What does purple stretch marks mean

Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment

If you have stretch marks, you’re not alone. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that between 50 percent and 80 percent of people have stretch marks.

Stretch marks can vary in color among people. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the color of your stretch marks depends on the color of your skin. They may appear:

red
purple
blue
black
brown

Stretch marks, also called striae, are scars that are associated with the skin being stretched and thinned, which causes the elastic fibers to break.

Typical causes of stretch marks include:

rapid weight gain or loss
pregnancy
rapid growth, such as an adolescent growth spurt
rapid muscle growth, such as a result of weight training

Stretch marks are also associated with long-term application of corticosteroids and with certain health conditions, such as Cushing’s disease and Marfan syndrome.

Darker colored stretch marks, such as purple ones, are typically newer. Without treatment, they’ll usually fade to white or silver over time.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the most common places for stretch marks to appear include the:

abdomen
breasts
buttock
lower back
hips
thighs
upper arm

Stretch marks don’t typically require medical treatment. They aren’t dangerous, and although they may first appear dark purple or red, they usually fade over time.

If you’re interested in products to improve the appearance of stretch marks, consult your dermatologist or doctor.

Some of the treatments commonly used for stretch marks include:

Retinoid cream. One example of retinoid cream is tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, Renova), which is often used on relatively new stretch marks. If you’re pregnant, your doctor will likely recommend alternatives to retinoid creams.
Microdermabrasion. This minimally invasive procedure exfoliates (removes) the outer layer of skin to allow new and potentially more elastic skin to grow.
Chemical peel. These treatments, which may include trichloroacetic acid, remove the top layer of skin to promote new skin growth.
Light and laser therapies. Your dermatologist may suggest one of a variety of light and laser therapies, such as pulsed-dye laser treatment, which can help stimulate elastin or collagen growth in your skin.

According to the Mayo Clinic, although these treatments may help improve the texture and appearance of your stretch marks, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to remove them completely.

No one treatment has been clinically proven to be more successful than any of the others.

There are many products, such as glycolic acid, vitamin E, and cocoa butter, that claim to treat stretch marks of all colors.

While these products are not harmful to the skin, it’s unlikely they’ll completely erase the appearance of stretch marks, the Mayo Clinic says.

Preventing or treating stretch marks by applying lotions, oils, or creams isn’t supported by current research.

Although anyone can get stretch marks, the likelihood increases if:

you’re female
your family has a history of stretch marks
you’re overweight or have obesity
you’re pregnant
you experience rapid weight gain or loss
you use corticosteroid medication
you have a condition such as Marfan syndrome or Cushing’s syndrome

Although purple stretch marks are physically harmless, they can be a source of significant anxiety and affect your quality of life.

If you have stretch marks, and they make you uncomfortable or affect your self-esteem, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. They can suggest some products or treatment options that may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

At this point in time, there’s no treatment that will make your stretch marks completely disappear.

How To Get Rid Of Purple Stretch Marks For Good

Photo Credit: @ashleygraham

Just like a beautiful sunset fading into the sky, stretch marks shift from brighter hues to darker hues and then eventually fade into the horizon of your skin.

Let’s face it - the skin changes over time, and life events have an impact on our appearance. From wrinkles and sunspots to scars and stretch marks, there’s no escaping the effects of time on our skin. But you deserve more!

You deserve beautiful dewy skin, and you deserve to feel great! And if one of your biggest skincare concerns is purple stretch marks, we are here to help you tackle that. Everything you need to achieve gorgeous skin is right here in this post.

In this post, you’ll learn:

1. What Are Purple Stretch Marks?
2. Why Do I Have Purple Stretch Marks?
3. Can I Get Rid Of Purple Stretch Marks?
4. How Long Will It Take To Get Rid of Purple Stretch Marks?
5. Natural Remedies to Fade Purple Stretch Marks
6. The #1 Routine to Get Rid Of Purple Stretch Marks For Good
7. How to Prevent Purple Stretch Marks

What Are Purple Stretch Marks?

If you’ve recently had a baby or are pregnant, gained a bit of weight, had a growth spurt, or rapidly increased your muscle size - voila! Your skin has stretched quickly, and stretch marks have come to pay you an unwelcome visit.
Before going to war with them, understand that you actually have a scar. When the skin stretches quickly, it tears. Connective fibers under the skin cannot produce the necessary elasticity to keep up with the rapid expansion. These connective tissues are made up of collagen, which is a natural building block of skin. If insufficient collagen and elastin are present to deal with this new disruption, the connecting fibers simply split apart and rupture with the new skin expansion. The result? The skins attempt to offer support and healing - via a scar!

Why Do I Have Purple Stretch Marks?

When the dermis tears, there is increased inflammation and a higher presence of blood vessels appearing in the newly disrupted skin. This is the initial phase of a stretch mark and will be indicated by a reddish or purple stretch mark hue. Your scar will lean more towards a red color and change into purple, eventually fading into white or silver.

The healing capacity of a stretch mark or scar is indicated by its varying degrees of color. Let me explain. While a stretch mark may initially start as purple, as the blood vessels fade and the inflammatory response eases up, white or silvery lines will replace the harsh colorful marks as the blood vessels shrink. So, the rule of thumb is that early stretch marks are typically red, pink, or purple and easier to treat. The older they get, the more difficult it is to treat and remove them.

Can I Get Rid Of Purple Stretch Marks?

When purple stretch marks appear on your thighs, breast, stomach, butt, back, or abdomen, you have three problems on your hands. First, the collagen structure has been altered; second, elastin has been diminished; and Lastly, swelling or inflammation is present in the skin tissues.

If you’re dealing with purple stretch marks - I have good news. Purple stretch marks are easier to get rid of than white ones. If your stretch marks are purple, that means there are still blood vessels in the surface layer of the skin.

To put it simply, collagen and elastin strengthen blood vessels. Strengthening blood vessels improves blood flow and increases the body’s ability to make more collagen, which in turn treats purple stretch marks.

How Long Will It Take To Get Rid of Purple Stretch Marks?

How long it takes to get rid of stretch marks is dependent on multiple factors such as treatment methods, lifestyle choices, skin color, and commitment level.

Purple Stretch Mark Treatment vs. Removal

Not all purple stretch mark treatments were created equal. Some over-the-counter products are designed to speed up the discoloration process of a stretch mark to help it “fade.” However, these treatments don’t do anything to remove the stretch mark. Most often, creams, oils, serums, and other topical treatments speed up the process of turning the stretch mark white or silver, thus making it less visible and “fading” it into the background of the skin.

Lifestyle & Purple Stretch Mark Removal

Lifestyle choices also significantly impact purple stretch mark removal. Just as with any scar, exposing stretch marks to the sun can pigment them. Avoid high sun exposure, and wear a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin and stretch marks from pigmenting and increasing the scar's visibility. It’s also important to be mindful that our skin is incredibly responsive to how we treat our bodies. Hydration and exercise help with blood flow, while foods high in antioxidants help regenerate skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle, too much caffeine, and alcohol deplete essential minerals and interfere with the skin’s natural repair and healing processes.

Skin Color & Purple Stretch Mark Removal

While skin color won’t affect the development of a stretch mark, it will likely change its appearance. Stretch marks on lighter skin tones will lean towards a pinkish hue. Stretch marks on darker skin tones will typically appear lighter than the natural skin color, making them appear more prominent. Therefore, it’s worth noting that specific stretch mark removal methods (like laser stretch mark removal) for darker skin tones may result in skin discoloration.

