Understanding the Different Types of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks, medically referred to as striae distensae, are a form of dermal scarring characterised by streak-like lines on the surface of the skin. While they do not pose a physical health risk, they can impact psychological well-being and are more of a cosmetic concern. There are different types of stretch marks, and some of the causes for these dermal scars include rapid skin expansion, hormonal changes, and disruption of the skin’s connective tissues. Stretch marks commonly occur in pregnant women, youngsters in their adolescence, bodybuilders, and obese people or those who gain or lose weight rapidly.
Although these dermal scars cannot be removed permanently, opting for an appropriate stretch mark treatment can reduce visibility and provide satisfactory results. Before choosing any type of treatment, it is important to understand the different types and stages of stretch marks.
Let’s dive in for a detailed account of the most common (and lesser-known) striae types, and who is prone to them.
Who Can Get Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks can affect anyone between the ages of 5 and 50!2 It affects both men and women, although in different stages of their lives. The most commonly affected individuals include:
- Pregnant women
- Adolescents
- Weight lifters
- People with obesity
- People with genetic or hormonal conditions
For women, the most common period includes growth spurt and pregnancy, while for men, it is most common during puberty. But you can also spot stretch marks (of different types/stages) in bodybuilders, obese individuals, and those who lose weight rapidly.
People with medical conditions like Cushing’s Syndrome (hormonal imbalance) and Marfan Syndrome (genetic disorder) also get stretch marks.
Different Types of Stretch Marks
Based on their appearance, striae types can be categorised as:
- Striae atrophicans (thin skin marks)
- Striae gravidarum (appear after pregnancy)
- Striae rubrae (red coloured marks)
- Striae albae (white coloured marks)
- Striae nigra (black coloured marks)
- Striae caerulea (dark blue coloured marks)
Striae Atrophicae/Striae Distensae
Stretch marks, in medical terms, are called striae distensae (which means stretching skin). Striae Atrophicae is a condition where the scars look thinner (like a silver line) on the skin. Striae atrophicae are more common in adolescents and appear when individuals undergo puberty. This condition is more common in boys as they grow faster than girls during this stage. The appearance of these stretch marks is associated with breast development, pubic hair growth, enlargement of testicles, etc.
Striae Gravidarum
This is one of the common types of stretch marks during pregnancy. These are line-like, thin scars and are caused by changes in the connective tissue in the skin. During pregnancy, adrenocortical hormones (those produced by the outer layer of the adrenal gland), estrogen, and relaxin reduce the adhesiveness between the collagen fibers.4 This leads to Striae Gravidarum. Other factors include high gestational(pregnancy) weight gain, poor nutrition, and family history.
Striae Rubrae
Striae rubrae or red stretch marks are early-stage stretch marks. They appear like reddish, pink, or purple line-like marks on the skin when the dermis (the deeper layer of skin) is stretched faster than it can adapt. The red or purple colour is due to increased blood flow and vascular dilation of the skin vessels. Apart from this, a mild swelling or disruption of connective tissue (elastin and collagen) may also cause red coloured stretch marks. Striae rubrae generally don’t hurt, but may cause mild itching.
Striae Albae
Striae albae are mature, “old” stretch marks. These can be thought of as the final stage of a skin scar. While early stretch marks look red or purple, striae albae appear white, silver, or pale because the blood vessels shrink away and the skin become thin.
Since the elastic fibres of the skin get damaged, it loses “bounce” and feels slightly sunken or wrinkled to touch. As striae albae are permanent scars (without any inflammation), they are harder to treat than red marks.
Striae Nigra
Striae nigra are another type of dermal scars which appear as black or very dark brown colour lines, instead of the typical red (striae rubrae) or white (striae albae) types. The nigra term refers to the dark pigmentation seen in these marks. In this type of striae, there is increased melanin and hyperpigmentation compared to lighter coloured/pale lesions. This is because melanocyte behaviour and pigment biology influence the colour of stretch marks, as seen in darker-skinned individuals.
Striae Caerulea
Striae caerulea is one of the types of striae distensae. These marks are dark blue or bluish in colour during certain stages of their development. They derive this name more as a dermatological categorisation based on the clinical appearance.
See also: How Attorneys Calculate Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases
Stretch Mark Treatment
Stretch mark treatment ranges from applying a dermatologist-prescribed stretch mark cream (for initial stages) to medical intervention in the form of various therapies and procedures (for striae albae). Some treatment types include:
- Topical retinoids: Topical retinoids with 0.1% tretinoin are highly effective on early-stage stretch marks (Striae Rubrae), as they help rebuild collagen and visibly reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Laser Therapy: Laser therapies like Pulse Dye Laser target the redness in early marks. Whereas fractional CO2 lasers create micro-injuries to force collagen production in Striae Albae.
- Microneedling: It is a popular stretch mark treatment that breaks down old scar tissue and encourages new skin growth, giving the skin a smooth appearance.
Conclusion
Now that we have learned the different types of stretch marks and the treatment for the same, it is important to know that stretch marks are a permanent structural change to the skin, and can only be treated to reduce its appearance. With the information shared above, you will be able to classify the stretch marks on your skin as early-stage or mature, and opt for treatment or care accordingly.
If you are experiencing early-stage striae and are looking for an effective cream to reduce stretch marks, AreoVeda’s Stretch Mark Cream can be a great solution. The product is composed of Striover™ and CryoCoffee, which together work to fade existing stretch marks and prevent the formation of new ones, while Aloe Vera, Ghee, and Hyaluronic Acid in the cream nourish and moisturise your skin. When applied for a period of 4-6 weeks, you can see a visible reduction in the stretch marks appearance on your skin. All AreoVeda products are clinically tested on lab-grown human skin cells, Ecocert certified (contain 98% natural ingredients), EWG-verified (toxin-free) and are perfectly safe for all skin types, including those of pregnant women.
