10 Amazing Facts About Stretch Marks No One Told You

Around 80% of people, both men and women, experience stretch marks at some point in their lives. Understanding the facts can help you better navigate this common skin concern.

Those silvery lines that leave tiny indentations on your skin appear when it stretches beyond its limit, causing a break in the top layer of the epidermis—similar to an over-inflated balloon that deflates and wrinkles.

But did you know stretch marks can develop on almost any part of your body, including your breasts? Or that genetics plays a significant role in their appearance?

When it comes to stretch marks, many of us are left with unanswered questions. Will losing weight make them disappear? Why is my stretch mark gray instead of silver—is that normal? Could itchy stretch marks indicate something else?

One common mistake is searching for a cure before understanding the facts, which can lead to disappointment.

So, here are 10 surprising facts about stretch marks that no one tells you—read on!

# Hormones Play a Major Role

Your hormone levels influence the production of elastin and collagen in your skin. When these hormones fluctuate, skin elasticity decreases, making stretch marks more likely to appear.

# Losing Weight Won’t Make Them Disappear

If your stretch marks have fully matured (reaching the alba stage), no amount of exercise will erase them. However, if they are still in the early stages, weight loss can help reduce their appearance.

# Genetics Has the Upper Hand

Despite following a strict skincare routine—staying hydrated, exercising, and moisturizing—some people still develop stretch marks. In many cases, genetics determines your susceptibility to them.

# Stretch Marks Are Permanent

Unlike regular scars, stretch marks cannot be completely removed. While treatments can lighten their pigmentation and smooth out rough texture, full clearance is only possible through cosmetic procedures.

# Creams Aren’t Miracle Workers

According to studies, tretinoin (a vitamin A derivative) is the only ingredient shown to improve stretch marks. Other creams, despite their bold claims, often fail to deliver significant results.

# Steroids Can Increase the Risk

Steroid use—whether in pill form or as topical creams—raises cortisone levels in the body. This weakens skin elasticity, making stretch marks more likely to form.

# They Can Appear Anywhere

Stretch marks don’t just develop on the stomach or thighs. They can appear on your elbows, lower back, breasts, and even intimate areas!

# They Can Be Intensely Itchy

For some, stretch marks start as reddish-purple streaks before fading to silver. Others experience severe itching and even scabbing as the marks develop.

# They Can Signal an Underlying Condition

Certain medical conditions, like Cushing’s syndrome and Marfan syndrome, disrupt hormone levels and break down proteins, making the skin more vulnerable to stretch marks.

# No Insurance Will Cover It

Because stretch marks are classified as a cosmetic concern rather than a medical issue, insurance providers won’t cover treatments—no matter how persistent you are!