What to Do About Stretch Marks on Your Butt: Causes, Treatments & Remedies

Abstract

Stretch marks, also known medically as striae distensae, are a common skin condition that affects people from all walks of life. This research article aims to provide a clear, relatable, and evidence-based guide on what to do about stretch marks on the buttocks. It examines the causes, the pathophysiology behind them, and various treatment options—both medical and home-based. Tailored especially for an international audience using accessible African English, this paper also shares real-life examples to help individuals feel seen, understood, and empowered to take action.

Introduction

Stretch marks on the buttocks are very common, especially among women and young people going through body changes like puberty or pregnancy. In Africa and around the world, many people are shy or even ashamed to talk about it, but the truth is, stretch marks do not mean something is wrong with you. They are natural and can happen to anyone.

Stretch marks can affect how someone feels about their body. They might avoid wearing swimsuits or short clothes, or even feel less confident in private moments. But the good news is—there are things that can help. Whether you want to reduce their appearance or understand why they happen, this article is here to guide you in a warm, non-judgmental way, backed by science and real-life stories.

Pathophysiology of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, or striae, are a type of dermal scarring that appears when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly. This rapid change causes the collagen and elastin in the skin—two important proteins that keep skin firm and elastic—to rupture (Salter & Kimball, 2006). When the skin tries to heal, stretch marks form.

Types of Stretch Marks

• Striae rubrae: These are new stretch marks that look red or purple.
• Striae albae: These are older stretch marks that fade to a white or silver colour over time.
• Striae gravidarum: These appear during pregnancy.
• Striae distensae: The general medical term for stretch marks caused by skin stretching.

What Happens Under the Skin?

When the skin is stretched, fibroblasts (specialised skin cells) fail to produce enough collagen and elastin to support the stretched skin. As a result, the middle layer of the skin—the dermis—tears. Over time, inflammation happens and the skin starts to heal, but it leaves behind those lines we see as stretch marks (Watkins & Miller, 2018).

This damage is not just on the surface—it is deep within the structure of the skin. That is why no treatment can totally remove stretch marks, but many can reduce how they look.

Causes of Stretch Marks on the Buttocks

1. Puberty: When young people grow fast, especially girls around the hips and buttocks, the skin can stretch too quickly.
2. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and weight gain can cause stretch marks on the buttocks, hips, and thighs.
3. Weight gain: Rapid increase in body fat stretches the skin.
4. Corticosteroid use: Long-term use of steroid creams or pills can thin the skin.
5. Genetics: If your mother or sister has stretch marks, you might get them too.
6. Medical conditions: Conditions like Cushing’s syndrome and Marfan syndrome can also lead to stretch marks.

Real-life story:
A 26-year-old woman from Nairobi shared that she developed stretch marks on her buttocks during puberty. “I was ashamed at first. I thought something was wrong with me. But later I realised, even my older sister and aunties had the same marks,” she said.

Topical Treatments

These are creams, oils, and lotions applied directly to the skin. They work best on early stretch marks (striae rubrae), and consistent use is important.

1. Retinoid creams (like tretinoin)

• Helps to rebuild collagen in the skin.
• Should not be used during pregnancy.
• Example: A study showed 0.1% tretinoin improved early stretch marks in 80% of patients (Rangel et al., 2020).

2. Hyaluronic acid

• Keeps the skin hydrated and helps it look plumper.
• Works well for newer marks.

3. Centella Asiatica (Gotu kola)

• A natural herb that encourages collagen production.
• Often used in African and Asian herbal remedies.

4. Cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin E

• Common in African homes.
• They moisturise and may help reduce itching, but scientific evidence is limited.

Case example:
Chinwe, a 34-year-old teacher from Lagos, used cocoa butter daily after childbirth. “My stretch marks didn’t go away, but they became lighter. And my skin felt smooth,” she explained.

Other Treatments

1. Microneedling

• Tiny needles make small injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production.
• Works well for older stretch marks (striae albae).

2. Laser therapy

• Fractional lasers help reduce stretch mark appearance.
• Often needs several sessions and can be expensive.

3. Chemical peels

• Use of acids like glycolic acid to exfoliate and renew the skin.
• Can cause temporary redness or irritation.

4. Radiofrequency treatments

• Use heat to stimulate skin tightening and collagen growth.
• Safe for most skin tones.

5. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy

• Uses your own blood to encourage skin healing.
• Promising results, but still being studied.

Home Remedies

While many home remedies don’t have strong scientific backing, they are popular, especially where access to dermatological treatments is limited.

• Aloe vera: Soothing and may help with skin healing.
• Coconut oil: Moisturises and may reduce inflammation.
• Sugar scrub: Acts as a natural exfoliator.
• Lemon juice: Some people believe its acidity helps fade marks, but it can irritate sensitive skin.

Example:
Kwame from Ghana used aloe vera directly from the plant on his stretch marks for six months. “I saw a small difference, and I liked how my skin felt. It was not a miracle, but it helped,” he said.

When to See a Doctor

It’s important to speak to a doctor or dermatologist if:

• Stretch marks appear suddenly or are severe.
• They come with other symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, or skin thinning (which could indicate hormonal issues).
• You are trying a treatment and experience pain, redness, or skin reactions.

Psychological Impact

Stretch marks are not harmful, but they can affect mental health. In some cultures, they are seen as shameful. In others, especially in parts of Africa and Latin America, stretch marks on the hips and buttocks are considered natural and even beautiful.

However, for those feeling down or anxious about their body, support from a mental health professional or trusted community is important.

Takeaway: Embrace, Treat, or Do Both

Stretch marks on the buttocks are a normal part of life. They are not dangerous, and many people live with them without issues. However, if you feel uncomfortable, there are safe and effective treatments available—both medical and natural. It’s okay to want to improve your skin, and it’s also okay to love it just the way it is.

Everyone’s skin tells a story. Yours is worth loving, no matter what.

References

Rangel, O., Arias, I., Garcia, E., & Lopez-Padilla, S. (2020). Effectiveness of tretinoin in the treatment of striae distensae. International Journal of Dermatology, 59(3), 312–317. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.14765

Salter, S. A., & Kimball, A. B. (2006). Striae gravidarum. Clinics in Dermatology, 24(2), 97–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2005.10.007

Watkins, B. A., & Miller, K. W. (2018). The pathogenesis and treatment of striae distensae. Dermatologic Therapy, 31(3), e12582. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12582