Teens Can Experience Stretch Marks Too, and It's Completely Normal

My body matured earlier than most of my peers. I developed breasts at a young age and became the target of many hurtful jokes. As a young girl, this was incredibly tough for me. I detested the changes happening to my body. However, what was beneath my clothes was even more embarrassing.

I vividly remember the first time I noticed a stretch mark on my outer thigh. I mistook it for a bruise because it was long and purple. Within weeks, more appeared. While I didn’t have a lot, the few I had were extremely noticeable. No one else could see them, but that didn’t make me feel any less humiliated. I wanted them gone.

This was in the early ’90s, a time before the internet made it easy to search for “stretch mark remedies.” I was too embarrassed to talk to anyone about it, so I kept my feelings bottled up. I even had stretch marks on my breasts, which made my self-esteem plummet further. I was already unhappy about needing a bra bigger than my mom’s in seventh grade; this felt like the cherry on top.

Despite my distress, what I experienced was completely normal. Many kids go through similar changes during puberty. Just like developing hair in unexpected places or dealing with acne, stretch marks are a natural part of growing up. Dr. Lisa Bennett, a pediatrician at City Children’s Hospital, shared some insights into this common aspect of adolescence.

Understanding Stretch Marks

When we asked about the causes of stretch marks and if they could be avoided, Dr. Bennett explained that stretch marks, also known as striae, occur during rapid changes in height or weight, something many adolescents experience. They often have a genetic component and can’t always be prevented. Eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly may help mitigate weight fluctuations, but sometimes, they are just unavoidable.

Many teens wish their stretch marks would disappear, but that’s often unrealistic. “There isn’t a universal treatment that works for everyone,” Dr. Bennett noted. “While various creams and lotions, such as coconut oil and shea butter, are marketed for stretch marks, the evidence supporting their effectiveness isn’t strong.” She emphasized that minimizing sun exposure and using sunscreen on stretch marks can help them fade over time.

Supporting Your Teen

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 foster a positive self-image. There’s no reason for shame regarding something entirely natural. If your teen wants to talk about their stretch marks, listen. Don’t try to provide a miraculous solution that may not exist. Show empathy and remember how challenging it can be to navigate those teenage years. It’s essential to help them feel beautiful and accepted just as they are.

“Puberty is a prime opportunity to instill a sense of body positivity in your child,” Dr. Bennett added. “Alongside the social and psychological shifts that come with adolescence, bodily changes can be daunting. Reassure your teen that these transformations are normal and signify healthy development.”

This period is also a great time to discuss realistic versus unrealistic beauty standards. Teenagers are bombarded with images promoting narrow definitions of beauty, leading to feelings of inadequacy. We need to counteract these messages early on to prevent deeper issues in the future.

“As a parent, encourage your child to appreciate the unique qualities that make them extraordinary,” Dr. Bennett suggested. “Modeling body positivity is essential; embrace moments in front of the camera, and share affirmations about your body like ‘I feel strong today!’ or ‘I love my hair!’ Celebrating achievements and positive traits can help foster your child’s self-esteem and body image.”

Embracing Change

Stretch marks are a normal part of life. If your child wants to discuss them, that’s great; if they prefer to keep it to themselves, that’s perfectly fine too. Always make it known that they can approach you when they feel the need. But if they’re comfortable with their stretch marks, there’s no need to bring it up.

Navigating puberty and body changes is challenging enough without parents making it a bigger issue. Allow your child the space to appreciate their body as it is—strong, evolving, and beautiful. Remember, a few stretch marks don’t define who they are; it’s about feeling confident in their own skin.

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Summary:

Teens often experience stretch marks during puberty due to rapid growth and weight changes, which is entirely normal. Instead of feeling ashamed, it’s important for both teens and parents to embrace these changes and foster a positive body image. Open communication and modeling body positivity can help teenagers navigate this challenging period with confidence.

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