Why does my skinny 12 year old have stretch marks?

Author: Dr. Ashleigh McGlynn Sr.  |  Last update: Saturday, November 15, 2025

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.

What causes stretch marks on a skinny person?

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.

How to get rid of stretch marks for 12 year olds?

If your son is concerned with his stretch marks, here are a few treatment options that do make a difference:
  1. Retinoid cream. ...
  2. Light and laser therapies. ...
  3. Microdermabrasion.

Why does my 12 year old have stretch marks on her bum?

In children who are not yet teens (adolescents), most stretch marks occur in those who are overweight. In the United States, 70% of adolescent girls and 40% of adolescent boys have stretch marks. These are due to growth and stretching of the skin.

Are stretch marks normal for a 12 year old girl?

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.

Stretch marks in teen boys with Marfan syndrome: How common are they?

When do boobs stop growing?

Generally, breasts continue to grow until the age of 17-18. However, they may keep developing until your early or mid-20s. The growth rate and the time when they stop developing differ from person to person, largely due to genetic and hormonal factors.

Do stretch marks go away after puberty?

Stretch marks usually fade over time but may not disappear completely.

Will stretch marks go away if I lose weight?

In general, stretch marks from weight loss fade or disappear completely on their own. Sometimes rapid weight loss can actually cause stretch marks because of excess skin weighing down on the healthy 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.

Do stretch marks mean weight gain?

Causes of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can occur as a result of rapid weight gain when your skin stretches, causing tears in the inner layer of the skin. However, even though you may have already had them before the weight gain, the stretch marks may actually not be visible until you lose weight.

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.

Do stretch marks hurt?

Overview. Stretch marks (striae) are indented streaks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks or other places on the body. They're common in pregnant women, especially during the last trimester. Stretch marks aren't painful or harmful, but some people don't like the way they make their skin look.

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 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.

How long until stretch marks fade?

How long do stretch marks take to fade? In general, stretch marks take between six and 12 months to fade. With treatment, they often fade faster.

What do red stretch marks mean?

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.

Can exercising reduce stretch marks?

Weight Loss & Stretch Marks

Yes, weight loss resulting from exercise can directly impact the appearance of stretch marks. When excess weight is shed, the tension on the skin is reduced, potentially causing stretch marks to become less noticeable.

Is it bad if a 12 year old has stretch marks?

Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for most people.

Why do I have stretch marks on my breasts at 12?

Hormonal changes

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.

Does skin lighten after puberty?

Through puberty, the skin of children progressively darkens with no differences between sexes prior to adolescence.

Why are my breasts so big at 12?

The breasts get bigger and rounder as the fatty tissue and milk-producing glands inside the breasts continue to grow. The areola also gets bigger and darker and the nipples may stick out. You'll probably notice that you and your friends grow in different ways.

At what age do nipples pop out fully?

In general, breast development begins between the ages of 8 and 13. A girl's breasts are typically fully developed by age 17 or 18, however in some cases they can continue to grow into her early twenties.

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