Are stretch marks really genetic?

Author: Dr. Leonardo Goldner  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

In conclusion, genetics play a significant role in stretch mark formation, influencing factors such as skin elasticity, hormonal response, and repair mechanisms.

How much of stretch marks are genetic?

Genetics Play a Role

Over 90 percent of women will get them in the later stages of their pregnancy. As the abdomen grows to accommodate the fetus, the skin is stretched. There are other reasons you might get stretch marks, including: Family history — Genetics often play a role in whether you get stretch marks.

Will I get stretch marks if my mom has them?

Genetics plays a significant role in whether or not you'll get pregnancy stretch marks. If your mother and sister got them, you're more likely to get them too. However, stretch marks are also related to collagen levels and skin elasticity, both of which are impacted by diet and lifestyle.

What is the root cause of stretch marks?

The cause of stretch marks is stretching of the skin. Their severity is affected by several factors, including your genetics and the degree of stress on the skin. Your level of the hormone cortisol also might play a role. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

Do stretch marks go away if you lose weight?

This lowers the chance of developing both excess skin and the appearance of stretch marks. Losing weight won't make stretch marks go away. Instead, time is one of the best tools you have to reduce the appearance of stretch marks (along with some of the treatments we've rounded up below).

Are stretch marks really genetic?

How do celebrities get rid of stretch marks?

Radiofrequency Treatments

Allure reports that RF treatments use energy to heat the skin's deeper layers, stimulating collagen and elastin production. This process tightens the skin and reduces the appearance of stretch marks by improving skin elasticity and texture.

How do celebrities not get stretch marks when pregnant?

Bio-Oil Skin Care Oil

Kim Kardashian and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (aka Duchess Kate) are both fans of Bio-Oil for keeping skin soft and stretch mark-free during pregnancy.

Does vitamin C work on stretch marks?

Ascorbic acid also stimulates collagen production in the dermis by increasing fibroblast proliferation. It therefore seems likely that ascorbic acid can improve the atrophic appearance of stretch marks.

Who is more prone to stretch marks in pregnancy?

You are more likely to get stretch marks if your weight gain is more than average in pregnancy. Most women gain about 10 to 12.5kg (22 to 28lb) in pregnancy, although weight gain varies a great deal from woman to woman. How much weight you gain may depend on your weight before you were pregnant.

Is it OK for a 14 year old girl to have stretch marks?

Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for most people. People who are obese often have stretch marks. Bodybuilders can get stretch marks because of the quick body changes that can come with bodybuilding.

Does lotion actually help stretch marks?

The idea that you can prevent or treat stretch marks by rubbing creams, oils or lotions on your skin is not supported by strong evidence.

How to avoid a big belly during pregnancy?

Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy weight in pregnancy.
  1. Plan for healthy eating and exercise. ...
  2. Start the day right with breakfast. ...
  3. Eat to keep your blood sugar levels stable in pregnancy. ...
  4. Ask family and friends for support. ...
  5. Be mindful of your eating. ...
  6. Find a distraction. ...
  7. Find an exercise buddy.

In which month of pregnancy do stretch marks appear?

While stretch marks generally become visible during the later trimesters of pregnancy (around the sixth or seventh month), some women will start to see them forming as soon as their bellies start growing.

What age are you most likely to get stretch marks?

It's common for stretch marks to appear during teen years when rapid growth of weight gain occurs. Other factors that make teens predisposed to stretch marks appearing include a genetic risk or family history of stretch marks, pregnancy, being overweight or obese, or topical or oral steroids, like prednisone.

Do stretch marks go away after pregnancy?

Pregnancy stretch marks aren't dangerous and will fade after your baby is born. However, they will not disappear completely and this can be a cause of concern for many women.

How do the Kardashians get rid of stretch marks?

A snippet of Kim Kardashian's stretch mark removal via Coolbeam® on Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Exclusively available at EPIONE® Beverly Hills. 😷 Treatment: Coolbeam® Laser Skin Resurfacing. 🎯 Purpose: Removal of Stretch Marks.

What actually reduces stretch marks?

What to do about stretch marks
  • retinoid (often called tretinoin) creams or hyaluronic acid – these may help if used on new stretch marks, but you should not use retinoid creams if you're pregnant as they may harm your baby.
  • light or laser treatments.
  • microdermabrasion, which removes a thin layer of skin.

Does rubbing vitamin E get rid of stretch marks?

Home remedies: In studies, popular home remedies have not worked. Researchers found that none of the stretch marks faded when people massaged almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, or vitamin E into their stretch marks.

How do models get flat belly after pregnancy?

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

The most effective way to tackle inelastic, sagging skin on the abdomen is through a tummy tuck. This popular surgery works to remove excess skin and tighten up any muscle separation caused by the expansion of the abdomen.

Why don't models get stretch marks?

The magazines that publish these photographs do significant editing and retouching to make their models appear to be perfect when they're anything but. Models, like regular people, struggle with blemishes, skin unevenness, and stretch marks, but with makeup and Photoshop, those imperfections can be easily covered up.

Does bio oil prevent stretch marks?

Bio Oil is a skincare product that many customers find effective for reducing the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. Users report the oil is non-greasy, easily absorbed, and has a pleasant fragrance.

How much does it cost to remove stretch marks?

The average cost of stretch marks removal treatment ranges from INR 3000 to INR 8,000. Chemical peels typically range from INR 2,500 to INR 4,000, while laser treatment for stretch marks can range from INR 5,000 to INR 8,000 per session.

How do celebrities lose weight so fast after birth?

Have you ever wondered how celebrities seem to be able to bounce right back to their pre-pregnancy bodies so soon after having their little ones? Well, we've got to give credit where credit is due, strict diet and exercise routines can be important factors in dropping pounds after pregnancy.

Is there a way to permanently get rid of stretch marks?

In general, treating stretch marks is difficult. Treatment improves the appearance of stretch marks, but they may not go away completely. Addressing your stretch marks when they first appear yields the best results. Older, deep stretch marks may be more challenging to treat.

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