Stretch Marks on Dark Skin: Causes, Prevention and Treatment
Stretch marks are a common type of scar that can develop when the skin changes rapidly, particularly during pregnancy, puberty, growth spurts, weight changes or muscle growth.
They are harmless and often become less noticeable with time, although they may not disappear completely.
On darker skin tones, new stretch marks may look brown, dark brown, purple or reddish-brown before gradually becoming lighter. Newer stretch marks are generally easier to improve than mature ones, but no cream or procedure can guarantee complete removal.
During pregnancy, focus on keeping the skin hydrated and avoid retinoids. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, vitamin A-containing body care and selected professional treatments may help improve their appearance.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks, medically known as striae distensae, are a form of dermal scarring.
They can develop when the skin stretches or changes relatively quickly. Physical stretching, hormonal influences and structural changes within the skin can all contribute.
They commonly appear on the:
- Abdomen
- Breasts
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Chest
- Lower back
Stretch marks are not caused by poor hygiene or by failing to moisturise your skin.
How do stretch marks look on dark skin?
Stretch marks change colour as they mature.
Early stretch marks can appear pink, red, purple, brown or black depending on skin tone. Over time, they usually flatten and become paler.
On melanin-rich skin, a new stretch mark may therefore look brown, dark brown, reddish-brown, purple or noticeably darker than the surrounding skin, rather than the classic pink-red marks often shown on lighter skin.
As they mature, some stretch marks become lighter than the surrounding skin.
Why does treating stretch marks carefully matter on skin of colour?
Melanin-rich skin can develop noticeable pigment changes following inflammation.
This matters because repeatedly scrubbing stretch marks, using excessively strong acids or choosing inappropriate procedures may create additional inflammation and potentially leave post-inflammatory pigmentation behind.
The goal should therefore be to improve the appearance of the stretch mark without creating a second problem through unnecessary irritation.
What causes stretch marks?
There is no single cause.
Common factors include:
- Pregnancy
- Puberty
- Rapid growth
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Rapid muscle growth
- Genetics and family history
- Some corticosteroid medicines
- Certain hormonal or medical conditions
Family history is particularly important, and stretch marks are not always preventable.
Can you prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?
Not always.
Genetics, hormonal changes and how quickly the skin stretches can all influence whether stretch marks develop. Research has not found a topical treatment that can reliably guarantee their prevention. (PubMed)
Moisturising is still useful because it can help keep the skin comfortable, hydrated and supple, particularly when it feels dry, tight or itchy.
How should you care for stretch marks on dark skin?
1. Keep the skin well moisturised
Moisturiser cannot erase an existing stretch mark, but it can improve dryness, tightness and discomfort.
Look for hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients such as:
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Squalane
- Panthenol
Consistency is more useful than waiting until the skin already feels very dry.
2. Address newer stretch marks early
Newer stretch marks tend to be more responsive to topical treatment than mature white stretch marks.
One of the better-studied topical treatments is prescription tretinoin.
In a randomised controlled trial of 22 people with early stretch marks, 8 of 10 people using 0.1% tretinoin for six months showed definite or marked improvement, compared with 1 of 12 using the vehicle treatment. (PubMed)
Tretinoin is a prescription medicine and retinoids should not be used during pregnancy.
If you are considering vitamin A for your skin, read Is Retinol Safe for Skin of Colour?
3. During pregnancy, focus on skin support rather than aggressive treatment
Pregnancy is different because retinoids should be avoided.
The priority should be hydration, barrier support and maintaining comfortable, supple-feeling skin rather than aggressively exfoliating or treating the area.
Dr Vanita Rattan Pregnancy Stretch Mark Cream is formulated without retinoids and has been assessed as suitable for use during pregnancy. It combines a vitamin C derivative, niacinamide, octadecenedioic acid, bakuchiol, ceramides and peptides in a fragrance-free formula designed to support hydrated skin and improve the appearance of stretch marks.
It can also be used while breastfeeding according to the current product guidance.
4. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, consider a structured body routine
Once pregnancy and breastfeeding have finished, established stretch marks may benefit from a routine combining controlled exfoliation with vitamin A-containing body care.
The Body Smoothing Exfoliator combines 4.5% lactic acid, 0.5% salicylic acid and gluconolactone to exfoliate the skin and improve surface texture. It is designed for use once or twice weekly on suitable normal-to-dry, non-sensitive skin.
After showering, the Body Brightening Oil contains retinaldehyde, a vitamin C derivative and squalane, and is formulated to improve the appearance of stretch marks, scars and uneven skin tone.
The Dr V Body Range contains vitamin A and should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding according to the current product guidance.
5. Avoid unnecessary irritation
More aggressive treatment does not automatically mean better results.
