Can too much sugar cause stretch marks?

Author: Jewel Larson  |  Last update: Saturday, September 20, 2025

If you eat too much sugar, the extra sugar can attach to your collagen fibres and damage them, reducing your collagen levels. This in turn increases the likelihood of skin tears and stretch marks.

What causes increased 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.

Will my stretch marks go away if I 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).

What foods to eat to avoid stretch marks?

It's also a good idea to eat foods that promote healthy skin, including foods:
  • Rich in zinc, such as nuts or fish.
  • High in vitamins A, C and D, such as carrots, citrus fruits and milk.
  • Rich in protein, such as lentils, beans, broccoli, lean beef and chicken.

Are stretch marks a symptom of anything?

The medical name for stretch marks is striae. Stretch marks (striae) result from rapid stretching of the skin which may occur with obesity, pubertal growth spurts, pregnancy, or from other influences such as Cushing syndrome. Stretch marks (striae) can appear when there is rapid stretching of the skin.

How to Treat and Prevent Stretch Marks (And the Products I Use) Dr. Jenny Liu

What vitamin gets rid of stretch marks?

Derived from vitamin A, retinoids — such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Avita) — that you apply to your skin may improve the appearance of stretch marks less than a few months old. Tretinoin, when it works, helps to rebuild a protein in the skin called collagen, making the stretch marks look more like your normal skin.

Can sugar cause stretch marks?

If you eat too much sugar, the extra sugar can attach to your collagen fibres and damage them, reducing your collagen levels. This in turn increases the likelihood of skin tears and stretch marks.

What actually gets rid of 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.

How do the Kardashians prevent stretch marks?

In addition to lasers, Kim has also utilized radiofrequency (RF) 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.

Why am I getting stretch marks if I'm not gaining weight?

Aside from the obvious causes like pregnancy and rapid weight change, a few other reasons why stretch marks might appear include: Genetics or a hereditary condition. Having overly dry skin. Having previous damage or injury to the skin.

What do purple stretch marks mean?

The skin is stretched as a consequence of underlying tissue expansion. There is an inflammatory reaction in the skin that is responsible for the characteristic red or purple colour. The inflammation eventually fades and is replaced by scar tissue.

How can I remove a stretch mark naturally?

Can stretch marks be removed at home?
  1. Method 1: Massage. One of the most effective ways to combat skin imperfections at home is through massage. ...
  2. Method 2: Exercise. ...
  3. Method 3: Nutrition. ...
  4. Method 4: Using creams and oils. ...
  5. Method 5: Using aloe vera. ...
  6. Method 6: Exfoliation. ...
  7. Method 7: Masking. ...
  8. Method 8: Regular skin care.

Does drinking water help with stretch marks?

Staying well hydrated or drinking plenty of water can keep the skin soft, reducing the risk of developing stretch marks. Drinks that cause dehydration will increase the risk. A healthy diet rich in zinc, vitamins A, C, and D, and proteins can promote healthy skin.

What are the stages of stretch marks?

The marks initially develop as wrinkly, raised streaks that can be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown or dark brown, depending on skin color. The streaks eventually fade and flatten and tend to change to a silvery color over time. Stretch marks may gradually become less noticeable, but this can often take years.

Does vaseline remove stretch marks?

Can Vaseline remove stretch marks? While Vaseline can help to moisturise the skin and improve its overall appearance, it is unlikely to completely remove stretch marks. Using Vaseline in combination with other treatments can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time.

Can eating too much sugar affect your skin?

Yes, sugar can contribute to the development of acne and spots (5). Consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which in turn cause a rise in insulin levels. Elevated insulin can increase oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores, spots and acne.

Can overeating cause stretch marks?

Myth: Stretch marks are mainly caused by gaining weight quickly. Truth: We tend to associate stretch marks with rapid weight gain, whether from overeating or pregnancy. In fact, any individual undergoing a period of rapid growth, including slender teenagers and bodybuilders, are more susceptible to stretch marks.

What shrinks stretch marks?

In two large studies, applying hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks made the stretch marks less noticeable. Tretinoin is a retinoid, which may also make early stretch marks less noticeable. In one study, people who applied this prescription cream every night for 24 weeks had less noticeable stretch marks.

What vitamin deficiencies cause stretch marks?

However, sometimes your skin will grow beyond the ability of its elastin. This is when stretch marks appear on a women's thighs, hips, stomach and breasts. Stretch marks can be a sign that women are deficient in vitamin C, zinc, vitamin E or essential fatty acid.

Why do I have stretch marks even though I'm not pregnant?

Stretch marks happen when your body grows quickly for any reason. Your skin can't stretch enough to keep up. Collagen is a protein that makes your skin more elastic. If your skin doesn't have enough, the marks may show up as it stretches.

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