Does the color of stretch marks mean anything?

Some stretch marks are quite a deep shade of purple; others are pinkish-red; whilst others are silvery and almost colourless. What makes them appear in different hues? The colour of stretch marks gives an indication of how new they are and how the body is responding to them.

What different color stretch marks mean?

The look red because they are freshly forming and the blood vessels under the skin give them that red color. Over time, and if not treated properly, they will turn into a purple-ish color and eventually white or silver. They typically come from pregnancy or rapid weight gain.

What color should your stretch marks be?

When stretch marks first appear, they tend to be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin color. Early stretch marks may feel slightly raised and can be itchy. In time, the color fades and the narrow bands sink beneath your skin.

What color are stretch marks when healing?

Light Pink, White, or Silvery. As these lines and streaks heal, they turn into light pink or white. Stretch marks also flatten and continue to fade or become less noticeable over time. When you touch mature stretch marks or run your finger across them, you might feel a slight indentation.

What color are stretch marks when u lose weight?

New stretch marks will look slightly raised with a red or glossy colour. Over time, they eventually fade to white and start to look slightly depressed. Older stretch marks may look like scars. They can occur anywhere on the body where fat is stored.

Dark stretch marks

Are purple stretch marks new?

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

Do red stretch marks mean weight loss?

Weight changes.

Gaining a lot of weight in a short amount of time puts pressure on your skin, which has to stretch out to accommodate the increased body mass. Depending on where you gain excess pounds, red stretch marks could appear anywhere on the body. Sometimes stretch marks can also occur due to rapid weight loss.

Are red or white stretch marks worse?

The presence of functioning blood vessels allows red stretch marks to be more responsive to treatment. White stretch marks (striae alba) are older and more difficult to treat. Over time, your blood vessels will narrow, making it hard to stimulate collagen production.

Do purple stretch marks mean weight gain?

This new scar may initially appear as red or purple from blood vessels seen through the skin. Over time, your stretch marks may fade into a silver or white hue and become more difficult to treat. Some common causes of inner-thigh stretch marks include: weight gain.

Why are my stretch marks red and purple?

If the skin stretches too quickly, the collagen and elastic tissues in the skin may break, resulting in stretch marks. Stretch marks typically first appear as red, pink, or purple lines. Over time, the blood vessels heal, and the lines often fade and become less noticeable. However, they may not disappear entirely.

What does pink stretch marks mean?

If your skin is stretched farther than it's used to in a short period of time -- during pregnancy or a childhood growth spurt, for example -- the elastic fibers in your skin can tear. Those damaged areas make long, thin scars called stretch marks. They can show up as pink, red, or purple streaks.

What is the difference between white and purple stretch marks?

If stretch marks form anyway, you may wonder what their color means. Red and purple stretch marks are usually new scars—the best time to apply treatment products! White stretch marks are older and are typically more difficult to treat.

What do white colored stretch marks mean?

The red hue indicates the presence of blood vessels under the skin. These blood vessels may respond well to treatment. Once the marks turn white, however, it suggests that the blood vessels have narrowed. Narrow blood vessels make successful treatment less likely.

What do red stretch marks mean?

With weight changes, bodybuilding or hormonal changes, the skin stretches rapidly causing a tear in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. This condition begins with an appearance of reddish or purplish marks on the areas where the skin is getting stretched.

Why are my stretch marks turning purple again?

However, rapid growth can cause the skin to over-stretch and break the fibres. The tears in the dermis allow the blood vessels below to show through, which is why stretch marks are often red or purple when they first appear.

How long does it take red stretch marks to turn white?

While you can't permanently get rid of stretch marks, the good news is that they usually fade with time. Within 6 to 12 months, these marks tend to become less visible if you've been taking good care of your skin and health.

Are purple stretch marks from losing weight?

The appearance of stretch marks can differ. When stretch marks are still fresh (upper image) they usually appear as red or pink to purplish-blue streaks, and the skin may appear very thin or slightly elevated. Over time they become more scar-like: thinner, paler, and rather indented (lower images).

Do stretch marks mean your fat?

The marks occur when a person experiences a significant amount of growth or weight gain in a short period of time, such as during puberty. Getting stretch marks does not necessarily mean a person is overweight. Thin people can get the marks too, especially when experiencing a rapid growth spurt.

Can losing weight reduce stretch marks?

Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise may help prevent stretch marks caused by sudden weight gain or loss, even during pregnancy.

What different types of stretch marks mean?

Striae gravidarum: Stretch marks which occur as a result of pregnancy. Striae nigrae: Dark grey or black stretch marks (usually applicable to darker complexion skin types). Striae caerulea: Dark blue / purplish stretch marks (also applicable to those with darker complexions).

Why are my stretch marks red and itchy?

When stretch marks present with itching, it means that they are developing and in the progressive stage. In fact, active stretch marks, which are typically red, itch because the skin is thinner in the affected area.

Why am I getting stretch marks but not gaining weight?

Underlying Health Conditions (Marfan Syndrome)

Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue; causing the tissue in the body to not grow and develop properly, this can cause stretch marks to appear without any visible reason (i.e. weight gain/pregnancy).

Should I exfoliate purple stretch marks?

Another helpful option is microdermabrasion – a procedure that exfoliates the outer layers of your skin, allowing new, healthier, and possibly – more elastic skin to grow. This helps to both fade and prevent new purple stretch marks too.

How long until purple stretch marks fade?

Stretch marks can take anywhere between 6 and 12 months after pregnancy to fade. They are permanent marks that can become less noticeable with treatment. Hyaluronic acid: According to studies, applying hyaluronic acid when stretch marks have just begun to appear can make the marks less noticeable.

How do I know if my stretch marks are new?

New stretch marks are bright pink, red, blue, black or purple. Older stretch marks fade. Stretch marks (striae) are indented streaks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks or other places on the body. They're common in pregnant women, especially during the last trimester.