Stretch marks Symptoms & Causes

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Treatments

Conditions

The symptoms

Visible skin streaks

Prominent lines that are a different texture or color than the skin around it.

These lines tend to occur in high-stretch areas such as the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts and arms.

Skin feels thin or with paper-like texture

May seem 'a little off' compared to the surrounding skin.

The stretchmark area may feel slightly different from normal skin.
In some cases, the skin can feel softer or more fragile, especially if the marks are recent.

Itching or irritation

Some stretch marks can be itchy.

This may take place when the skin is rapidly expanding or recovering, but it normally go away over time.

Color changes over time

Might be red or purple when they first appear and then become pale or silvery.

This fading is a natural part of how stretchmarks heal, but the texture often remains.

When to see a doctor?

Consultation Is The Key

When to See a Doctor About Stretch Marks

Stretch Marks aren’t harmful and they typically do not require medical treatment. But if you are unhappy with its appearance or they’re caused by a medical condition for example, hormonal imbalance or sudden weight changes, it’s ideal to see a skincare professional.

Seeking Professional Help for Stretch Marks

At Harley Street Skin Clinic, we put the confidence back into the hands of our patients. Our experts provide personalized solutions, considering your skin type, the severity of your stretch marks and your preference.

Advised treatments

Innopen

Skin Treatment

Chemical-peels

Skin Treatment

Hair Treatment

The causes

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch Marks develop when the skin pulls apart too quickly for collagen and elastin to synthesis. These are the key skin proteins that tear and produce lines when they heal. Hormonal changes, genetics and mechanical stretching all play a role.
The Risk Factors

The risk factors

What Are the Factors That Lead to Stretch Marks?

It is more common if you have rapid changes in your body. The skin structure is depleted of its basic components by hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy and adolescence. Risk is also higher with long-term use of corticosteroids or an underlying condition, such as Cushing’s syndrome.

The complications

Overall Impact

Understanding Stretch Mark Complications

Body Image Issues
Visible stretch marks can make people feel self-conscious or hesitant to wear certain clothing.
Emotional Stress
Constant awareness of their appearance may impact confidence or self-esteem.

Skin Texture Changes
An impacted area may seem rougher or thinner than the skin around it.
Hyperpigmentation
Marks can be darker or less commonly lighter than your skin’s normal color.

The prevention

Keep Skin Well Moisturized

How does moisturizing prevent stretch marks?

Moisturization helps the skin to adapt during growth or change. Using lotions or oils that contain shea butter, hyaluronic acid or vitamin E may help reduce your risk of developing stretch marks.

Maintain a healthy weight

Slow weight changes mean that your skin has time to adapt and generate new collagen, which in turn will minimise the stress on the tissue that causes tears and stretch marks.

Follow a healthy diet

Nutrients such vitamin C, zinc, and protein support collagen production and enhance skin repair while promoting skin’s elasticity, which ensures skin can stretch more safely.

Work out regularly

Regular exercise keeps weight in check and tones the skin’s supportive tissue to avoid sudden strains which can result in marks.

Use Collagen Boosting Topical Products

Ingredients such as peptides and retinol stimulate the production of collagen, enhancing skin strength and minimising the risk of stretch marks while stretching.

Massage stretch-prone areas regularly

It increases blood flow and skin flexibility.

How can massaging on a regular basis help with prevention?

Gentle massage stimulates the circulation and lymph flow which increases the skin’s comfort during the hormonal changes that can occur during pregnancy and helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Limit use of corticosteroid creams

Long-term use can reduce skin thickness and collagen levels, making the skin fragile and more likely to develop stretch marks even with slight stretching.

Wear supportive clothing during pregnancy

Wearing maternity clothes supports the belly for less stress on the skin.

Supportive clothing also helps to spread out your weight and lessen pressure on your stomach and hips, limiting the chances of skin stretching too fast.