Healing Stretch Marks From the Inside Out

Any type of real skin healing takes time. Commitment and consistency are necessary to get rid of purple stretch marks. The truth is that there are some products on the market that can improve the appearance of stretch marks in as little as one hour. We’ll get to that in just a moment. Treating stretch marks over time allows for cumulative results as plump and healthy skin requires healing at deeper skin layers, not just surface level.

Let’s take a look at how you can get rid of purple stretch marks for good.

Natural Remedies to Fade Purple Stretch Marks

Are Natural Creams & Moisturizers Effective At Removing Stretch Marks?

Many stretch mark removal creams on the market aren’t safe for pregnancy and may cause rashes and allergic reactions. But, can natural alternatives actually help, and are they effective at removing stretch marks?

As we mentioned earlier, creams and moisturizers don’t solve the core problem of removing stretch marks. In fact, a recent University of Michigan Health System study found that most topical treatments designed to improve the appearance of stretch marks aren't evidence-based. The study discovered that the backbone of stretch mark removal lies in the skin's elastic fiber network, which is disrupted when the skin stretches. In other words, it’s essential to treat stretch marks by increasing collagen and elastin.

There are so many risks associated with medical intervention for stretch marks. From scaring, skin discoloration, allergic reactions, pain, and sensitivity, to soaring costs, dangerous injections, lasers, and chemicals. There’s a high demand for safe, natural, and effective medical-grade stretch mark removal solutions.

Have You Heard of Silicone Patches for Purple Stretch Mark Removal?

While silicone patches are somewhat new and advanced in their application for stretch mark removal, they are not new to scar removal. Doctors have used silicone to remove deep scarring from invasive surgical procedures for years.

Silicone patches solve the three main causes and problems of stretch marks. When placed onto the skin, occlusion is created between the surface layer of the skin and the silicone. This unique microclimate stimulates collagen and elastin production, as well as blood flow. The result? With proper and consistent usage, stretch marks diminish and ultimately disappear!

When it was discovered that this same scar technology could be used to treat and remove stretch marks, new silicone products for stretch mark removal started to hit the marketplace. However, not all silicone patches can be trusted. It’s essential to look for all-natural, medical-grade, hypoallergenic, and clinically proven products that offer guaranteed results.

Let’s take a look at an easy, effective, and proven routine for stretch mark removal that you can start today!

The #1 Routine to Get Rid Of Purple Stretch Marks For Good

Step 1. Select a product you know you can trust.

Dermaclara’s Enhanced Silicone Fusion™ stretch mark patches are proven to reduce and fade stretch marks after just one use, using the same technology that surgeons use to fade scars.

Silicone Fusion™ technology locks in hydration and pulls moisture from deep within the skin’s layers to regulate collagen production, smooth uneven skin tone, and encourage healing.

Check out the amazing before and after results women get with Dermaclara’s Enhanced Silicone Fusion™ stretch mark patches!

Step 2. Apply Dermaclara’s Enhanced Silicone Fusion™ stretch mark patches!

Watch the video below and see how to apply silicone fusion™ patches for purple stretch marks and boost the body’s ability to produce collagen!

8 Quick, Simple, & Easy Steps to Remove Purple Stretch Marks With Enhanced Silicone Fusion™ Stretch Mark Patches!

Clean skin thoroughly.
Remove the protective backing.
Place directly onto the skin.
Keep on for at least 8 hours.
Pull skin taut and gently peel off.
Rinse and clean the patch.
Air dry patch.
Store patch on backing.

Step 3. Maintain Results & Prevent Stretch Mark Development

Any effective stretch mark removal routine includes skin protection and prevention. To achieve beautiful, stretch-mark-free skin, it’s essential to find a good moisturizer that maintains and increases hydration in the treatment area and supports collagen production and skin healing.

Try the Claraline and Claratone combo!

Claraline infuses anti-inflammatory ingredients into the skin and reduces scarring.

When Claraline is applied with Claratone, the skin receives an extra boost through deeper product absorption. Claratone uses advanced micro pulsation to increase blood flow, support collagen production, and reduce inflammation.

