Can You Get Stretch Marks From Losing Weight?
So you’ve just shed a few pounds and now you’re wondering, can you get stretch marks from losing weight? Stretch marks typically occur due to the rapid stretching of the skin, usually during pregnancy or as a result of sudden weight gain, which causes collagen and elastin fibers to break.
Weight loss itself does not directly cause stretch marks but the process of losing weight can sometimes contribute to their development. Here’s everything you should know about stretch marks from weight loss.
Can You Get Stretch Marks From Losing Weight?
Yes, you can get stretch marks from losing weight, particularly if the weight loss occurs rapidly. Stretch marks (striae) are caused by the stretching of the skin beyond its normal capacity, leading to the tearing of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis. This can happen during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy or significant weight gain. But it can also happen when you suddenly lose weight.
When you lose a substantial amount of weight quickly, the skin may not have enough time to adapt to the reduced volume, resulting in the formation of stretch marks. It’s important to note that not everyone who loses weight will develop stretch marks, and genetic factors can influence an individual’s susceptibility.
Stretch marks may also appear more noticeable when you’ve lost weight. So you could have already had stretch marks, but they might be more noticeable once you’ve lost weight.
Why Losing Weight Causes Stretch Marks
There are a couple of reasons why weight loss causes stretch marks. If you’ve lost a lot of weight and have excess skin as a result, that excess skin can weigh down other areas of the skin which can cause stretching and tearing.
Stretch marks may also occur if you’ve experienced rapid weight loss. The skin may not have time to adjust to the weight loss, which can lead to a loss of skin elasticity. The dermis contains fibers of collagen and elastin that provide the skin with its elasticity and strength. Rapid changes in weight can disrupt these fibers, leading to the formation of stretch marks.
To reduce your risk of getting stretch marks from losing weight, always try to lose weight gradually. This allows the skin to adapt to the changes more slowly, reducing the likelihood of stretch mark formation.
How to Treat Stretch Marks After Weight Loss
Can you get stretch marks from losing weight? You certainly can, especially if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. Here’s how to get rid of stretch marks from weight loss.
1: Moisturize With Cocoa Butter
Moisturizing the skin on a daily basis can improve overall skin texture, helping to fade stretch marks over time. Look for a body lotion formulated with plumping ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and especially cocoa butter.
As a potent emollient, cocoa butter helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity. Packed with antioxidants, such as polyphenols, it supports the skin’s defense against oxidative stress. What’s more, high levels of fatty acids create a protective barrier, locking in moisture and contributing to skin suppleness. Some experts suggest that cocoa butter may also stimulate collagen production, helping to reduce stretch marks and improve overall skin texture.
Shop Cocoa Butter
Truly’s Dulce De Leches Routine
A 3-step body sculpting routine featuring a polish, cream, and serum formulated with cocoa butter, retinol, and hyaluronic acid. Use it anywhere stretch marks or sagging appear for noticeably smoother, firmer skin. With an addictive warm caramel scent.
2: Regenerate With Retinol
Retinol can help to fade stretch marks from losing weight thanks to its cell renewal properties. This vitamin A derivative speeds up cell turnover, which improves skin texture. Additionally, it’s known for boosting collagen production and restoring elasticity in the skin. This helps skin adjust better to weight loss while specifically targeting loose skin.
Can you get stretch marks from losing weight? You’ll significantly reduce your chances of developing stretch marks when you include retinol in your daily body care routine.
Shop Retinol
Truly’s Ultimate Body Routine
The cult-fave Acai Your Boobies + Buns of Glowry lines, bundled. Powered by retinol, acai, and wheat protein, this 6-step body firming routine plumps, firms, and resurfaces for your smoothest, perkiest butt and boobs. With delicious notes of juicy watermelon and succulent blackberry.
3: Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation won’t get rid of them completely but it will help to rejuvenate the skin by sloughing away dead skin cells. If you’re dealing with weight loss stretch marks aim to exfoliate 2-3 times per week to encourage cell turnover while removing surface dead cells. This will help to improve skin texture and gradually make stretch marks look less noticeable.
Shop Exfoliators
Truly’s Fruity Scrubby Swirls
Got stretch marks on your butt or boobs? This fruity duo is here to help. Nice Melons + Berry Cheeky harness the exfoliating powers of jojoba beads and AHA-rich strawberry to gently remove dead cells and smooth out the skin. And did we mention they smell oh so fruity and unbelievably juicy?
4: Consider In-Office Procedures
If you’ve ran out of options and you’re looking for a faster fix, you may want to consider procedures such as laser therapy, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion.
Laser treatments, such as fractional laser therapy, stimulate collagen production and elastin to reduce the visibility of stretch marks. While microdermabrasion and chemical peels involve removing the outer layer of the skin to encourage the growth of new, healthier skin. They may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but multiple sessions may be needed.
@trulybeauty #stretchmarks #beautyroutine #skincare ♬ I HEAR YOU - Vicetone
Do Stretch Marks From Weight Loss Go Away?
Stretch marks caused by weight loss can fade over time. However, we recommend incorporating topical treatments into your daily skincare routine to speed up the healing process. Look for formulas containing ingredients that boost collagen and skin cell renewal, such as retinol, cocoa butter, and hyaluronic acid.
Speak to your dermatologist if you’re interested in trying procedures such as laser or microdermabrasion. These can be effective treatments but are not always suitable for all skin types and those with certain skin conditions.
Can you get stretch marks from losing weight? With rapid and significant weight loss, it is indeed possible to develop stretch marks. Plus, they tend to appear more apparent when you lose weight. Fortunately, there are plenty of treatments for stretch marks from weight loss. You can also prevent stretch marks after losing weight by controlling your body weight. By losing weight gradually, you significantly reduce your risk of stretch marks.
Watch our video on how to treat stretch marks in JUST one month:
