Why do I have so many stretch marks but I'm not that fat?

Author: Carleton Gottlieb PhD  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

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.

Why am I getting stretch marks for no reason?

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.

Why does my 15 year old have stretch marks?

Stretch Marks are a Normal Part of Puberty

It is normal for teenagers to get some stretch marks. 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.

Why am I gaining stretch marks but not gaining weight?

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).

Will stretch marks ever go away?

Stretch marks usually fade over time but may not disappear completely. Many creams and lotions claim to prevent, reduce or remove stretch marks. But there's very little evidence these work. There are some treatments that may help make stretch marks look better, but they will not get rid of them.

How do you shrink loose skin after weight loss?

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.

Will my daughter's stretch marks go away?

Usually, the best thing to do is be patient because stretch marks often fade with time. If they still bother you when you're an adult, you can ask your doctor or see a specialist for treatment.

What are the purple marks on my thighs?

Stretch marks form at a 90 degree angle to the direction in which the skin stretches. On the thighs, stretch marks often first appear as raised pink or purple linear streaks on the skin. Over the next few months or years, these marks change to white or silver scars.

How to permanently get rid of stretch marks?

Treatment options include:
  1. Laser skin resurfacing. Laser skin resurfacing is a type of surgery. ...
  2. Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a type of surgery. ...
  3. Microneedling. During microneedling, your healthcare provider pokes your skin with thin needles. ...
  4. Retinol. Retinol comes from vitamin A. ...
  5. Does cocoa butter get rid of stretch marks?

Do stretch marks mean weight loss?

Excess skin after rapid, massive weight loss might cause some stretching and tearing, but the majority of stretch marks are not actually caused when you lose the weight. Weight gain is more likely to cause stretch marks, especially on your stomach.

Why do I have stretch marks on my boobs?

Skin changes during puberty are the most common reason for stretch marks on the breasts. “They develop when your skin rapidly stretches as your breasts develop,” Dr. Akhtar says. “We also see breast stretch marks in pregnant women as their breasts enlarge.”

What does skinny fat look like?

What does “skinny fat” look like? Phenotypically, they look lean and healthy, but when we check them out they have high levels of body fat and inflammation. This ectomorph body build has hidden high levels of body fat. They appear thin and flabby.

Do models have stretch marks?

So yes, models are allowed to have stretch marks and this isn't now a reason not to work with them. Brands like Asos, Victoria's Secret, or Etam have hired models with stretch marks for their campaigns.

Why am I suddenly getting loads of stretch marks?

If you develop stretch marks, you're most likely to do so during these times: Growth spurts that happen in puberty. Pregnancy. Rapid weight loss or gain.

Why do I have stretch marks on my thighs even though I'm skinny?

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.

Is it bad if your sunburn turns purple?

Purpura is common in older people. It is called solar purpura because it occurs most often on areas that are exposed to the sun. The bruises bother some people because of how they look. But they aren't serious.

Why do I have dimples on my legs?

As fat cells increase, they push up against the skin. Tough, long connective cords pull down. This creates an uneven surface or dimpling, often referred to as cellulite. Cellulite is a very common, harmless skin condition that causes lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen.

Is it normal for a 14 year old to have 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 cause loose skin?

Elastic fibers give skin its elasticity, or the ability to “snap back,” after stretching. The skin tries to repair the disrupted elastic network but it does not appear to be effective, which in turn promotes the lax, loose skin seen in more mature stretch marks.

Why am I getting stretch marks but not gaining weight?

Causes of stretch marks may include any of the following: Cushing syndrome (disorder that occurs when the body has a high level of the hormone cortisol) Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (disorder marked by very stretchy skin that bruises easily) Abnormal collagen formation, or medicines that block collagen formation.

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.

Do stretch marks on breasts mean they are growing?

Puberty. For teenagers, the most common reason for red lines on breasts or stretch marks is puberty, when you're experiencing accelerated growth. Other developments during puberty include menstruation and changes in body hair.

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