How to Prevent Purple Stretch Marks

Purple stretch mark prevention is a part of greater lifestyle changes. To prevent more purple stretch marks from forming, use Enhanced Silicone Fusion™ stretch mark patches on an ongoing basis on areas prone to rapid skin expansion.

It’s also important to implement light, daily exercise to avoid rapid weight gain or loss. Prepare for possible rapid skin expansion with a diet full of skin-boosting nutrients like Vitamin C, D, & E, Omega 3’s and 6’s, as well as eating antioxidant-packed fruits and veggies like dark leafy greens, berries, and green tea.

Ready For a Trusted & Effective Purple Stretch Mark Removal Support System?

With these short, simple, quick, and effective tips for removing purple stretch marks, you should be welcoming beautiful, stretch mark-free skin in no time! The truth is that real healing, whether it’s on the inside or the outside, requires dedication, patience, and self-love - but it is 100% possible and worth it!

We’ve put together this guide for you here at Dermaclara based on our years of skincare research, clinical studies, technology, and innovation that is specifically tailored to help you get rid of purple stretch marks for good. We want to be your #1 support system on your chosen path to reveal beautiful skin because we know how to get you where you want to be!

For a limited time, SHOP DERMACLARA STRETCH MARK PRODUCTS & GET 20% OFF & FREE SHIPPING

Stretch marks - the whole truth - articles from the specialists of the clinic "Mother and Child"

Brezgunova Svetlana Leonidovna

Obstetrician-gynecologist

Clinic "Mother and Child" Togliatti

What is it

Stretch marks are also called striae. They appear in any area of the body, but more often occur in those places where there is a large amount of fat. The most common locations are chest, abdomen, underarms, shoulders, hips, back and buttocks.

Stretch marks look like stripes on the skin, and over time their color changes. "Fresh" stretch marks are pinkish-red in color, the skin on them is slightly convex. Gradually, the striae increase in length and width, become bluish-violet, and eventually become discolored. This happens because at first there are still blood vessels inside the striae, which is why initially the stretch marks have such a bright color. Then the blood supply at the site of the stretch marks stops, the vessels become empty, the resulting skin defect is filled with connective tissue and the stretch marks become white. Since there is no pigment in the connective tissue, even under the influence of sunlight, the stretch marks remain white. Moreover, against the background of tanned skin, they become more noticeable.

Why they occur

It seems that the reason for the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy is clear at first glance: the expectant mother's belly grows, the skin stretches, and stretch marks form. Why, then, do they not occur in all expectant mothers? And is their appearance associated with weight gain? After all, it has been noticed, for example, that the likelihood of stretch marks does not depend on the size of the abdomen during pregnancy.

Stretch marks may appear in a woman with a small tummy, while a woman expecting twins will bypass this problem.

Why is this happening? Several factors come into play here. Yes, indeed, one of the reasons for the appearance of stretch marks is weight gain, but it is not so much the number of kilograms gained that is important, but how quickly a woman gained them: the faster the expectant mother gains weight, the higher the risk of stretch marks. That is why even with a small increase in weight, stretch marks can appear. The second reason for stretch marks is hormonal imbalance. During pregnancy, the amount of estrogen and cortisol decreases, resulting in a violation of the synthesis of skin and connective tissue proteins - collagen and elastin. Namely, with the help of these proteins, our skin can stretch well and restore its elasticity.

If there is not enough collagen and elastin, then the skin becomes brittle and thins faster, eventually, it breaks in some areas, and then scar connective tissue is formed in the places of tears .

And here is how the body of the expectant mother will behave during pregnancy: whether there will be sharp jumps in weight and hormonal imbalance (which means that stretch marks will appear or not, it is impossible to predict).

What to do?

