Stretch marks are among the most common skin concerns seen in clinical practice, yet they remain widely misunderstood. They are a structural change within the dermis, not a reflection of poor skin health, and can affect anyone at any stage of life.
Understanding what type you have and what caused them is the starting point for finding the right stretch marks treatment and improving their appearance.
What are the types of stretch marks?
Stretch marks, clinically known as striae distensae, are classified by their age and appearance.
Striae rubrae are the earlier form. They present as raised, reddish or purplish linear marks running perpendicular to skin tension. At this stage, the dermis retains some vascularity, which is why these marks tend to respond more readily to treatment.
Striae albae are the mature form. Over months to years, they flatten and fade to pale, atrophic, scar-like lines. The dermis shows reduced vascularity, epidermal thinning and densely packed horizontal collagen bundles, making them more resistant, though improvements in texture and surface quality remain achievable.
In individuals with deeper skin tones, marks may also present with darker pigmentation, referred to as striae nigrae or striae caeruleae.
Common causes of stretch marks
Stretch marks form when the dermis is stretched faster than it can accommodate, disrupting the collagen and elastin fibre network. Common contributing factors include:
- Pregnancy, affecting approximately 50 to 90 per cent of women, with marks typically appearing on the abdomen, breasts and thighs
- Puberty, when rapid growth over a short period commonly affects the thighs, hips and lower back
- Rapid weight changes, which place sustained mechanical stress on the dermis
- Prolonged corticosteroid use, which weakens dermal connective tissue over time
- Intense muscle growth, often seen in those training at high volume
Hormonal factors also play a role, influencing fibroblast activity and collagen breakdown, helping explain why some individuals develop them more readily than others.
Stretch mark treatments
No treatment fully reverses striae distensae. What evidence-based treatments can achieve is a meaningful improvement in the appearance of texture, tone and surface skin quality. Results often vary between individuals, and a clinical assessment is always required before any treatment is recommended.
Cosmeceutical skincare
Medical-grade formulations containing retinol, glycolic acid and peptides can help manage the appearance of early stretch marks with consistent use. Retinol has been studied for its role in skin cell turnover and surface texture. These products work gradually and are most effective within a clinician-guided plan.
Microneedling
Microneedling creates controlled micro-channels in the skin, stimulating the skin’s natural collagen induction response. Clinical research has demonstrated improvements in the appearance of both mark types, with earlier striae generally showing a stronger response. Multiple sessions scheduled several weeks apart are typically required to allow adequate skin recovery.
Laser resurfacing
Fractional laser technologies create precise columns of thermal energy within the dermis to support collagen and elastin remodelling. Research supports their use across both stretch mark types, with fractional CO2 laser among the more studied options. Parameters are always selected based on skin type, mark maturity and individual suitability.
Why choose Muse Institute of Aesthetic Medicine
Every consultation at Muse begins with a thorough clinical assessment. Stretch marks treatment plans are built around what the evidence supports for your presentation, not a standard protocol.
Our dermal clinicians hold Bachelor of Dermal Science degrees, a university-level qualification that is exceptionally rare within a single clinic. Under the clinical oversight of Dr Stephen Lowe No. (MED0001207553), a globally recognised educator and researcher in aesthetic medicine, every treatment is guided by a standard of care focused on long-term skin health.
Book a consultation
To discuss your skin concerns with a qualified clinician, book a consultation with our team. We see patients for a wide range of issues at Muse, and you are welcome to explore other treatments such as Profractional and Halo resurfacing.
