Stretch marks: normal skin changes and cosmetic options

They are not a hygiene problem and do not need treatment merely because they are visible. Cosmetic procedures may soften colour or texture, but they do not restore skin to an untouched appearance.

Stretch marks, or striae, form when supporting tissue in the skin changes during periods such as growth, pregnancy, muscle gain or body-size change. Hormonal factors and corticosteroid exposure can also influence their development.

New marks may look pink, red, purple or brown depending on skin tone. They often become lighter and slightly indented as they mature. Common sites include the abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts, upper arms and lower back.

Moisturiser can reduce dryness and itch but cannot erase established marks. Sun protection may reduce contrast between the marks and surrounding skin. Avoid forceful home needling or unregulated creams, which can cause infection, irritation or unwanted pigment change.

For cosmetic improvement, a dermatologist may discuss microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling, fractional laser treatment or another approach based on mark age, colour, skin tone and scarring tendency. More than one session may be proposed, and improvement is gradual rather than complete.

See a clinician if broad stretch marks appear suddenly without an expected period of growth or body change, especially alongside easy bruising, muscle weakness, facial rounding or use of corticosteroid tablets, injections or strong creams. The pattern can guide assessment for an underlying hormonal or medicine-related cause.

Get advice after a procedure if you develop worsening pain, blisters, pus, spreading redness or a wound that is not closing.

Ask which feature is most likely to improve: colour, depth or texture. Discuss how the treatment interacts with your skin tone, whether you tend to develop dark marks or raised scars, what aftercare is required, and what result would count as worthwhile for you.