Stretch Mark Myths

Pregnancy, growth spurts and rapid weight gain can change your life and your body forever. A reminder of these experiences can appear as fine lines or scars on the skin where the collagen has been disrupted otherwise known as stretch marks. Stretch marks are small tears in the skin that form in the tissue that supports the skin and helps it stretch. Stretch marks represent the tearing or separation of collagen from the skin when tearing occurs. Stretch marks may show up as reddish or purplish lines that may appear indented and have a different texture from the surrounding skin. They are not harmful or painful and fortunately, stretch marks often turn lighter and almost disappear over time. Stretch marks can appear almost anywhere, but tend to pop up on the breasts, thighs, hips, and butt. There are so many common misconceptions out there about these lingering beasts that the stigma surrounding them is blown to outrageous proportions.
Common Myths about Stretch Marks
1. Only pregnant women get stretch marks-FALSE
More than half of women get them during the last trimester of pregnancy, but some women start to develop them as soon as their bellies start growing. It is not uncommon for women to get them during puberty and growth spurts as well.And while they're more common in women, men can get stretch marks, too. Men who do a lot of weight lifting and build muscle quickly are particularly susceptible to developing them. Men who gain weight quickly for other reasons are also at risk.
2. I can prevent them with creams and lotions-FALSE

There are a ton of lotions and creams on the market that promise to prevent and diminish the appearance and likelihood of stretch marks. However, whether or not you get them at all, or the number of stretch marks you end up with, depends on how elastic your skin is. The elasticity of your skin usually relates to your genetic make up. If you’re concerned about accruing stretch marks during pregnancy, take a look at your mother’s tummy. I if she’s got them, then guess what? You’re a prime candidate.

3. If my mom has them, I will definitely get them.-FALSE

The amount of weight you gain can also contribute to your likelihood of stretch marks. If your mom gained sixty pounds during pregnancy and has a lot of stretch marks, don’t use her as a basis of comparison if you only gained twenty five pounds. You can fight genetics by keeping hydrated.
4. Stretch marks go away once you lose the weight.-FALSE
Some stretch marks do fade away after you lose the weight you gained, but most have a tendency to hang around. Skin that has thinned and stretched to form stretch marks does not easily return to normal because the texture has been compromised.

5. There is NO WAY to prevent them-FALSE

Water tends to increase the skins elasticity by moisturizing it from the inside out; this may help decrease the amount of stretch marks your body is naturally prone to. Vitamin E is also a long time contributor to skin elasticity. Many lotions and creams on the market boast this skin saving ingredient and, though these may help reduce some stretch marks, there are no scientific studies to support this claim.

Keep in mind the more weight you gain during pregnancy the more likely you are to have stretch marks. Doctors recommend most women gain between 25 and 35 pounds. Gaining much more than this can cause you to develop more stretch marks.

Normally the skin is elastic and capable of stretching quite a bit however, for some women the changes that occur during pregnancy are very dramatic, and these rapid fluctuations of weight and skin stretching can result in stretch marks.
Women carrying multiples are more likely to get stretch marks because their bellies tend to grow much larger than women with single pregnancies. Other women likely to develop stretch marks include women who gain a lot of weight quickly during their pregnancy and women who carry big babies. 6. Only plastic surgery can treat stretch marks.-FALSE
There are many ways to treat stretch marks besides plastic surgery. Topical creams, Chemical peels, and laser therapy are just a few of your options. Many topical lotions and cream products work to firm and tighten the skin. This tightening may lessen the appearance of existing stretch marks by minimizing discoloration and depth. Topicals like Retin-A, hydroxyl creams, and products like StriVectin-SD tighten skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels both can be used to minimally improve the appearance of scars, reduce discoloration, and smooth uneven skin surfaces.
Lasers have recently gained popularity to reduce the color and depth of stretch marks. During Laser Scar Reduction, the light from a laser is used to actually cut away the compromised collagen.
You can also opt for a non invasive and simple solution. Some people find that sunless tanning treatments can help successfully hide stretch marks. This may not work for regular tanning or tanning beds, though, because stretch marks themselves are less likely to tan. You also can buy body makeup matched to the tone of your skin that can make stretch marks almost invisible. A popular brand to try is Dermablend.


Stretch marks are a part of life for many people and though they can be a nuisance, they are completely cosmetic and not harmful at all.