Ways to Prevent Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are lines that develop when skin stretches or changes quickly and the deeper supportive fibres cannot adapt at the same pace. They may appear during pregnancy, puberty, rapid muscle growth, or substantial weight change. Family tendency, hormone changes, and long-term use of some steroid medicines can also influence risk. New marks may look pink, red, purple, or darker than nearby skin before becoming lighter and less noticeable.

Keep skin comfortable with a plain moisturiser, especially when it feels dry or itchy, but do not rely on creams as a guarantee of prevention. Aim for steady, sustainable changes in weight and muscle rather than abrupt shifts, and use broad-spectrum sun protection because tanning can make contrast more visible. If marks are new or bothersome, a dermatologist can assess your skin and discuss options such as microneedling, fractional laser treatment, RF microneedling, or carboxytherapy. Suitability depends on skin tone, mark maturity, pregnancy status, and medical history.

Arrange a medical assessment if stretch marks appear suddenly without a clear growth, pregnancy, weight, or training change; become widespread; or occur with easy bruising, muscle weakness, marked facial rounding, or other new symptoms. Seek advice before using prescription creams during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. A clinician can also check whether a medicine or an underlying hormonal problem is contributing.

Ask which factors may be driving your marks, whether a current medicine could contribute, and which treatment is appropriate for their colour and age. Discuss expected improvement, the number of sessions, pigment-change risk, aftercare, and whether pregnancy or breastfeeding changes the plan.