What should you know about different stretch marks?

Stretch marks, or striae, form when skin stretches or changes faster than its supporting tissue can adapt. New marks may be pink, red, purple or darker than surrounding skin and can feel slightly raised or itchy. Older marks often fade towards a lighter shade and may become indented or finely wrinkled. They can occur on the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms or back.

Growth, pregnancy, weight change, muscle gain and some medicines can be associated with their appearance. They are common and not a sign that the skin is unclean. Creams and moisturisers may improve comfort and dryness, but they do not restore the original skin structure.

A clinician can assess the colour, depth, age and skin tone before suggesting a plan. Options may include microneedling, fractional laser treatment, RF microneedling or carboxytherapy. These approaches work differently and may need a series of appointments, with gradual changes rather than an instant result. Healing time, pigment changes and suitability during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed before treatment.

Use gentle skincare while marks are irritated, avoid picking and protect exposed areas from ultraviolet light. Take photographs in consistent lighting if you want to track change, because hydration and lighting can alter how marks appear from day to day.

Arrange medical advice if stretch-like marks appear suddenly over a large area, occur with easy bruising, muscle weakness or other unexplained body changes, or follow use of a steroid medicine. Seek review for severe itch, pain, oozing or signs of infection rather than assuming the change is a stretch mark.

Are these stretch marks new or established? Which option fits my skin tone, location and texture? What healing changes should I expect? How will you reduce the chance of prolonged redness or pigment change?