Stretch marks are a common skin condition that many people develop at some point in their lives. They occur when the skin is stretched rapidly, usually due to growth, weight gain, or pregnancy. New stretch marks often start out appearing pink, red, or purple. Over time, they usually fade and take on a lighter color, like white, silver, or gray. This leads many people to believe that dark or brightly colored stretch marks are newer, while lighter ones are older. But is this really the case? Let’s take a closer look at what causes the color of stretch marks and whether the color can help determine if they are new or old.
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks form when the skin is stretched beyond its capacity. This causes the middle layer of the skin, called the dermis, to tear. Stretch marks can occur on many areas of the body, but are most common on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks.
When the dermis tears, it causes a loss of elasticity in the skin. The tears also damage small blood vessels under the skin. This disruption of blood flow leads to a lack of nutrients reaching the area and an increase in waste products. These factors contribute to the change in color of stretch marks over time.
Stages of stretch marks
Stretch marks tend to progress through distinct stages:
| Stage | Appearance | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Early/new stretch marks | Slightly raised, flat lines | Usually red, pink, purple, or brightly colored |
| Developing stretch marks | Raised ridges with a wavy texture | Often remain reddish in color |
| Mature stretch marks | Flattened with a silvery appearance | Light gray, white, or silver |
As you can see, new or early stretch marks often appear darker in color, while older mature ones tend to lighten over time. But keep in mind that the duration and progression of stages can vary significantly among individuals.
Why do early stretch marks appear dark?
The dark red, purple, or pink color of new stretch marks is related to the blood vessels under the skin. When the dermis tears, small blood vessels are damaged and can leak blood and fluids into the tissue. This causes new stretch marks to often appear darker and more noticeable.
In addition, inflammation is part of the body’s healing response to the torn tissue. Inflammation triggers increased blood flow to bring healing nutrients. It also causes the release of pigment-producing cells. These factors contribute to the darker, vivid coloration of fresh stretch marks.
Why do older stretch marks fade?
Over time, the body works to heal the tears in the dermis. Damaged blood vessels are repaired. Inflammation starts to fade. This leads to decreased blood and pigment over the area. As a result, older, mature stretch marks tend to take on a lighter silvery or white appearance.
The decreased blood flow also means less nutrients reach the site. This causes the skin to appear thinner and more translucent. Loss of elasticity is also noticeable, giving more aged stretch marks a flattened look compared to newer raised ones.
Can lighter stretch marks be new?
In most cases, darker stretch marks mean they are newer, and lighter ones are older. But there are some exceptions to this pattern:
- Genetics – Some people naturally produce less pigment and may never develop reddish or purple stretch marks.
- Skin tone – Those with darker complexions can develop darker stretch marks that may not lighten as dramatically over time.
- Location – Stretch marks in areas with less blood flow, like the buttocks, may appear lighter.
- Rate of healing – The healing process happens at different rates in different people. Some may see their stretch marks lighten faster than others.
Therefore, while color is a good indicator, it’s not entirely definitive when determining the age of stretch marks. Even newer stretch marks can sometimes present with a lighter color based on individual characteristics.
Treatments for stretch marks
While it’s not possible to completely remove stretch marks, there are treatments that can help reduce their appearance and improve skin texture:
- Retinoids – Topical vitamin A creams may help stimulate collagen production and make stretch marks less noticeable.
- Laser therapy – Laser resurfacing treatments can minimize the indentation and irregular pigmentation of stretch marks.
- Microneedling – Using small needles to create micro-injuries in the skin triggers increased collagen production and helps improve the appearance of stretch marks.
- Chemical peels – Light chemical peels remove old surface skin cells, revealing newer skin and reducing the indented look of mature stretch marks.
- Microdermabrasion – This minimally invasive exfoliating treatment uses crystals to buff away surface skin cells and diminish the visibility of stretch marks.
Consistent moisturizing and exfoliation at home may also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time. While treatment can improve their look, keep in mind that stretch marks are a natural occurrence and not a medical condition that needs to be “cured.”
Prevention of stretch marks
While some degree of stretch marks is normal, there are steps you can take to potentially decrease your chances of extensive stretch marks forming:
- Gradually gain weight during pregnancy and avoid excess weight gain.
- Build muscle slowly through weight training to expand skin’s adaptive capacity.
- Keep skin moisturized daily to improve elasticity.
- Eat a balanced diet high in vitamins C, E, and A for better skin health.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Consider applying a topical cream with peptides and collagen builders during pregnancy or weight gain periods.
When to see a dermatologist
Most stretch marks do not require medical treatment. However, in some cases it’s a good idea to see a board-certified dermatologist:
- If the stretch marks cover a large area and are causing emotional distress.
- If the stretch marks are painful or itchy and not healing properly.
- If new stretch marks develop suddenly despite not gaining weight or growing.
- If you want to discuss treatment options like laser therapy or prescription retinoids.
A dermatologist can evaluate your stretch marks, determine if an underlying condition is causing them, and discuss customized treatment options. This can help when dealing with particularly severe or troublesome stretch marks.
Conclusion
In summary, the color of stretch marks can often indicate whether they are new or old. Early on, the tears in the dermis cause stretch marks to appear darker and more reddish-purple. As the body heals, less blood flow reaches the area, and stretch marks tend to lighten over time. However, some people naturally produce less coloring, and lighter stretch marks can occasionally still be new. Treatments like retinoids, microneedling, laser therapy, peels, and microdermabrasion can all help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. While their formation is largely genetic and hormonal, moisturizing skin and gaining weight steadily may help prevent excessive stretch marks. Seeing a dermatologist is recommended if they are causing significant appearance concerns or discomfort. But for the most part, stretch marks are a purely cosmetic issue that gradually fade on their own.