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It’s not our favorite thing in the world, but let’s face it: Stretch marks are a part of life. Anyone who’s gained and/or lost a significant amount of weight, has been pregnant, or basically anyone who’s been alive knows what stretch marks are. They’re incredibly common, and so is the wish to get rid of stretch marks entirely. But is that even possible?
There are a few methods out there that people have tried — and different products that claim to banish stretch marks forever. But what causes stretch marks, and how do you get them to go away? Here’s what everyone needs to know, beyond the myths.
What is a stretch mark and what causes them?
Though most of us can recognize a stretch mark when we see them, they’re a little more complicated than that. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a stretch mark is a narrow scar that appears on skin when it has been stretched or shrinks quickly. This change in our skin causes collagen and elastin to rupture, and as the skin heals, these marks — which are usually red, brown, or purple and slightly raised — begin to appear. Over time, they’ll fade and may become less noticeable.
Stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the skin, and are particularly common in women in their third trimester of pregnancy. As the Mayo Clinic has reported, those with genetic disorders like Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome are predisposed to stretch marks, and so are those who use corticosteroids and those who come from families where stretch marks are common.
How to treat stretch marks
Those of us who are expecting to see stretch marks on our bodies can take preventative measures that may stop them from showing up or from appearing quite as dark when they do show up. The American Pregnancy Association recommends keeping skin hydrated by drinking water, as well as incorporating things like exercise (which helps with circulation) and moisturizing with a product like Bio-Oil to keep skin supple.
There are also several different stretch mark treatments out there that could be worth pursuing. Although there are many creams on the market, the Mayo Clinic advises that retinoid cream is most effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks, along with laser therapy.
Some doctors believe that the more high tech options out there are more effective. Plastic surgeon Dr. Manish Shaw told Good Housekeeping that microneedling is the way to go. “Microneedling improves the color and appearance of stretch marks by creating tiny pinhole injuries in the stretch mark itself,” he said. “The skin responds by making new collagen, filling in the broken dermal layer. As the dermal layer expands, the color fades because the skin thickens and the tiny blood vessels that give early stretch marks their pink/purple color retreat.”
Do stretch marks go away?
Unfortunately, since stretch marks are scars, they are permanent — but in many cases, they do fade on their own and become less visible over time, especially by using treatments meant to help reduce their appearance. It can certainly be difficult to make peace with our stretch marks, but some moms have found it helpful to think of them as a badge of honor.
“The one thing I’m most proud of is being a mother. Nothing I have ever accomplished in my life comes even remotely close to the joy I feel about being a mom,” Dee Trillo wrote for Mom.com. “I want my children to know that I bear my scars with love, because they symbolize the connection between them and me.”
Stretch marks are totally normal, and according to CBS News, about 80% of Americans have them, which means you’re in good company. They might come with complicated feelings, like any body change would, but you’re definitely not alone.
