Stretch marks caused by weight loss are common and normal. While many people find them beautiful, not everyone loves the look of tiger stripes. If that’s the case, there are many effective ways to prevent and treat them.
Stretch marks (also called striae) are stripes that form when the skin stretches, usually due to rapid changes in weight. They can occur during pregnancy, weight gain, and in some cases, even during weight loss. Stretch marks also come in a variety of colors, from silvery white to angry reddish purple. They’re completely normal, but may not be part of the look you want.
Here’s a guide to preventing and reducing the appearance of stretch marks during weight loss.
Do stretch marks become more noticeable after losing weight?
Many people claim that weight loss doesn’t actually cause stretch marks. However, according to plastic surgeon Alexis Parcells, MD, FACS, founder of SUNNIE Skincare, any rapid change in weight can cause stretch marks.
“With rapid fluctuations in weight, your skin may not have enough time to shrink properly, which can lead to stretch marks,” she says. "Also, depending on genetics and external factors like diet and hydration, you may be prone to losing skin elasticity, which can worsen the appearance of stretch marks."
So not only can rapid weight loss or gain cause stretch marks, but they can also form in areas where your skin sags and loosens after you lose weight.
How to Avoid Stretch Marks When Losing Weight
Unfortunately, you can't completely avoid stretch marks unless you're ✨genetically blessed✨. However, there are ways to reduce your risk. Parcells recommends the following:
Drink Enough
Drinking water helps maintain skin elasticity. Drink plenty of water during your weight loss journey. Drinking enough water can actually help you lose weight.
Moisturizer
A good moisturizer is an important part of your daily skin care regimen for preventing stretch marks.
Eat Healthy
Parcells also explains that a high-quality diet rich in vitamins and minerals can play a key role in preventing stretch marks. They provide everything your skin cells need to stay healthy.
Make sure your diet contains plenty of protein, such as eggs, salmon, beans, or legumes. You can also add healthy fats and a variety of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to your plate.
Lose Weight Slowly
Slow weight loss is more likely to be sustainable and healthy, and less likely to lead to weight gain again. "Gradual weight loss can help the skin adjust to your changing body and reduce the risk of stretch marks," Parcells says.
Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Removing Stretch Marks After Losing Weight
So can you get rid of stretch marks after reaching your goal weight? Here's what Parcells had to say.
"While there is no magic bullet that will completely eliminate stretch marks, there are solutions that can help reduce their appearance," she says. "The goal is to break down the dermis of the skin to increase the production of collagen and elastin."
Collagen and elastin form the matrix that makes up the skin. Therefore, treatments that stimulate the production of these compounds can help promote the turnover of "stretch mark" skin cells and replace them with new, healthy cells.
Here are the treatments Parcells recommends:
Aggressive Skin Care
"Look for products with high concentrations of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and retinol, which can increase cell turnover and improve skin texture and tone," Parcells says.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments, available at medical spas, dermatology clinics, and some cosmetic surgery clinics, may also be helpful. However, keep in mind that this may require multiple treatments and care.
Chemical Peels
Many medical spas, dermatology clinics, and cosmetic surgery offices offer these treatments.
“The technique works by stimulating the top layer of the skin, increasing cell turnover and minimizing the appearance of stretch marks,” Parcells says.
Surgery
For some people, surgery is a last resort. “In some cases, stretch marks can be completely removed,” Parcells says. “For example, if your stretch marks are concentrated on your lower abdomen and you get a tummy tuck, they are essentially cut out and permanently removed.”
Learn to Love Your Tiger Stripes
Stretch marks are normal. Unless you’re one of the few with a genetic predisposition to resist stretch marks, or your stretch marks can be permanently removed with surgery (and you’re able and willing to undergo such a procedure), your stretch marks are here to stay.
You may be able to minimize their appearance or prevent new ones from forming, but it’s still important to learn to love your body (stretch marks and all). Her “tiger stripes” tell a story—one of struggle, perseverance, and ultimate triumph. Accept them!
Don’t let social media get you down, either—especially in the spring and summer when everyone’s showing off their grit. Many of your favorite influencers probably have stretch marks too…they just cut them out of their photos.
Bottom line:
Rapid changes in body weight, including weight loss, can cause stretch marks to appear or make them more noticeable. You can prevent new stretch marks or minimize their appearance by staying hydrated, using a moisturizer with retinol or vitamin C, eating a healthy diet, and losing weight slowly. But remember, stretch marks are normal and don’t need to be hidden. You deserve those stripes!
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