Stretch marks on breasts: Causes and treatment

Stretch marks are those pesky lines that can appear on different body parts. Stretch marks on breasts are common, and there are various causes such as pregnancy, growth spurts, or changes in your weight. They form due to straining the elastin fibres that comprise the collagen of the skin, causing scar-like marks. While they are not harmful and often fade over time, many people seek treatments to reduce their appearance. Knowing the exact cause of stretch marks on breasts should be the first step before thinking about treatment options.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are a type of discoloured scarring that develops when the skin rapidly stretches or shrinks. They commonly occur in the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, back, breasts, and groin, as per a research published in StatsPearls. This sudden change causes the collagen and elastin, which support your skin, to rupture. As the skin heals, stretch marks can appear. They often emerge during periods of rapid growth, such as puberty, pregnancy, or significant weight changes.

“When the skin of breasts rapidly increases or decreases in size, the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis layer can be damaged due to the pressure from underlying fat or muscle. This disruption leads to the formation of stretch marks,” explains dermatologist Dr Sujata Dora. These marks occur because the skin cannot adapt quickly enough to the sudden changes, causing the supportive structure to break down.

Causes of stretch marks on breasts

There are several reasons why you get stretch marks on breasts, as per a study published in StatsPearls.

1. Puberty

During puberty, hormonal changes can cause breast tissue to expand rapidly. As breast tissue grows, the skin expands. The thinning of the skin on the breasts can cause stretch marks. Some people may notice stretch marks on buttocks, hips, and thighs.

2. Pregnancy

Pregnancy is another very prevalent reason for stretch marks on the breasts. Breasts begin to expand at six weeks into pregnancy, when higher oestrogen levels stimulate breast growth and milk duct growth. Some people may experience a breast growth of up to two cup sizes. This rapid expansion can cause stretch marks.

3. Weight gain or loss

Women who gain weight often observe an increased breast size. So, stretch marks may develop as their breast size develops. Though fat tissue shrinks when you lose weight, stretch marks on the breasts may not fade away. This is caused by a loss of collagen that occurs following weight loss, resulting in a decrease of skin suppleness.

How to prevent stretch marks on breasts?

Stretch marks appear as discoloured scars on the breasts. “These marks often start as red, purple, or dark brown streaks and may gradually fade to a lighter colour over time. They can be slightly raised and may feel itchy or tender,” says the expert. Here are some ways to prevent stretch marks:

• Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water each day helps restore skin elasticity, keeping it smooth and supple, hence preventing stretch marks.
• Always exfoliate and moisturise your skin.
• Incorporate vitamin C-rich foods like berries, raw cabbage, citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, melons, peas, peppers, broccoli, pineapple, spinach, tomatoes, and turnips into your regular diet to help fight against toxins and free radicals.
• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, salmon, and cauliflower, can help avoid stretch marks.

Home remedies to treat stretch marks on breasts

Here are some easy and effective ways to reduce stretch marks on breasts, as recommended by the expert.

1. Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera contains antibacterial properties. This can be used to treat stretch marks. A study published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine found that applying aloe vera gel to stretch marks reduced itching and prevented the spots from spreading.

How to use:

• Remove the outer layer of the aloe vera leaf and extract the sticky gel from the interior.
• After massaging the gel into the skin, leave it on for 20 to 40 minutes.
• Rinse it with water.

2. Olive oil

Olive oil has great moisturising properties. According to a study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal, it is high in minerals and antioxidants, which are particularly good at healing skin damage such as irritation and can help to reduce stretch marks.

How to use:

• Applying 2-3 teaspoons of cold-pressed olive oil to the affected areas of stretch marks on the breasts will help to decrease them over time.

3. Coconut oil

According to research published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal, coconut oil moisturises the skin and decreases stretch marks. In addition, coconut oil inhibits the skin’s collagen from breaking and the emergence of stretch marks.

How to use:

• Pour 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil in a bowl.
• Gently massage the coconut oil into the affected regions of stretch marks on the breasts until the oil is dissolved in the skin.

Most home remedies for stretch marks on breasts are generally not harmful. However, they may cause skin irritation, dryness, or peeling. It is recommended to conduct a patch test and discontinue use if any adverse responses occur. Plus, it is essential to consult your doctor before attempting any home remedies.

Chemical treatments for stretch marks on breasts

Here are some easy chemical treatments to get rid of stretch marks on breasts, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. However, you should only use these treatment options after asking your dermatologist:

• Prescription retinoids and over-the-counter lotions containing glycolic acid or vitamin C can promote collagen formation and enhance skin tone.
• Laser therapy focusses on damaged skin tissue, boosting collagen formation and minimising stretch mark appearance.
• Microdermabrasion is a method that exfoliates the skin’s top layer to improve texture and tone.
• Using chemical peels to exfoliate the skin can help lessen the visibility of stretch marks.

It is essential to contact a dermatologist to establish the best treatment choice for your unique skin condition and needs.