Can You Get Stretch Marks from Losing Weight?

Have you ever worked hard to lose weight—only to discover new or more visible stretch marks on your skin? It can be frustrating and confusing, especially when most people associate stretch marks with weight gain, not weight loss. So what’s really going on here?

In this post, we’ll explore the science of stretch marks, explain why they become more visible during weight loss, and show you how to treat and prevent them—with help from products like Rejuvaskin Stretch Mark Cream.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks, or striae distensae, are actually a type of dermal scarring. They occur when the skin is stretched rapidly, causing the elastic fibers in the dermis to tear. This leads to microscopic damage in the extracellular matrix—a network that helps keep skin firm and flexible (Baumann, 2008).

This stretching most often happens during:

Rapid weight gain
Pregnancy
Puberty
Muscle growth from intense exercise
Use of certain medications like corticosteroids

At first, stretch marks appear red or purple (striae rubra) due to inflammation and blood vessel dilation. Over time, they fade into white or silvery lines (striae alba) as scar tissue replaces healthy dermal tissue (Diehl, 2021).

Yes—and no. Stretch marks don’t form during weight loss, but they often become more visible during this time. Here’s why:

When your body gains weight, your skin stretches to accommodate the new mass. If that stretching happens quickly, it can damage the dermis. These stretch marks may remain hidden beneath the stretched skin. But when you lose weight, especially rapidly, your skin deflates faster than it can rebound. The result? Previously hidden stretch marks become more pronounced, looser, and more textured (Kaufman, 2008).

What Do Weight Loss Stretch Marks Look Like?

Stretch marks after weight loss tend to look:

Loose and rippled
Soft or thin to the touch
Pink, red, or slightly shiny
In some cases, dimpled or saggy

These marks may feel more pronounced because the skin has lost the volume underneath that once smoothed them out. This change in skin texture is common after significant fat or muscle loss (Cantelli et al., 2021).

How to Treat Stretch Marks After Weight Loss

While no product can erase stretch marks entirely, many treatments can improve their appearance, texture, and color. Rejuvaskin Stretch Mark Cream is formulated to:

Support collagen and elastin regeneration
Improve skin elasticity
Fade discoloration
Reduce sagging or rippling

Scientific research supports the use of topical formulations rich in vitamins, botanical extracts, and peptides for reducing the visibility of stretch marks (Rahangdale et al., 2024).

Can You Prevent Stretch Marks?

To some degree, yes. You can reduce your risk by:

Moisturizing regularly, especially during periods of body change (e.g., pregnancy, bulking)
Using barrier-supporting ingredients like vitamin E, Centella Asiatica, and hyaluronic acid
Managing weight changes gradually when possible

Rejuvaskin Stretch Mark Cream can be used preventatively in high-risk areas—like the belly, hips, and thighs—to keep skin supple and resilient before stretching begins.

Whether stretch marks show up during weight gain or become visible after weight loss, they’re a common and normal skin response. With the right care—topical products, hydration, and healthy skin practices—you can improve their appearance and support your skin’s recovery.

Works Cited

Baumann, L. S. (2008). Stretch marks. Link.

Cantelli, M., Camela, E., Marasca, C., Fontanella, G., Blasio, C., & Fabbrocini, G. (2021). Topical oil formulation of plant extracts and vitamins as effective treatment for stretch marks and xerosis. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Link.

Diehl, C. (2021). Stretch marks: A review. Ukrainian Journal of Dermatology, Venerology, Cosmetology. Link.

Kaufman, M. (2008). Stretch marks: Using lasers, light devices for treating striae. Dermatology Times. Link.

Rahangdale, P., Dani, N., Patle, M., Nandane, P., Jain, M., & Suryavanshi, P. (2024). Developing and assessing a cream designed to remove stretch marks from “Prunus armeniaca” and “Centella asiatica.” International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology. Link.