Stretch marks, formally known as striae distensae, are a common skin change that occurs during periods of rapid body transformation. These narrow bands on the skin are a form of scarring and are not a sign of any underlying health problem for most people. Their appearance, especially in adolescence, is a normal part of physical development, showing up when the skin is stretched beyond its typical capacity.
Understanding Stretch Marks: The Skin’s Anatomy
Skin is composed of three primary layers: the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the hypodermis (innermost layer). Stretch marks originate in the dermis, where the connective tissues that provide elasticity and structure are located. Specifically, the key proteins involved are collagen, which gives skin its strength, and elastin, which allows it to stretch and return to its original shape.
When the body expands quickly, the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis can tear or rupture. This causes micro-damage beneath the skin’s surface. The resulting mark is essentially a small, linear scar formed as the body attempts to repair this internal damage with scar tissue. The initial color and texture reflect the body’s inflammatory and healing response.
Puberty and Rapid Growth: Why They Appear in Adolescence
The age of 14 falls directly within the period of puberty, which is the most common time for stretch marks to appear in adolescents. This stage is characterized by significant and rapid physical changes that the skin struggles to accommodate quickly enough. These rapid increases in size, known as growth spurts, are the primary mechanical cause of the marks.
The location of the marks on the buttocks is typical because this area, along with the hips and thighs, is a common site for the body to deposit fat and widen during adolescent development. This quick expansion creates high tension on the skin, causing the dermal fibers to snap. Marks also frequently appear on the breasts in girls and the shoulders and back in boys due to rapid growth.
Hormonal fluctuations during puberty also play a role in making the skin more susceptible to tearing. Increased levels of hormones like cortisol can negatively affect the skin’s ability to synthesize collagen and elastin, reducing its natural resilience. Genetics also determine skin elasticity and collagen production; if a parent had them during adolescence, you are more likely to as well.
The Natural Course: Color Changes and Fading
Stretch marks go through a natural maturation process and do not remain the same color or texture forever. When they first appear, they are known as striae rubrae and often look pink, red, purple, or dark brown, depending on skin tone. This coloration is due to visible blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface during the initial inflammatory and healing phase. They may also feel slightly raised or itchy during this early stage.
Over a period of months to years, the marks naturally fade and become less noticeable. As the inflammation subsides and the blood vessels contract, the marks transition into their mature form, called striae albae. These older marks are typically silvery-white, flesh-colored, or hypopigmented (lighter than the surrounding skin) and are slightly sunken. While they are permanent scars, this natural fading process often makes them barely visible over time.
Treatment Options for Minimizing Visibility
While stretch marks generally fade on their own, certain interventions can help minimize their visibility, especially if they are still in the early, red striae rubrae stage. Keeping the skin well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and applying rich moisturizers can support skin health, although the direct effect of most creams on preventing or eliminating marks is minimal. Topical products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or Centella asiatica may help, but results vary widely.
For more noticeable results, prescription treatments are sometimes used, though not typically recommended for growing teens. Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin, can be applied to newer marks to encourage collagen production, which may make them less noticeable. However, retinoids require a prescription and should be used only under a doctor’s guidance, especially given potential side effects.
If the appearance of the marks is causing distress, a dermatologist can offer in-office procedures for mature marks. These professional options focus on improving skin texture and color through methods like microdermabrasion, microneedling, or various laser therapies. These treatments work by creating controlled micro-injuries to stimulate the skin’s deeper layers to produce new collagen and elastin. These procedures, which may require multiple sessions, aim to reduce visibility, not eliminate the marks completely.