How to Prevent and Treat Stretch Marks on Shoulders? The Final Takeaway
Stretch marks can appear almost anywhere on the body–including your shoulders. While they are totally normal and arguably an inevitable part of life, it’s natural to wonder what causes them to appear on your shoulders and how to treat them. To find concrete answers, we tapped board-certified dermatologists to explain everything you need to know about stretch marks on your shoulders.
What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, can manifest as rippled, discolored lines on the stomach, breasts, legs, abdomen, buttocks, and various areas of the body. “These indented marks are caused by the stretching of the skin, especially due to rapid weight changes, pregnancy, weight training leading to muscle growth, or growth spurts,” Dr. Engelman says.
As Dr. LoGergo explains, there are two main types of stretch marks: striae rubra or striae alba. She says striae rubra are fresh, new stretch marks that exhibit a red or purple hue. Over time, striae rubra transforms into striae alba, characterized by a white, indented, and scar-like appearance. "Stretch marks do not cause any symptoms or discomfort, but they [can be] psychologically distressing to the patient," Dr. LoGerfo says.
What Causes Stretch Marks on Shoulders?
As mentioned, stretch marks typically appear on your shoulders (and other body parts) due to sudden physical changes. "Stretch marks on the shoulders are typically caused by rapid muscle growth or loss," Dr. Engelman says. "If your skin doesn't have enough collagen and elasticity, stretch marks may show up as the skin stretches. You may notice stretch marks after rapid weight loss as well."
How to Prevent and Treat Stretch Marks on Shoulders?
As far as prevention goes, one of the most effective approaches is addressing the behavior that might be causing stretch marks to appear on your shoulders. "For example, if you are frequently engaged in weight training, you can reduce your chances of developing stretch marks on the shoulders by gradually and progressively gaining muscle instead of a rapid increase," Dr. Engelman says. "I recommend consulting with a fitness expert for a routine that promotes steady progress."
Once stretch marks have appeared, you can turn to topical skincare products to help reduce their appearance. For new stretch marks, Dr. Engelman suggests applying a hydrating lotion formulated with hyaluronic acid, which can help lessen their appearance. “Topical retinoids can also be used to help minimize the appearance of newer stretch marks as they increase collagen production and cellular turnover over time,” she explains. However, it’s important to note that these treatment options must be applied regularly to yield results.
For those seeking a more advanced solution, in-office treatments are often the most effective. Dr. Engelman recommends the Fraxel laser, an excellent option for stimulating new collagen production and tightening the skin, thereby reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Additionally, she suggests microneedling as another option that stimulates new collagen and elastin fibers, firming and tightening the skin. “For older stretch marks that appear white or silver, I also recommend Co2 Laser Skin Resurfacing as it triggers collagen and elastin production in the deep layers of the skin, resulting in smoother, healthier skin,” she notes.
The Final Takeaway
Stretch marks are common and nothing to worry about. However, you have options if you notice stretch marks on your shoulders and want to address them. The first step is understanding what could be causing them to appear—this can range from weight training to growth spurts. And from there, you can figure out how to treat them (if you desire to, of course). For newly-appeared stretch marks, our experts recommend trying lotions with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or exfoliants like retinol to minimize their appearance. For older or more visible stretch marks, you can consult with a dermatologist to find out if an in-office treatment (like Fraxel or microneedling) is suitable for you.
