Stretch marks don’t pose a danger to health and well-being, but they may hurt your confidence and self-esteem. Many people feel insecure about their appearance, and in particular stretch marks on the butt may lead to discomfort about hopping into a bathing suit for a day on the beach. In this article, we’ll delve into the causes of stretch marks, the risk factors, common symptoms, and tips for getting rid of them. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are fine lines that result from rapid stretching or shrinking of the skin. Also known as striae, stretch marks are essentially scars that develop on areas of the body prone to expansion or reduction like the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and breasts. In essence, they represent the skin’s struggle to accommodate changes that occur due to weight gain or loss.
Stretch marks are very common, as research indicates that up to 90% of people [1] in the general population have them, and 90% of pregnant women. Although not painful or harmful, many people don’t like how their skin looks when there are visible stretch marks on the butt or elsewhere. However, getting rid of them is easier than you think, and we’ll go into more detail about this in later sections.
What Are the Causes of Stretch Marks on the Butt?
There are several different causes of stretch marks on the butt, including the following:
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Weight Changes: Weight gain can cause stretch marks because the skin has to expand to accommodate changes in the tissue mass, however, in most cases, they aren’t visible unless the person loses the extra weight. There is a growing body of evidence confirming that rapid weight change makes you more susceptible to developing stretch marks [2]. Stretch marks from losing weight indicate that the middle layer of skin, the dermis, has been torn.
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Pregnancy: The expansion of the abdominal area and buttocks during pregnancy can lead to the formation of stretch marks called striae gravidarum [3]. They develop because the skin stretches to accommodate the growing fetus, tearing the dermis.
- Genetics: Some people have a genetic predisposition to forming stretch marks. While some studies [4] have identified genes associated with their development, more research on this subject is required.
- Hormonal Changes: Stretch marks on the butt may result from hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or due to certain medications.
- Prolonged Exposure to Cortisol: People with conditions that elevate the stress hormone cortisol, such as Cushing’s Syndrome, are more prone to developing stretch marks.
- Corticosteroid Use: Long-term or excessive use of corticosteroids can reduce skin elasticity and increase your chances of developing stretch marks.
Other potential causes of stretch marks on the buttocks include following an unhealthy lifestyle, abnormal collagen formation, or taking medications that block collagen synthesis.
Stretch Mark Symptoms
Whether you have stretch marks from losing weight or due to another cause, the symptoms [5] are the same:
- Indented streaks or lines that may be red, pink, purple, reddish-brown, or dark brown depending on your skin color
- Lines are slightly raised or itchy but flatten with time
- Marks vary in length and width
- Streaks cover large areas of the body
Stretch Marks After Weight Loss
Stretch marks from losing weight are common, and most people who lose a significant amount develop lines and streaks on their butt, stomach, or other parts of the body. Weight gain causes your body mass to expand, which also stretches out and scars the skin. The abrupt change in body weight causes the proteins collagen and elastin, which provide structure and support for your skin, to rupture and create stretch marks.
You can begin to lose extra weight by following a healthy lifestyle and taking Phenocal weight loss supplement regularly. However, losing a significant amount may make scarring of the skin more visible. While at first stretch marks tend to be very noticeable, they usually fade with time.
Self-Care for Stretch Marks
Although stretch marks on your butt aren’t dangerous, they could take a toll on your confidence and self-esteem. Here are a few self-care approaches to help reduce their appearance:
- Follow a Healthy Diet: Make sure your diet is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats, as they support skin health, repair the skin barrier, and improve elasticity.
- Apply Oils: Certain oils such as almond or coconut have potent moisturizing properties that help improve skin elasticity and decrease the appearance of stretch marks. You can apply these oils to the affected areas the same way you would put on the best cream for stretch marks.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water during the day supports skin health [6], and hydrated skin is less prone to developing fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks on the buttocks, and other signs of aging. Aim to drink about eight glasses of water each day.
- Regular Physical Activity: Exercise improves circulation, and the added blood flow delivers needed oxygen and nutrients to the skin to enhance health. Regular workouts support the integrity of the skin barrier, boost collagen production, and improve elasticity. Physical activity also helps with weight loss, especially when combined with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and top-rated weight loss supplements.
