Concerns · Body
Red and white stretch marks: causes and treatments
Stretch marks are linear scars that form when the skin is stretched quickly and collagen and elastin fibers break, as in adolescent growth spurts, pregnancy and weight changes. Recent stretch marks are red or purplish and respond better to treatment; older ones turn white. Laser, microneedling radiofrequency, microneedling and intense pulsed light improve texture and color. At Yamagata Dermatologia, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, the plan is defined by a dermatologist at the appointment.
Why it happens
When the skin is stretched beyond its capacity, the collagen and elastin fibers of the dermis break, and the body forms a linear scar. This happens during adolescent growth spurts, pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss and muscle mass gain. Hormonal factors and corticosteroid use also increase the risk.
At first, stretch marks are red or purplish, due to inflammation and blood vessels; over time, they become white with a wrinkled appearance.
How the evaluation is done
The dermatologist assesses the color, width, depth and location of the stretch marks, as well as the skin type, to choose and combine treatments.
Recommended treatments
- Erbium laserSkin renewal and collagen stimulation in stretch marks.
- Evolla® XLMicroneedling radiofrequency for white and red stretch marks.
- MicroneedlingCollagen stimulation, with the option of delivering active ingredients.
- Intense pulsed lightRecent red stretch marks, to reduce the color.
Combined treatments
For red stretch marks, intense pulsed light can be combined with collagen-stimulating techniques. For white ones, combining laser, microneedling radiofrequency and microneedling is a frequent option, defined at the evaluation.
All procedures are recommended and performed after an individual medical evaluation. Results vary from person to person.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can stretch marks be cured?
Stretch marks can improve a lot in texture, color and width, but they rarely disappear completely. Recent red ones respond better.
Do creams prevent stretch marks in pregnancy?
Moisturizing the skin can help, but whether stretch marks form depends a lot on genetics and how fast the belly grows. Some creams are contraindicated in pregnancy; the doctor recommends safe products.
Can I treat stretch marks during pregnancy?
Most treatments are done after pregnancy and breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the focus is on moisturizing with safe products.
Can white stretch marks be treated?
Yes. Laser, microneedling radiofrequency and microneedling stimulate collagen and improve the texture of white stretch marks, although the response is slower than with recent ones.
Team
Medical team
See also