Will losing weight get rid of stretch marks?

Author: Zita Heidenreich  |  Last update: Friday, April 25, 2025

No, stretch marks don't necessarily go away when you lose weight. In fact, many people get stretch marks from weight loss or weight gain. When your body goes through weight loss or gain, your skin responds by quickly shrinking or stretching.

Does losing weight help stretch marks fade?

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).

How long does it take to fade stretch marks?

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.

Do stretch marks go away if you exercise?

So, can losing weight reduce stretch marks? Well, the answer might surprise you. Yes, weight loss resulting from exercise can directly impact the appearance of stretch marks.

Are stretch marks because of weight gain?

Stretch marks are caused when the skin rapidly stretches as a result of sudden growth or weight gain. This causes the middle layer of skin (dermis) to tear, allowing the deeper skin layers to show through, forming stretch marks. The dermis contains fibres that allow your skin to stretch as your body grows.

Will Losing Weight Reduce Stretch Marks?

Do 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.

Am I overweight if I 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.

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.

What are purple stretch marks?

Development of a stretch mark

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 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.

Why won't my stretch marks fade?

Stretch marks may fade naturally but often won't disappear completely. Using topical treatments can help to keep skin moisturized and reduce their appearance. If a topical product is still not enough, you may consult your dermatologist to discuss more drastic solutions, such as laser, radio and ultrasound therapy.

What do stretch marks look like when you lose weight?

The skin will be incredibly soft to the touch and will feel bumpy. This is a result of the stretched skin not needing to be stretched anymore! Stretch marks after weight loss might be reddish-purple, red, pink, or a shinier shade of your skin tone. Your stretched skin after weight loss may even be dimpled.

What is considered rapid weight loss?

Losing more than 1 or 2 lb (0.5 to 1 kg) a week is not safe for most people. It can cause you to lose muscle, water, and bone density. Rapid weight loss can also cause some side effects including: Gallstones.

Why are my stretch marks so bad?

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.

Are stretch marks permanent?

Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, but treatment may make them less noticeable. Treatment can also help alleviate the itch. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before treating stretch marks. Some products contain ingredients, such as retinol, that can harm your baby.

How do celebrities not have stretch marks after pregnancy?

Exercise. One way to decrease the visibility of excess skin after pregnancy is to strengthen the muscle below it. In the case of the abdomen, strengthening your core through regular exercise can help to build the stomach muscles out and tighten the skin above as a result.

Can you 100% get rid of stretch marks?

Stretch marks do not usually go away completely on their own when you lose weight. Weight loss can reduce the tension on the skin, which may help make stretch marks less noticeable, but it won't eliminate them entirely.

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.

What are the stages of stretch marks?

Stages of stretch marks during pregnancy
  • Stage 1: Early stretch marks will appear pink in color, and may also be itchy. ...
  • Stage 2: Gradually, the stretch marks will enlarge in length and width and become a reddish or purple color.
  • Stage 3: Once the stretch marks have matured, they lose their reddish/pink hue.

Why am I skinny but have stretch marks on my thighs?

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.

Do stretch marks affect relationships?

Relationship issues: Stretch marks can affect intimate relationships, leading to decreased sexual confidence or avoidance of physical intimacy.

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