Stretch Marks

Teenagers get them. Pregnant women may experience them. Individuals who frequently gain and lose weight also do. Stretch marks appear when the skin stretches, and even though it can be elastic, there is a limit. If the pressure exceeds the skin's capacity, it ruptures. A stretch mark is precisely this rupture of the skin. It is a skin concern that will likely appear in your life at some point. However, numerous methods for preventing and softening these well-known (and dreaded) skin lines have also emerged. While some people may not realize it, stretch mark treatments are quite effective and can make them far less visible. See some interesting facts about this issue, as well as treatment options.

Indeed, women are more affected by stretch marks than men. This is due to the fact that women have two hormones – progesterone and estrogen – which are primarily responsible for the rupture of the skin's elastic fibers. Men suffer from this problem when they gain a lot of weight (the abdomen and arms are the most affected areas) and their skin is not well-hydrated. Dry skin impairs its natural elasticity, and when the skin needs to stretch, there is a greater propensity for elastic fibers to rupture, leading to the appearance of stretch marks.

Initially, when they first appear, stretch marks are reddish/pinkish. It is at this stage that they are easiest to treat. If you consult a dermatologist promptly, the right cream can eliminate them faster. When they become whitish (or pearlescent, as some describe them), it's because they are already 'mature,' and the treatment needs to be more intensive, takes longer, and may involve chemical peels.

Gaining and losing weight: Stretch marks tend to appear more often in individuals who consistently gain and lose weight, known as the 'yo-yo effect.' This occurs because, with weight gain, epidermal cells do not have enough time to duplicate in proportion to the demands of new fat cells. Thus, stretch marks appear in areas where weight gain is most significant, such as the buttocks, abdomen, arms, thighs, and breasts.

Growth spurt phase: During rapid growth in puberty and adolescence, the body needs time to adapt to the growth of organs. When this doesn't happen, stretch marks appear. This is why many adolescents, even thin ones, develop stretch marks.

Rapid muscle gain: When muscles develop too quickly, they can excessively stretch the skin, causing its fibers to rupture. The result? Stretch marks! Therefore, avoid taking supplements on your own. If you want to build muscle, it's best to consult with both a physical trainer and a nutritionist. This way, you minimize risks.

Using creams, keeping the skin consistently hydrated, being careful with excess weight, and not sunbathing without sunscreen help prevent them. Pregnancy: Pregnancy hormones combined with weight gain and abdominal growth can lead to the appearance of stretch marks. Therefore, it is crucial to control weight (ideally, gaining one kilogram per month) and keep the skin hydrated with potent moisturizing oils and creams. Nowadays, there are specific products for pregnant women's skin, so opt for those, as they are more effective.

Skin dehydration: Excessive sun exposure can contribute to the appearance of stretch marks. The sun makes fibers more fragile and compromises their properties. Very hot baths that remove the protective layer of the skin and a lack of hydration also facilitate the appearance of stretch marks.

Always use moisturizers and oils with hydrating properties (those based on urea, grapeseed oil, and almond oil are the most potent) after bathing because that's when the skin absorbs the product most easily – this is the first step to avoiding them. Likewise, control your weight, avoid excessively hot baths, and unprotected sun exposure. And remember: at the first sign of a stretch mark, schedule a consultation with your doctor. The faster you start addressing the issue, the faster and easier it will fade from your skin.

Several types of treatments yield results. Forget the myth that stretch marks are incurable. However, only your dermatologist can indicate with 100% certainty; there's no point in requesting a chemical peel, for example, without consultation. The most effective ones are:

Fractional CO2 Laser: This laser is ideal for more mature, whitish stretch marks, as it creates micro-perforations in the skin, which responds with collagen regeneration. You need a minimum of three sessions at bi-weekly or monthly intervals to see results.

Pulsed Light: This is a type of laser that treats reddish and brown skin lesions and micro-vessels. It is ideal for fading stretch marks in their initial phase. Five to eight sessions are typically required.

This content is part of Clínica Revitalize's commitment to translating science into accessible clinical practice — without losing rigor or depth.