Avoid:
- Repeatedly scrubbing stretch marks.
- Layering several strong exfoliating acids.
- Using multiple retinoid products on the same area.
- Continuing a product despite persistent burning or inflammation.
- Applying active products to cracked, damaged or inflamed skin.
For pigmentation-prone skin, keeping irritation low is particularly important.
What is a simple stretch-mark routine?
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| During pregnancy | Use a pregnancy-appropriate moisturising body cream consistently and avoid retinoids. |
| While breastfeeding | Continue gentle moisturising or Pregnancy Stretch Mark Cream and avoid the vitamin A-containing Dr V Body Range. |
| After pregnancy and breastfeeding | For suitable skin, introduce Body Smoothing Exfoliator once or twice weekly according to directions. |
| After showering | Apply Body Brightening Oil to normal, intact skin. |
| If irritation develops | Pause active products and return to gentle moisturising until the skin settles. |
| If the area is exposed to sunlight | Use broad-spectrum sun protection. |
Stretch marks change slowly. Think in months rather than weeks when assessing improvement.
Can professional treatments improve stretch marks?
Professional treatments may improve the appearance of stretch marks, but there is no single treatment that removes them completely. Reviews of the evidence have found variable results across topical treatments, lasers, radiofrequency, microneedling and other procedures.
Microneedling
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries intended to stimulate skin remodelling.
Small clinical studies have reported improvement in stretch marks following microneedling, although the research remains limited and treatment protocols differ considerably. One 2024 prospective study included only 30 participants, illustrating why larger trials are still needed. (PubMed)
Laser and radiofrequency treatments
Selected laser and radiofrequency treatments may also improve stretch marks, but the device and settings matter particularly in darker skin tones.
In one small study involving people with Fitzpatrick skin types IV and V, all 11 participants receiving combined fractional microneedle radiofrequency and fractional CO₂ laser developed post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. (PubMed)
What are the biggest mistakes when treating stretch marks?
Common mistakes include:
- Expecting a cream to erase stretch marks completely.
- Waiting until newer stretch marks have matured before addressing them.
- Scrubbing or aggressively exfoliating the area.
- Combining several strong acids or retinoids.
- Using retinoids during pregnancy.
- Choosing procedures without a practitioner experienced in darker skin tones.
When should you see a doctor about stretch marks?
Stretch marks themselves are usually harmless.
Seek medical advice if they:
- Appear suddenly or extensively without an obvious reason.
- Develop alongside other unexplained symptoms.
- Appear while you are using corticosteroid medication and you are concerned.
- Are associated with painful or severely inflamed skin.
- Make you concerned about an underlying hormonal condition.
- Lead you to consider prescription tretinoin or an in-clinic procedure.
Large or unusual stretch marks together with symptoms such as increased fat around the chest or abdomen, thinner arms and legs, or a rounded face can occasionally be associated with Cushing's syndrome and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my stretch marks darker than my skin?
New stretch marks can be red, purple, brown or black depending on your skin tone. They generally become lighter as they mature.
Can stretch marks disappear completely?
Usually not. Stretch marks are scars and may remain permanently, although they often become considerably less noticeable over time.
What treatment is best for stretch marks on dark skin?
There is no single best treatment. Newer stretch marks may respond better to topical treatments, while mature stretch marks may require professional procedures for more noticeable improvement. The safest approach depends on the age of the stretch marks, your skin and your risk of pigmentation.
Does cocoa butter prevent stretch marks?
There is not strong evidence that cocoa butter can reliably prevent stretch marks. Moisturisers can make the skin feel softer and more comfortable, but they cannot guarantee prevention.
Can I use retinol on stretch marks during pregnancy?
No. Retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy.
Do old white stretch marks respond to treatment?
Mature pale stretch marks are generally more difficult to improve than newer marks. Professional procedures may improve their texture and appearance, but complete removal is unlikely.
Final takeaway
Stretch marks are common, harmless scars that can develop during pregnancy, puberty and other periods of rapid body change.
On melanin-rich skin, new stretch marks may initially look darker, brown or purple before becoming paler over time.
The goal is not to attack them aggressively.
Support the skin early, address newer stretch marks where appropriate and avoid unnecessary inflammation.
During pregnancy, focus on pregnancy-appropriate skincare and avoid retinoids. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, carefully selected vitamin A-containing body care or professional treatments may help improve established stretch marks.
And keep expectations realistic: stretch marks can become considerably less noticeable, but no cream or procedure can promise to erase them completely.
Dr Vanita Rattan is a doctor, cosmetic formulator and author of Skin Revolution with HarperCollins. Her work focuses on skincare for melanin-rich skin, including hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory pigmentation, uneven tone and skin-barrier health.
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