Let's just say that There is no 100% effective treatment for and prevention of stretch marks. For example, most creams, lotions, gels for the prevention of stretch marks simply contain moisturizing ingredients and help soften the skin, but do not affect the balance of hormones. Therefore, these remedies cannot prevent the appearance of stretch marks if hormonal disorders have occurred. Yes, and after childbirth, various laser procedures, peelings and resurfacing will not get rid of stretch marks at all, they will simply make them more invisible.

But this does not mean that we should give up and do nothing. You can do just a lot of things: even if you do not achieve a 100% effect, there will still be benefits.

– Monitor the nutrition of the and avoid sudden weight fluctuations. Do not forget to eat protein foods - protein, together with zinc and vitamin C, stimulates the production of collagen, which gives the skin elasticity. If you don’t feel like meat yet, include fish, dairy products and legumes in your diet - these are also sources of healthy protein.

– Avoid sweets – sugar slows down collagen renewal, the skin loses elasticity and water, becomes dry, sluggish, its elasticity decreases.

- From the first days of pregnancy constantly nourish and moisturize the skin . To do this, use creams, gels, lotions with collagen, elastin, as well as vitamins C and E . The main thing is that these drugs must be approved for use during pregnancy. Before you buy this or that product, carefully read the instructions and the composition of the drug. Find out the mechanism of action of biologically active substances of a cosmetic product from a sales assistant. If you still have doubts, consult with your obstetrician-gynecologist. Look into your wallet and make a choice.

– If finances allow, do salon procedures for body moisturizing that are allowed during pregnancy (seaweed wraps, for example), if not, limit yourself to ordinary skin moisturizing, it is also effective.

- Regularly take a contrast shower : it tones and firms the skin, and the problem areas receive the blood flow they need. You can massage individual parts of the body alternately with cold and warm jets. Just don't aim the jet directly at your stomach.

– After showering, don't dry your body, just pat it dry with a towel. You can do light pinching self-massage using moisturizing creams or natural vegetable oils (such as olive or linseed). Massage promotes the removal of excess fluid and activates the work of blood vessels - they quickly carry nutrients throughout the body. Important: when massaging the abdomen and chest, massage only the sides, thighs and legs.

– Swim : the contrast of water and air temperature, active physical activity also contribute to the prevention of stretch marks.

- During pregnancy , wear special bras, they will support the enlarged breasts and will not allow the skin to overstretch.

Even if stretch marks appear, don't get upset. It has been noticed that if you immediately start a set of preventive measures (moisturizing the skin, proper nutrition, water procedures), then often stretch marks do not spread further. And if you start prevention from the first days of pregnancy, they may not appear at all.

REMINDER for moms

Start attacking stretch marks as early as possible: the younger they are, the less money and time it will take to eliminate them.

Watch your diet, try not to gain weight suddenly.
Daily moisturize and nourish the skin, not only the abdomen and chest, but also the thighs, buttocks, legs.
Lead an active lifestyle: walk in the fresh air, play sports, swim.
Take a contrast shower, do self-massage.
Wear the right underwear: a maternity bra is especially necessary for expectant mothers with large breasts

Note:

Stretch marks cannot be predicted. Even if during the last pregnancy there were no or, on the contrary, there were stretch marks, then there is no guarantee that the situation will repeat itself in the next pregnancy

You can make a composition for stretch marks yourself.

Here are the oils that will suit you:

Jojoba oil is the most effective remedy: it is used for the prevention and elimination of skin stretch marks during and after pregnancy, as well as for weight gain and sudden weight loss.
Essential oil of rosewood - helps to increase skin elasticity, also helps to dissolve small scars.
Almond oil - especially effective for the care of areas of the body where skin elasticity is reduced.
Grape seed oil - has a strong regenerating effect, improves skin elasticity.
Peach oil - has a regenerating, softening effect on the skin, restores elasticity, rejuvenates sagging skin.

You can use any combination of these oils, such as jojoba + almond oil, or jojoba + grape seed oil.

