Stretch marks — medically known as striae distensae — are a form of dermal scarring that affects up to 90% of pregnant women, 70% of adolescent girls, and 40% of adolescent boys (Oakley & Patel, 2018). Despite being extremely common, many people still wonder: What type of stretch marks do I have — and can I treat them?

Stretch marks are classified in two main ways:

1. By cause

2. By color and stage of healing

Understanding the type you have helps determine the most effective treatment approach.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks develop when the skin stretches rapidly and the dermis (middle layer of skin) cannot maintain structural integrity. This results in:

• Collagen and elastin fiber disruption

• Dermal tearing

• Inflammation

• Scar formation

Hormonal changes — especially elevated cortisol — weaken elastic fibers, making the skin more susceptible (Watson et al., 1998).

Common triggers include:

• Pregnancy

• Puberty growth spurts

• Rapid weight gain or loss

• Muscle growth

• Corticosteroid use

• Certain genetic or endocrine conditions

Types of Stretch Marks (By Cause)

1. Striae Gravidarum (Pregnancy Stretch Marks)

These are pregnancy-related stretch marks and most commonly appear on:

• Abdomen

• Breasts

• Thighs

• Hips

Hormonal shifts and mechanical stretching both contribute to collagen breakdown (Oakley & Patel, 2018).

2. Striae Distensae (Growth or Weight-Related)

This is the most common category and includes stretch marks caused by:

• Rapid weight changes

• Bodybuilding or muscle gain

• Puberty

They frequently appear on the thighs, lower back, shoulders, and abdomen.

3. Striae Atrophicans (Thin or Depressed Stretch Marks)

These stretch marks appear indented or thinned due to dermal atrophy. They may occur after:

• Significant weight loss

• Long-term steroid use

• Rapid adolescent growth

Research shows reduced fibrillin and structural fibers in affected skin (Watson et al., 1998).

4. Stretch Marks Linked to Medical Conditions

Certain conditions can cause more severe stretch marks, including:

• Cushing syndrome

• Marfan syndrome

• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

• Adrenal disorders

These may appear wider, darker, or more pronounced and should be medically evaluated.

Types of Stretch Marks (By Color & Stage)

Color is one of the most important indicators of where your stretch marks are in the healing process.

1. Red or Pink Stretch Marks (Striae Rubrae)

These are new stretch marks.

They appear red, pink, or purple because:

• Blood vessels are still visible

• Inflammation is active

• Collagen remodeling is ongoing

Research confirms that early stretch marks respond better to treatment because the tissue is still metabolically active (Ud-Din et al., 2016).

You may notice:

• Itching

• Warmth

• Mild swelling

This is the ideal stage to begin targeted treatment.

2. White or Silver Stretch Marks (Striae Albae)

These are mature stretch marks.

Over time:

• Blood vessels retract

• Collagen reorganizes

• Pigment fades

They appear lighter, shinier, and slightly indented. Striae albae are more difficult to treat because collagen production has slowed (Ud-Din et al., 2016).

3. Dark or Hyperpigmented Stretch Marks

In deeper skin tones, stretch marks may appear brown or darker than surrounding skin due to melanin response during healing.

Pigment-focused support may help improve tone uniformity.

What Do Stretch Mark Stages Mean for Treatment?

Stretch marks are technically scars, meaning treatment focuses on:

• Supporting collagen remodeling

• Improving elasticity

• Strengthening the skin barrier

• Enhancing hydration

Studies show that early intervention during the red stage leads to better cosmetic outcomes (Ud-Din et al., 2016).

Moisturization improves barrier function and may support dermal elasticity (Oakley & Patel, 2018).

How to Treat Stretch Marks Effectively

While no topical can completely erase stretch marks, consistent and science-backed skincare can improve texture, tone, and overall appearance.

1. Prioritize Deep Hydration

Hydrated skin maintains elasticity and supports collagen stability. Daily use of a high-quality stretch mark cream can improve skin smoothness over time.

2. Support Collagen and Elastin

Since stretch marks involve collagen breakdown, look for formulations designed to support dermal remodeling and elasticity.

One example is Rejuvaskin Stretch Mark Cream, which is formulated specifically to support collagen and elastin while deeply hydrating compromised skin.

You can find it here:
https://rejuvaskin.com/products/stretch-mark-cream

This type of targeted formulation may be particularly beneficial during the red (striae rubrae) stage when the skin is actively remodeling.

3. Be Consistent

Clinical research shows that improvement requires consistent, long-term application (Ud-Din et al., 2016). Results are gradual because collagen remodeling is a slow biological process.

Stretch marks are extremely common and are classified based on cause and stage of healing. Red stretch marks (striae rubrae) are newer and more responsive to treatment, while white stretch marks (striae albae) are mature scars that require consistent long-term care.

Understanding what type of stretch marks you have allows you to choose the right treatment — and starting early gives you the best chance for visible improvement.

Works Cited

Oakley, A., & Patel, B. C. (2018). Stretch marks (striae). StatPearls Publishing. Link

Ud-Din, S., McGeorge, D., & Bayat, A. (2016). Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): Prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 30(2), 211–222. Link

Watson, R. E. B., Parry, E. J., Humphries, J. D., Jones, C. J. P., Polson, D. W., Kielty, C. M., & Griffiths, C. E. M. (1998). Fibrillin microfibrils are reduced in skin exhibiting striae distensae. British Journal of Dermatology, 138(6), 931–937. Link