Stretch Marks – Risk Factors
Generally speaking, anyone can develop stretch marks and many people do. However, some individuals are more likely to get them than others. Common risk factors for stretch marks on the buttocks include:
- Being female
- Family history of stretch marks
- Rapid weight gain/loss
- Rapid growth during puberty
- Regular weightlifting or bodybuilding
- Pregnancy
- Use of steroids
- Sedentary lifestyle
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Quickly
While stretch marks on the buttocks can be quite frustrating, you can get rid of them more easily than you think. These are some of the best treatment approaches.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are the most common and effective solution for improving the appearance of stretch marks. The best cream for stretch marks can minimize their visibility and smooth your skin. Ideally, look for creams, lotions, and moisturizers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids to improve the skin’s texture and appearance.
Topical treatment options for stretch marks on the buttocks also include tretinoin cream, Trofolastin and Alphastria creams, and silicone gel. When you find the best cream for stretch marks that meets your specific needs, make sure to apply it regularly as results only occur with consistent use.
Other Treatments
In addition to topical treatments for stretch marks on the butt, there are other, in-office approaches worth trying. These include:
- Laser Therapy: The practitioner uses a laser device to stimulate the production of collagen and help diminish the appearance of stretch marks [7]. Several sessions are necessary for the best results.
- Microneedling: This technique involves using a device with fine needles to form tiny punctures in the skin, stimulating collagen production to speed up healing and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Chemical Peel: This in-clinic method involves applying exfoliating agents such as glycolic acid to the skin to improve its texture and minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
- Microdermabrasion: This procedure involves the use of a device to exfoliate the top layer of skin, stimulating cellular renewal and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
- Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP): PRP injections promote collagen regeneration and make stretch marks less noticeable.
Stretch Mark Diagnosis
Stretch marks don’t require a diagnosis by a doctor, because they are not a disease or medical condition. If you’re concerned, make an appointment with a healthcare provider so they can examine the skin and review your medical history. The physician may order further tests to diagnose the underlying problem if they believe that the stretch marks formed due to high cortisol levels.
Stretch Mark Prevention
Although there’s no guarantee that you can completely prevent the development of stretch marks on your buttocks, you can minimize the risk by following these simple tips and tricks:
- Manage Your Weight: Since most people develop stretch marks from losing weight, it’s important to take steps to prevent gain. That way, your skin won’t have to go through the rapid expansion that can cause stretch marks.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as your skin needs hydration to function properly. Water is necessary for overall health, and you also need it to take one of the top-rated weight loss supplements you may be using to slim down.
- Follow a Healthy Diet: Avoid or reduce your intake of trans fats, sugar, and heavily processed foods. Instead, follow a nutrient-rich diet, and if you’re trying to slim down complement it with regular use of Phenocal weight loss supplement.
- Use Aloe Vera Gel: As a natural remedy for various skin concerns, aloe vera gel moisturizes, soothes, and helps prevent the development of stretch marks. The best cream for stretch marks should contain aloe vera and other hydrating ingredients.
- Avoid Corticosteroids: Avoid creams, lotions, or tablets containing corticosteroids. If they are prescribed to you, express your concerns about developing stretch marks to your healthcare provider.
- Take Vitamin D: An inadequate amount of this ‘sunshine vitamin’ may increase the risk [8] of developing stretch marks, so make sure to obtain enough Vitamin D through your diet or by taking it supplementally.
- Combine Exercise and Supplements For Weight Loss: If you are trying to lose weight and are concerned about developing stretch marks, we recommend following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking one of the top-rated weight loss supplements. This approach should give the skin the nourishment and care it needs to support the integrity of its protective barrier.
FAQs
Why do I have stretch marks on my bum when I'm skinny?
You may develop stretch marks on your buttocks even if you’re skinny due to hereditary factors, hormonal changes, overly dry skin, previous damage or injury to the skin, overexposure to the sun, or rapid muscle growth due to exercise.
What causes stretch marks on the buttocks to itch?
Stretch marks on the buttocks itch when they are in the progressive stage, meaning they’re in the process of developing. When the skin stretches, it causes irritation and dryness, leading to itchiness.
Do stretch marks go away when you lose weight?
Weight loss can make stretch marks on the buttocks more visible, and most people don’t notice them until they lose weight. While they may be conspicuous at first, stretch marks tend to fade and become less noticeable over time.
Takeaway
In this article, we have focused on discussing the prevention and treatment of stretch marks on the butt. There are several different reasons you may develop this issue, as we have explained in detail.
If you find your stretch marks bothersome, you can minimize their appearance by following a healthy diet and losing weight with the help of top-rated weight loss supplements, using topical treatments, and other approaches we have mentioned. It’s important to feel comfortable in your skin and love everything about yourself, including these so-called imperfections.