The Best Treatments for Boob Stretch Marks
Seeing stretch marks on your boobs? Boob stretch marks are surprisingly common and can be caused by a number of factors. For some women, stretch marks on the breasts can have a serious impact on their self-confidence, which is why many are looking for the best treatment options.
Ahead, everything you need to know about boob stretch marks and how to reduce their appearance.
What are Boob Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are stripes that occur when the skin is stretched. Almost everyone has stretch marks, or will at some point in their lives — they’re that common! Normally, stretch marks occur on the hips, butt, and thighs, but they can also appear on other areas of your body like your breasts.
Pinkish and purplish in color, boob stretch marks typically fade to a paler color over time. Did you know there are even different types of stretch marks?
Striae atrophica are the most common stretch marks caused by the breakdown of elastin or collagen components in the skin. Striae distensae occurs most often during puberty that show up as linear stripes, while Vergetures are long, patterned stretch marks.
What Causes Boob Stretch Marks?
There are a number of culprits that can cause or increase your likelihood for developing stretch marks on your boobs. Below, the most common ones.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stretch marks on the breasts. That’s because this is the time when skin stretches the most as estrogen levels trigger breast growth. This usually occurs about six weeks into pregnancy, when breast size can increase up to two cup sizes, resulting in stretch marks.
Puberty
Hormonal changes that occur during puberty can stimulate a sudden growth of breast tissue, causing skin to stretch and stretch marks to appear. While you might be unhappy with their appearance, you should know that stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for the majority of girls.
Weight Gain
Rapid weight gain can result in stretch marks due to skin stretching. As your breast size increases, stretch marks may develop.
Weight Loss
Interestingly, stretch marks can even appear with weight loss. While fat tissue decreases when you lose weight, the loss of collagen involves during weight loss can lead to the loss of skin elasticity and ultimately stretch marks.
Increased Cortisol Secretion
The appearance of stretch marks can occur due to a hike in the body’s cortisol secretion. Produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol can negatively impact skin, depleting collagen production and elasticity, resulting in stripes and sagging.
Cosmetic Surgery
Breast implants and augmentation procedures are other common culprits of boob stretch marks. When adding implants or repositioning breast tissue, skin stretches and result in stretch marks.
Medical Conditions
In some cases, an underlying condition might be the reason for stretch marks on boobs, or anywhere. Cushing syndrome, for example, causes an increased production of cortisol, leading to collagen and elastin depletion and thus, stretch marks.
Diabetes can also affect collagen production and potentially increase your risk of developing stretch marks.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks on Breasts
Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks on boobs. From home remedies to collagen-boosting creams and topical treatments, you don’t need to splurge on expensive in-office procedures to treat breast stretch marks. While you won’t fully remove stretch marks, these treatments can help.
Breast Massage
Massage is effective at boosting blood flow and collagen production, which can help reduce stretch mark visibility. Using a stretch mark cream, massage the breasts for one minute.
Breast Exfoliation
Exfoliating can help with pigmentation and textural issues. Alongside this, it can also speed up the process of collagen production to soften stripes, thanks to its massaging effects. You can either use a sugar-based scrub or exfoliating acid (lactic, glycolic acid, etc.) for the job.
Topical Stretch Mark Treatments
Stretch mark creams, ointments, and lotions can help a lot when it comes to making boob stretch marks look less noticeable. Look for nourishing, hydrating and cell regenerating skincare ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, hyaluronic acid, retinoids, almond oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E.
The Best Boob Stretch Mark Treatments
Below, our fave formulas for treating stretch marks on breasts. Shop, and smooth!
Boobies Boob Polish
A gentle, exfoliating chest polish formulated with coconut, hibiscus and vanilla. Rainbow Boobies Boob Polish helps to restore skin’s moisture and firmness and bounce, all while combating stretch marks and sagging!
Firm Boob Mask
A whipped body mask developed with a blend of exfoliating jojoba beads, resurfacing retinol and potent antioxidants to tighten, soften fine lines, and plump out stretch marks.
Anti-Cellulite Butter
Rich and velvety smooth, Anti-Cellulite Bod Butter contains key ingredients like watermelon and vegan collagen to instantly restore moisture, improve elasticity, and fade the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite.
Smooth Serum
This age defending serum combines vitamin C and vegan collagen to plump, smooth, and deliver fresher, fine line-free skin. Thanks to its collagen enhancing effects, Smooth Serum also helps with stretch marks.
What About In-office Treatments?
If you’re dealing with severe stretch marks that won’t go away, speak to your dermatologist about medical treatments. Some of the most effective procedures for stretch marks on boobs include:
-
Laser Therapy
-
Microdermabrasion
-
Microneedling
-
Radiofrequency
It's best to talk to a derm beforehand to discuss whether they’d be suitable for your situation and skin type. Some of these procedures, like laser treatments for instance, aren’t safe if you’re breastfeeding. Your derm will also go over any potential side effects and risk factors of these treatments.
Stretch marks on boobs are extremely common and there’s no reason at all why you shouldn’t embrace them. However, don’t feel bad about wanting to see the back of them either. The boob stretch mark tips above should help in reducing their appearance and restoring your confidence.