Before using any oil, read the instructions, pay attention to contraindications. Try the oil or formulation on a small area of your skin and see how it reacts throughout the day. If you experience discomfort or allergies, discard this remedy.

Make an appointment

to the doctor - Brezgunova Svetlana Leonidovna

Clinic "Mother and Child" Tolyatti

PregnancyManagement of pregnancyGynecologyChildren's hospitalPregnancy diaryOperative childbirthPregnancy planningPreparation for operative childbirthPreparation for partner childbirthBaby care programMom's school programsSchedule of childbirthPhysiological pregnancyFitness for pregnant women

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Stretch marks in men: causes and treatment

Stretch marks or striae are a specific pathology of the skin tissue in the form of characteristic scars. Typically, such cicatricial changes occur due to microtrauma of the epidermis against the background of a lack of collagen protein, which gives the skin elasticity. Sometimes the causes of stretch marks can be due to a hereditary factor and some endocrine diseases.

Many believe that stretch marks are an exclusively female ailment that has nothing to do with the representatives of the stronger sex. We note right away that this opinion is erroneous and formed, most likely because the resulting striae cause women more cosmetic concerns than men.

Indeed, due to a number of factors, primarily related to the function of childbearing, stretch marks in women are formed much more often than striae in men. It is noteworthy that similar dynamics is also observed in childhood and adolescence: the results of statistical studies show that stretch marks occur more often in girls compared to the appearance of stretch marks in boys. However, men who take care of themselves are no less concerned about the problem of getting rid of stretch marks than women: every stretch for them is a cause for concern.

Causes of stretch marks in men

Stretch marks in men can occur on various parts of the body.

Usually these are:

stretch marks on the abdomen;
stretch marks on legs;
stretch marks on the thighs;
stretch marks on the buttocks;
stretch marks in the groin area;
stretch marks on the back and in other places where the skin and muscles are subject to particularly severe stress.

The following are the main causes of stretch marks in men.

Physical inactivity and poor nutrition. Most often, stretch marks occur in men who lead a sedentary lifestyle, whose diet is replete with excessive amounts of foods rich in fats and carbohydrates. Which, in turn, leads to obesity and stretching of the skin under the pressure of fat deposits.
Rapid increase in muscle volume due to intense physical activity. As a rule, stretch marks form in men engaged in bodybuilding and other activities associated with the constant movement of weights. Intensive muscle growth is also promoted by anabolic drugs popular among bodybuilders. The growth of muscle mass should be controlled, otherwise stretching of the skin, its microtears and, as a result, the appearance of stretch marks cannot be avoided.
Long-term treatment with hormonal drugs based on glucocorticosteroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone, etc.). Under their influence, specific obesity develops, accompanied by the appearance of striae, not only in men, but also in the fair sex.
Age-related changes in hormonal levels that can lead to the appearance of stretch marks in men of adolescence, adulthood and old age.
Hereditary genetic predisposition. It has been scientifically established and confirmed by practice that children and grandchildren of people suffering from stretch marks are most susceptible to the appearance of stretch marks.
A number of diseases of endocrine origin that can cause obesity with the concomitant development of striae.

Treatment of stretch marks in men with COLLOST

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It is impossible to eliminate old stretch marks at home. Until recently, the effective removal of these striae in men was practiced only with the use of such serious cosmetic procedures as laser / chemical peeling or abdominal plastic (excision). Such treatment of stretch marks is accompanied by pain and carries a certain degree of risk to the health of patients.

It was possible to radically improve the situation with getting rid of old stretch marks in men only after the introduction into cosmetology practice of such an innovative biomaterial as collagen gel COLLOST ^® based on natural collagen.

Collostotherapy is a currently widely used method that allows you to remove stretch marks from men without any problems. It consists in the fact that the COLLOST ^® gel is injected intradermally into the area of the stretch marks. Under the influence of COLLOST 9 gel on striae0187 ® restores healthy tissue.