What do old stretch marks look like?

Share on Pinterest Older stretch marks typically appear white or silver. Stretch marks are superficial tears in the skin. Some appear as red lines across the skin, while others may look white or silvery. The color of the marks indicates whether they occurred recently or are older.

How can you tell if stretch marks are old or new?

Stretch marks often begin as red or purple marks, and slowly fade to white or silver over time. The difference in color distinguishes how old the marks are. Though they may never disappear completely, treatment can lighten the color of your marks and shrink them. In other cases, stretch marks fade away on their own.

What does a healed stretch mark look like?

Most stretch marks will fade on their own over time. They may become less noticeable after fading. Faded stretch marks usually look lighter in color than the surrounding skin and a little shiny, like a scar.

What do fading stretch marks look like?

New stretch marks may feel slightly raised and itchy. These rippled, streaky lines in your skin come in different colors. They fade from red or pink to purplish-blue to thinner, pale, more scar-like streaks over time.

Does old stretch marks go away?

If you are wondering whether your stretch marks might ever go away, unfortunately the answer is no. Stretch marks do not usually completely disappear, but don't give up just yet! They do usually fade with time, especially when properly treated.

What do stretch marks look like and how can they be prevented and treated?

Why are my old stretch marks turning red?

The bottom line. New stretch marks can appear bright red at first. This is due to the stretching of the surface of your skin, and the color is only temporary. After a while, the stretch marks will fade over time, eventually turning into light pink or white.

Can you get rid of old white stretch marks?

Microneedling has been shown to be an effective treatment for reducing stretch marks, specifically for patients with darker skin. Laser treatments are a common treatment option to remove white stretch marks.

How long does it take for 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.

What do purple stretch marks mean?

If your stretch marks are purple, that means there are still blood vessels in the surface layer of the skin. To put it simply, collagen and elastin strengthen blood vessels. Strengthening blood vessels improves blood flow, and increases the body's ability to make more collagen.

Do purple stretch marks go away?

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

What do the colors of 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.

Do red stretch marks fade to white?

The color of the marks indicates whether they occurred recently or are older. In the beginning, stretch marks will appear on the skin as red or purple lesions. These are known as striae rubra. Over time, these red marks will typically fade to white or silver (striae alba).

Why do my old stretch marks itch?

The reason for your itching has to do with skin quality. More specifically, after skin stretches it becomes thinner, softer, and has less support than it previously did. This results in a lack of support to nerve effectors, making them more sensitive and prone to itching.

What do brown stretch marks mean?

Red, Purple, or Reddish/Dark Brown

This is because the stretched lines across your skin allow underlying blood vessels to show through. These early stretch marks can also be itchy and may feel a bit raised.

What is the difference between white stretch marks and red stretch marks?

Red stretch marks, or striae rubrae, are breaks or lesions that happen when a person's skin stretches rapidly to keep up with underlying growth. According to a 2016 review of studies , red stretch marks occur during the acute phase of this stretching, while white stretch marks are characteristic of the chronic phase.

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.

Why are my stretch marks getting worse?

When stretch marks appear, it's most often because you've experienced rapid weight gain. To prevent the stretch marks from getting worse, stop any additional weight gain. If you're purposely trying to build muscle mass, consider slowing your routine down so your skin has time to acclimate.

Does scratching make stretch marks worse?

Scratching the stretch marks deepens them and leaves behind scars that sometimes cause a serious skin infection. And, infections are bad!

What do 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.

How do celebrities remove stretch marks?

If you've ever wondered why celebs don't have stretch marks, the big secret is lasers and NanaoFractional RF. Stretch marks are formed in the middle layer of the skin, called the dermis, which is the area that determines the shape of the skin.

What helps with old stretch marks?

As Chemical Peeling, Microdermabrasion, FMR and Laser are aggressive for the skin, it is important to apply a good skin barrier to improve skin comfort and facilitate healing process. Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy and Quick Dry Oil can help to hydrate, by locking in moisture and supporting cell renewal.

What color are stretch marks?

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.

Do stretch mark creams work on old stretch marks?

If your stretch marks are relatively new, over-the-counter creams might be somewhat effective in helping fade them. But, if you've had your stretch marks for a long time, they might be a little more difficult to remove. Bottom line: stretch mark cream is not the miracle product that some people think it is.

Can bio oil remove old 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.

Should you exfoliate stretch marks?

Exfoliate.

Since exfoliation helps remove old and worn out skin cells and replaces them with fresh new tissue, it's also a great way to help get rid of stretch marks.