Teens Can Experience Stretch Marks Too, And It’s Completely Normal

By: Alex Johnson

Date: July 20, 2021

My body matured faster than most of my peers. I developed breasts early and faced ridicule from classmates, which was incredibly painful. I despised the changes happening to my body, but the visible effects were only part of the story. The real embarrassment lay beneath my clothes.

I vividly recall the first time I noticed a stretch mark on my outer thigh. I mistook it for a bruise; it was long and purple. Within weeks, more appeared. Although I didn’t have an abundance of them, the few I did have were very prominent. They were hidden from everyone else, but that didn’t lessen my shame. I wished they would simply vanish.

This was back in the early ’90s, long before I could search online for “stretch mark solutions.” Too embarrassed to discuss them, I kept my feelings bottled up. I was also finding stretch marks on my breasts, which deepened my self-loathing. I already felt uncomfortable wearing a bra larger than my mother’s in seventh grade; it felt like the ultimate humiliation.

Despite my distaste for my body’s changes, they were entirely natural. Many adolescents experience this during puberty, just as they do with unexpected hair growth and acne. Stretch marks are a common occurrence, and there’s no reason to feel ashamed of them. To provide more insight on this topic, we consulted Dr. Lisa Martinez, a pediatrician at City Children’s Hospital.

When asked about the causes of stretch marks and whether they can be avoided, Dr. Martinez explained that these marks, known medically as striae, develop when the body undergoes rapid changes in height or weight, a common occurrence during puberty. Genetics can also play a role, making them unavoidable for some. While maintaining a nutritious diet and regular exercise may help manage weight fluctuations, sometimes stretch marks are simply inevitable.

Many teens desire solutions to make their stretch marks disappear. However, Dr. Martinez points out that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” remedy. Various creams and lotions, like coconut oil and shea butter, are marketed for stretch marks, but scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is lacking. Although there’s no instant fix, she emphasizes that minimizing sun exposure and using quality sunscreen can help reduce their appearance over time.

As parents, it’s crucial to help our children feel comfortable in their own skin. We want them to develop a healthy relationship with food and a positive self-image. There’s no need to be ashamed of something so natural. If your teen wants to discuss their stretch marks, listen attentively. Avoid offering miracle creams that won’t produce results. Instead, be empathetic. Remember how challenging it is to navigate adolescence and ensure they feel beautiful, accepted, and validated.

“Puberty and the transition to the teenage years present a prime opportunity to instill a lifelong sense of body positivity in your child,” Dr. Martinez advises. She continues, “Alongside the social and psychological hurdles of adolescence, physical changes can be concerning and even frightening for teens. Reassure them that these changes are normal and signify healthy development.”

This is also a great moment to address realistic versus unrealistic beauty standards, as the pressure to conform to societal ideals begins early. Teenagers are bombarded with images designed to make them feel inadequate. We often don’t compare ourselves positively to beautiful figures. Instead, we might think, “If only I had longer legs or a smaller waist.” We must tackle this damaging narrative early on to prevent more significant issues in the future.

Encourage your child to celebrate their unique traits, abilities, and interests. Help them build confidence by modeling body positivity yourself. For instance, when a photo is taken, instead of shying away, proudly affirm your body with statements like, “I feel strong today!” or “I love my hair!” Celebrating achievements and focusing on positive qualities—rather than physical appearance—can foster a sense of self-worth beyond mere looks.

Stretch marks are a natural aspect of life. If your child wishes to talk about them, that’s great. If they prefer to keep it to themselves, that’s okay too. Always make sure they know you’re available to discuss anything. However, if they are comfortable with their stretch marks, there’s no need to bring it up. Puberty and body changes are challenging enough without parents making a fuss. Give your child autonomy over their body and help them appreciate it for its strength, growth, and transformation. A few stretch marks do not define who they are; true beauty comes from being comfortable in one’s own skin.

For those interested in further reading, check out this blog post on related topics. For authoritative information on home insemination, visit Make a Mom’s comprehensive guide. Additionally, for insights on treating infertility, ACOG offers excellent resources.

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Summary

Teens often experience stretch marks during puberty due to rapid body changes, which is entirely normal. It’s crucial for parents to foster a positive body image in their children, encouraging them to celebrate their uniqueness. While there may not be a definitive way to eliminate stretch marks, understanding and empathy are key. Support your child as they navigate these changes and help them appreciate their bodies for their strength and growth.

Keyphrase: stretch marks in teens

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