Your stretch marks will most likely never completely disappear, but they can fade with time, especially when properly treated.
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Stretch marks are rippled streaks, called striae by the medical profession, which most commonly appear on the stomach, breasts, buttocks, thighs, and upper arms. They appear when the skin is stretched too fast, and the underlying connective tissue is torn.
While pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stretch marks, [1,2] over 25% of sufferers are men.* Events potentially leading to stretch marks include growth spurts during puberty, sudden weight gain, or a rapid increase in muscle mass.
The appearance of stretch marks depends on the skin type and color as well as on the age of the mark. On pale skin, fresh stretch marks can appear red, pink or purplish-blue and the skin may appear very thin or slightly raised, and might be itchy. Older stretch marks appear more scar-like, silvery or white, thinner and rather indented. On darker skin, stretch marks usually appear whitish or darker than the surrounding skin.
If you are wondering whether your stretch marks might ever go away, unfortunately the answer is no. Stretch marks do not usually completely disappear, but don’t give up just yet! They do usually fade with time, especially when properly treated.
The best treatment for stretch marks is to keep your skin well hydrated. Skin that is moisturized and supple has more elasticity and can rebound better. There are several natural and cosmetic options that can help make stretch marks less visible.[3]
The most common treatments are over-the-counter topical creams or oils. The Mederma® portfolio contains an over-the-counter treatment for stretch marks and a cosmetic multi-use oil for stretch marks.
Stretch marks may fade naturally but often won’t disappear completely. Using topical treatments can help to keep skin moisturized and reduce their appearance. If a topical product is still not enough, you may consult your dermatologist to discuss more drastic solutions, such as laser, radio and ultrasound therapy.[3]
*HRA internal
