What stretch marks actually are
Stretch marks are not superficial scratches. They are fine lines that form when the middle layers of the skin are overloaded during rapid stretching. In dermatology they are called striae.
It's important to put them in context: stretch marks are common, harmless, and primarily a visible sign of change. They can still be distressing because they directly affect body perception.
A good medical overview of causes and classification can be found on DermNet. DermNet: Stretch marks
Why stretch marks are so common during pregnancy
During pregnancy the skin stretches over months, sometimes very quickly. At the same time hormones change the properties of connective tissue. How elastic the skin responds is strongly influenced by genetics.
This is the part many underestimate: it's not only a matter of care or discipline. Even with very good skincare, stretch marks can occur, and some people get very few even when the skin is stretched a lot.
The NHS explains causes and typical situations clearly. NHS: Stretch marks
Red, purple, white: how stretch marks change over time
New stretch marks are often reddish, purple, or darker than the surrounding skin. This is an early stage in which increased blood flow and inflammatory signals are visible.
Over time many marks fade and become lighter. They then tend to look silvery, whitish, or like fine lines in the tissue. That doesn't mean they are gone, but they often become noticeably less conspicuous.
What you can infer from the stage
- Fresh, reddish marks usually change faster than old, pale marks
- Over time the issue often becomes less visible, even without intensive treatment
- Treatments usually aim to reduce contrast more quickly, not to remove marks completely
What really helps and what are often just promises
Many people want a clear solution, ideally a cream that reverses everything. That is not realistic. Stretch marks are a form of scarring in the skin, and scars can usually only be altered to a limited extent.
That does not mean you can do nothing. The best measures are those that soothe the skin, reduce itching, and over the long term avoid increasing contrast.
Useful in everyday life
- Gentle skincare that supports the skin barrier, especially for dryness and itch
- Sunscreen, because sun can make contrasts more visible
- Low-irritation showering and avoiding harsh products if the skin is sensitive
- Patience with the course, since fading often takes months
What often disappoints
- Expensive creams that promise to remove stretch marks
- Before-and-after photos without comparable lighting and timing
- Too much friction and harsh scrubs when the skin is already irritated
A Cochrane review found no high-quality evidence that specific topical preparations reliably prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Cochrane: Topical preparations and stretch marks
Dermatological options after pregnancy
If stretch marks are causing you significant distress, dermatology can be an option. The goal is usually to improve appearance, not to remove marks completely. Success depends heavily on the age of the marks, your skin type, and the method used.
Typical procedures include laser treatments to reduce redness, microneedling to stimulate collagen, or certain topical agents. Some active ingredients are restricted during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so these options should be considered under professional supervision.
The American Academy of Dermatology provides a clear overview of treatments and expectations. AAD: Stretch marks
If you prefer a medical summary of striae, the NCBI overview is a good resource. NCBI Bookshelf: Striae distensae
Stretch marks and body image: why comparison hits so hard
Stretch marks are visible, but often the real issue is the feeling that the body no longer belongs to you. In the postpartum period and the first months the nervous system is more sensitive, and comparison pressure can hit especially hard then.
Social media often shows exceptions, not the normal course. Lighting, pose, filters, timing, and background support are rarely visible. Comparing your body two months after birth to images taken a year later is not a fair comparison.
A helpful reality check
- How do I feel after viewing this content — calmer or worse
- Which time after birth is being shown and which times are omitted
- What would be a fair standard for my body right now
The belly often stays fuller for longer and that is not automatically a problem
Many associate stretch marks with a belly that still feels soft. Both can happen at the same time, but they don't have to have the same cause. Skin, connective tissue, and the abdominal wall change at different rates.
If you feel more up-and-down in the first months, that's normal. Body perception is not just appearance. Sleep, pain, breastfeeding, stress, and daily life are major factors you cannot fully optimize away.
When it makes sense to seek evaluation
Stretch marks are usually a normal sign of pregnancy. Seeking evaluation can be worthwhile if changes happen very suddenly, are unusually wide or dark, or if additional symptoms such as extensive bruising, muscle loss, or corticosteroid use play a role.
Also, if the skin itches a lot, burns, or appears inflamed, a check is sensible so you don't mistake eczema or irritation for a normal postpartum issue.
Conclusion
Stretch marks after pregnancy are common, usually harmless, and often change visibly over months. Care can soothe, sunscreen can reduce contrast, and dermatological procedures can improve appearance in some cases. Promises that marks will disappear completely rarely hold true.
The most important point is realistic expectations: your body does not have to return quickly to how it was before to be healthy. If stretch marks cause you strong mental distress, that is a legitimate reason to seek support, just like with physical complaints.
