Dr. Shreya Andric is a dermatologist based in Sydney. She is passionate about skin health and her mission is to educate the public on how to care for their skin, and also clear up the vast amount of misinformation out there on this topic.

While Dr. Andric has independently chosen the products that appear in this article, she does not receive revenue from the links. Some of the links may return revenue to Yahoo Lifestyle Australia.

Stretch marks, also known as striae, are fine lines on the body that occur when tissue under the skin tears from rapid growth or over-stretching.

It is very common and does not cause any significant medical problems, but can be a cosmetic concern for some.

Stretch marks are very common and they occur in most adult women, as they readily develop at puberty or during pregnancy. They affect 70% of adolescent girls and 40% of boys and occur in areas of the body where the skin is subject to constant and progressive stretching.

They are often associated with growth spurts in adolescent males. Some examples include:

The abdomen and breasts in pregnant women

Adolescents who are undergoing growth spurts – thighs, buttocks, breasts

They can also occur from prolonged use of oral or topical corticosteroids and from anabolic steroids. They are usually seen in otherwise healthy individuals but can also be seen in certain medical conditions, such as Cushing syndrome and Marfan syndrome.

Stretch marks often start off as an area of flattened thin skin with a pink colour. They can sometimes be itchy. Soon, reddish or purplish slightly swollen develop perpendicular to the direction of skin tension. Their surface may be finely wrinkled.

Over time, these lighten to become whitish or flesh-coloured and much less obvious. They are generally paler than the surrounding skin. They are usually several centimetres long and 1-10mm wide. If caused by corticosteroid use or Cushing syndrome, they are usually larger and wider and may involve other areas of the body, including the face.

How much sunscreen you really need to use for a full-body application

The $15 chemist item dermatologist loves for sensitive skin

When to start using anti-ageing skincare according to a dermatologist

Stretch marks are usually a cosmetic concern only and don’t necessarily need any treatment, but very rarely, and if they are extensive, they can ulcerate or tear easily in an accident.

Stretch marks occurring during adolescence and those that develop during pregnancy do become less visible over time and usually require no treatment. Like scars, stretch marks are permanent, but treatment may make them less noticeable.

Treatment can also help to relieve any itch. It is important to keep in mind that no single treatment works for everyone – and many don’t seem to work at all.

These have been extensively studied. Whilst no one product seems to help all the time (and some don’t work at all), researchers have found some tips that may help:

Use the product on early stretch marks – using treatment on mature stretch marks often makes no difference.

Taking the time to massage the product gently into your skin may make it more effective.

Be consistent – use the product every day for weeks. If you do see results, they take weeks to appear.

These include almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, and vitamin E. Researchers have found that no stretch marks faded with use of these.

A fake tan can camouflage stretch marks – both early and mature – but will not get rid of them altogether.

Hyaluronic acid and tretinoin have both been found to make stretch marks less noticeable. In one study, people who applied tretinoin every night for 24 weeks had less noticeable stretch marks. Those who didn’t apply the cream saw their early stretch marks grow.

A prescription retinoid is always going to be more effective and that is what the evidence is based on but an over the counter retinol may help; examples include SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 and La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Anti-Ageing Moisturiser.

Dermatologists use the following modalities to make stretch marks less obvious. Again, they won’t get rid of them completely.

A combination of any of the above

With all procedures, side effects are possible. If you see an experienced physician, these tend to be minor and temporary – most often there will be some redness and swelling which will disappear within a few hours or days.

Researchers have found that products containing hyaluronic acid — such as The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum — as well as a herb called centella may help to prevent stretch marks.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.

The former Sunrise host tried her best to make conversation with the male contestants on Monday night but was met with nothing. Read more.

The reality show is being accused of cultural appropriation and racism after it aired the Mexican-themed party. Read more.

The sex worker spotted a dangerous detail during a video date with a client.

The breakfast TV host became emotional live on-air on Friday morning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at age 96. Read more.

You can expect to be doing some rethinking and reconsidering re cash, property and/or your possessions during this cycle. Your self-esteem and what you really value is also up for a rethink. It may be time to reconsider what’s important to you in life. It sounds like a big question and, yes, it is. But […] The post Virgo Daily Horoscope – 06 September 2022 appeared first on Yasmin Boland.

Fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow posted an innocent breastfeeding snap that led to a 'disturbing' reaction from trolls. Read more.

Teary-eyed Sunrise host Natalie Barr breaks down on live TV as she watches Paddington Bear's heart-wrenching tribute to the Queen following her death aged 96

Video emerged from the Don't Worry Darling premiere of the star allegedly spitting on Chris Pine. Read more.

Hollywood star Demi Moore shared some sizzling bikini photos, and fans can't get over how young she looks. Read more.

A British-culture researcher has revealed the secrets to the 96-year-old monarch’s longevity, health and stamina. Read more.

Fletcher sat down with Yahoo Australia to chat about her debut album, Girl Of My Dreams.

The Project host is currently in the UK, and shared a bittersweet photo of London just after the Queen's death. Read more.

Courteney Cox looked incredible while boating in a tiny string bikini, with fans labelling her 'gorgeous' and 'perfect'. Read more.

He was the breakout star of this year’s season of MAFS, and now it’s been revealed that Al Perkins has joined the cast of Love Island. Read more.

Reality TV star Abbie Chatfield has weighed in on the 'colonialist monarchy' in an Instagram rant, sparking backlash from fans. Read more.

Netflix writer of The Crown has weighed in on the next steps for popular drama The Crown, revealing filming should be shutting down. Read more.

Kylie Gillies shared a video that showed the realities of being a working mum. Read more.

Nail this amazing air fryer prawn toast with 38 calories a pop. Read on to find out how to make this viral recipe.

MAFS star and OnlyFans creator Hayley Vernon has just admitted to having an X-rated mishap, just one day after revealing her escort career. Read more.

Despite tensions within the royal family, Meghan Markle has been open about her time with her grandmother-in-law.