What should you know about hiding stretch marks?

Stretch marks, also called striae, form when skin stretches or changes quickly and supporting fibres are altered. They may appear during pregnancy, puberty, weight change, or muscle growth, and can occur on the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, or upper arms. Early marks may look pink, red, purple, or brown before becoming lighter and less noticeable. They are not a sign that the skin is dirty, and ordinary moisturisers may improve comfort without erasing the lines.

Body makeup or self-tanner can temporarily blend colour differences; patch-test products and avoid applying them to irritated or broken skin. Daily moisturiser can reduce dryness and itch, while sun protection helps limit contrast between a mark and surrounding skin. A dermatologist can discuss procedures according to the mark's colour, texture, age, and your skin tone. Options may include Carboxytherapy, Microneedling, Fractional Laser Treatment, or RF Microneedling. Several sessions may be needed, and improvement is gradual rather than immediate.

Arrange a dermatology review if marks appear suddenly without an obvious body change, spread rapidly, itch intensely, bruise easily, or follow prolonged use of a steroid medicine. Seek advice before treating recently inflamed, infected, or sunburned skin. A clinician can check that the lines are stretch marks and select settings that reduce the chance of prolonged redness or pigment changes.

Which option fits the colour and texture of my marks? How many visits might I need, and what downtime should I plan for? Could my skin tone or current medicines change the risk of darkening or lightening? What home care should I use before and after treatment?