Whether it’s from rapid weight gain, intense muscle building, or the rapid pace of aging, stretch marks can affect anyone. These characteristic skin changes occur when our skin reaches the limits of its elasticity. Find out everything you need to know here!
Stretch marks (medically: striae cutis distensae) are permanent skin scars that occur when collagen fibers in the tissue tear due to rapid stretching. They tend to develop on areas of the body with dense subcutaneous fatty tissue such as the breasts, hips and thighs. Stretch marks can appear equally in women and men. However, women are more frequently affected as hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy and puberty, affect the connective tissue and make the skin more elastic.
As a rule, stretch marks are not a medical problem. They are often a cosmetic concern, which can make sufferers feel uncomfortable in their skin, as they usually occur on exposed areas of the body. But note: a metabolic disorder called Cushing’s syndrome can also cause stretch marks, along with other symptoms, so in very rare cases they can be indicative of such a condition.
Stretch marks are caused by rapid stretching of the skin, which causes collagen fibers in the tissue to tear. This happens during pregnancy, weight gain or rapid growth when the elasticity of the skin is exceeded.
The most common causes are
The first signs of stretch marks are pink-reddish, stripe-like lines on the skin that feel slightly raised. At this early stage, they may be itchy or tight. Stretch marks usually appear on areas with dense subcutaneous fatty tissue such as the breasts, hips, thighs or stomach.
Typical identifying features:
Important: The earlier stretch marks are detected, the better they can be treated, as the collagen fibers are not yet fully scarred.
Stretch marks do not disappear completely on their own, but can fade and become less visible over time. Fresh pink-reddish stripes are easier to treat than older white stretch marks, as the scarring process is not complete.
Stretch marks can be significantly reduced with consistent skin care (special creams, oils or ointments), regular massages (to promote blood circulation and improve the skin’s elasticity) and peelings, which remove dead skin cells and stimulate cell renewal. However, the most effective treatments are professional medical treatments such as microneedling, radio frequency microneedling or laser treatments, which specifically improve the skin structure and stimulate collagen production.
Usually stretch marks are not a medical problem and therefore do not need to be treated. However, it is absolutely understandable that some people may want treatment for visual reasons in order to rid their skin of scarring. Especially if you are restricted in your everyday life because you no longer dare to expose the affected areas, treatment can be useful. However, it is important to clarify the expectations. This is because several treatments are usually necessary to visibly reduce the stripes. And beware: unfortunately, complete removal of the strips is not possible with any medical procedure.
Last update: 07.10.2025
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