Why do stretch marks form?

Stretch marks appear when the skin has been stretched. This is very common on women’s stomach’s during pregnancy but can also appear on the arms, breasts and buttocks. They can also form due to weight gain or muscle gain from weight lifting. Stretch marks are caused by tearing of the dermal layer of the skin. Stretch marks may also be influenced by hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, bodybuilding, or hormone replacement therapy. Stretch marks may fade on their own in time but this will depend on the severity. When the skin has been stretched this can also affect elasticity resulting in loose skin.

How best to treat stretch marks?

Every skin is different and can be influenced by many factors so we would always recommend an initial consultation where a full skin analysis will be performed to determine the correct treatment plan to fit your goals, budget and lifestyle.

All of our treatments are results driven and clinically proven to make sure you get the smoother skin that you deserve.

With over 20 years combined experience in the Aesthetic industry, we have seen all severities of stretch marks and have equipped ourselves with the right tools to manage all conditions. We are considered the best skin clinic in Kenilworth and one of the best skin clinics in Warwickshire so you can be rest assured that you are in safe hands.

Scroll down to the link for you to find out more about eTwo Sublative fractional laser. Use the Book button to arrange an eTwo Sublative treatment or general skincare consultation to discuss your options further.

Every acne skin condition is different and can be influenced by many factors so we would always recommend an initial consultation where a full skin analysis will be performed to determine the correct treatment plan to fit your goals, budget and lifestyle.

All of our treatments are results driven and clinically proven to make sure you get the clear skin that you deserve.

With over 20 years combined experience in the Aesthetic industry, we have seen all grades and severities of acne and have equipped ourselves with the right tools to manage all conditions. We are considered the best skin clinic in Kenilworth and one of the best skin clinics in Warwickshire so you can be rest assured that you are in safe hands.

Scroll down to follow links for more information on the best treatments available for back acne. Use the Book button to arrange a Obagi Blue Radiance Peel, Hydra-Bacial or General skincare consultation to discuss your options further.

Contact Us

If you would like to know more about stretch marks, please fill in the form and we will be sure to get back to you soon.

We understand that there are a lot of treatments available and it can be hard to know what is right for your skin. That’s why we offer face to face or video call consultations to discuss your skin concerns and make a bespoke treatment plan based around your goals and budget.

A chemical peel is a non-invasive way to improve the appearance of your skin. It works by using a chemical solution to smooth the texture of your skin by removing the damaged surface layers.

The internationally renowned, multi award winning skin health treatment. HydraFacial is a multi step facial that effectively extracts congestion, softens fine lines, smooths and deeply hydrates the skin with instant results visible and long term benefits, suitable for all skin types with no pain and no downtime.

Stretch Marks FAQs

Once stretch marks have been formed they will not disappear naturally, however there are many options available to help to diminish the appearance of them including;
Fractional resurfacing lasers – Creates a controlled wound to the skin to stimulate collagen remodelling, even out the skin tone and reduce the appearance of scarring. Due to the heat element of these treatments they are not always suitable for darker skin types.
Microneedling – Creates a controlled wound to the skin to stimulate collagen remodelling, even out the skin tone and reduce the appearance of scarring. This treatment is safe to be performed on all skin colours
Deep exfoliating treatments – Microdermabrasion and HydraFacial can help to improve the appearance of superficial stretch marks
Medical skincare – High grade, medical retinoids can be used to help to improve the appearance of superficial stretch marks

Stretch marks are indented streaks that can appear anywhere on the body. The marks are a form of scarring that result from the skin being stretched. They can be common in overweight people, pregnant women and body builders due to rapid increases in body mass.

Stretch marks are a form of scarring so unfortunately once they are visible they will not disappear naturally.

No, there are no medical implications to having stretch marks, however they can be caused due to stretching skin from weight gain so controlling your weight is advised to prevent them.

Yes, stretch marks are a form of scarring so unfortunately once they are visible they will not disappear naturally. When first formed they can look pink/purple in colour which will fade to a lighter skin tone after around 6 months. For the best removal of stretch marks aesthetic treatment intervention is recommended while the stretch marks are still pink.

Fractional resurfacing lasers – Creates a controlled wound to the skin to stimulate collagen remodelling, even out the skin tone and reduce the appearance of scarring. Due to the heat element of these treatments they are not always suitable for darker skin types.
Microneedling – Creates a controlled wound to the skin to stimulate collagen remodelling, even out the skin tone and reduce the appearance of scarring. This treatment is safe to be performed on all skin colours
Deep exfoliating treatments – Microdermabrasion and HydraFacial can help to improve the appearance of superficial stretch marks
Medical skincare – High grade, medical retinoids can be used to help to improve the appearance of superficial stretch marks

Fractional resurfacing lasers – Creates a controlled wound to the skin to stimulate collagen remodelling, even out the skin tone and reduce the appearance of scarring. Due to the heat element of these treatments they are not always suitable for darker skin types.
Microneedling – Creates a controlled wound to the skin to stimulate collagen remodelling, even out the skin tone and reduce the appearance of scarring. This treatment is safe to be performed on all skin colours

High grade, medical retinoids and regularly exfoliating the skin can be used to help to improve the appearance of superficial stretch marks.

Stretch marks are permanent in nature, and although Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is formulated to help improve their appearance, it can never remove them.

Obese people – Excessive, fast weight gain can result in stretch marks appearing over the body
Body builders – Similarly bodybuilders can get stretch marks due to rapid muscle growth causing the skin to stretch around the arms and legs
Pregnant women – Due to the stomach growing rapidly and associated weight gain, stretch marks are very common in pregnant women

In general, stretch marks take between 6 and 12 months for the redness to fade and turn into permanent scarring (white/silver colouring). With treatment, they often fade faster and do not scar as badly.

Do get them treated as soon as possible once they have developed as removing them is far more successful if treatment is performed while they are still pink/purple
Do try to avoid rapid weight gain to prevent the skin from stretching
Don’t rely on moisturisers to remove them as they are not clinically evidenced, aesthetic treatments are far more effective at reducing the appearance of them

As stretch marks are a form of scarring it is very unlikely that you will be able to get 100% removal of them, however you can get up to an 80% improvement using one of the below options;
Fractional resurfacing lasers – Creates a controlled wound to the skin to stimulate collagen remodelling, even out the skin tone and reduce the appearance of scarring. Due to the heat element of these treatments they are not always suitable for darker skin types.
Microneedling – Creates a controlled wound to the skin to stimulate collagen remodelling, even out the skin tone and reduce the appearance of scarring. This treatment is safe to be performed on all skin colours
Deep exfoliating treatments – Microdermabrasion and HydraFacial can help to improve the appearance of superficial stretch marks
Medical skincare – High grade, medical retinoids can be used to help to improve the appearance of superficial stretch marks

Darker coloured stretch marks, such as purple ones, are typically newer. Without treatment, they’ll usually fade to white or silver over time.

No, there is no evidence to show that vaseline or any other moisturiser or oil will remove stretch marks. Stretch marks are a form of scarring occurring from tearing in the dermal layer of the skin, the only way to improve the appearance of the skin is with aesthetic treatments such as fractional resurfacing lasers or microneedling.

Try to avoid rapid weight gain to prevent the skin from stretching and scarring. If you do develop stretch marks seek treatment as soon as possible for the best chance as removing or significantly improving the appearance of them.

Prices will vary based upon your location, the quality of the machine being used and the experience of your practitioner. Head to our price list to see pricing for our eTwo sublative and microneedling treatments which are the most commonly recommended treatments for stretch marks.