are bothering you, talk with your healthcare provider about possible treatment options. Some strategies can help but may require multiple sessions, cost a lot, work better on certain skin types, or take time to show results.

If you’re pregnant or nursing, be sure to check with your doctor before starting any treatments. Some products and procedures aren’t recommended during this time because of their possible side effects.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyObesityTeam is the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones. On MyObesityTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with obesity.

Do you have stretch marks? How do they make you feel? Have you tried any stretch mark treatments? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.