If red stripes suddenly appear on your growing child's skin one day, it's natural for parents to be flustered. Teenage stretch marks are a common skin change during periods of rapid growth in height and weight. The first question that usually comes to mind is, "Will consistently applying cream make them better?" To answer directly, the approach varies depending on the timing and stage.
If you've tried applying ointments and consistently using stretch mark creams, but there's no sign of improvement, this article will outline what's possible and what the limitations are at each stage.
Why Do Teenage Stretch Marks Occur?
Adolescence is a period of rapid increase in height and weight. The problem arises when the skin cannot keep up with the body's growth rate. Stretch marks appear as the dermis layer is damaged during the process of rapid skin expansion.
Although they may look like simple stripes on the surface, they actually involve changes in the dermis layer deep within the skin. Therefore, treatments that act only on the surface and those that reach the dermis layer necessarily require different approaches.
Where Do They Commonly Appear?
The areas vary slightly depending on growth rate and physical changes. Commonly affected areas include:
- Male students: Often on the back due to rapid height growth
- Female students: Often on the breasts, thighs, and buttocks
- Common to both: Thighs, calves, and around the abdomen
- While there may be individual differences, this is a common change that can appear in any growing adolescent.
Regardless of the area, the commonality is clear. Since these changes stem from the natural process of growth, it's more important to identify which stage they are in rather than to worry too much.
Stretch Marks Vary by Stage
Stretch marks change progressively over time. Since the treatment approach differs depending on the stage, it's helpful to observe their color and surface condition.
| Stage | Color and Surface | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 1단계 Red Stretch Marks | Red or purplish, slightly raised or itchy | Golden time for treatment |
| 2단계 White Stretch Marks | White or silvery, surface is indented or uneven | More difficult to improve |
When they first appear, they may be red or purplish, and the skin may feel slightly raised or itchy. This period is the golden time for treatment.
Over time, the redness fades, and they turn white or silvery, with the skin surface becoming indented or uneven. Once they reach this stage, improvement becomes more difficult.
The earlier stretch marks are treated, the more diverse the approaches, and the treatment results may vary even for the same area depending on the stage.
In the clinic, the starting point for those who come in during the red stage is quite different from those who come in after they have progressed to the white stage.
Why Is Home Care Limited?
Most home care products primarily serve to reduce additional damage through skin moisturization. However, they may have limitations in improving the existing stretch mark traces themselves.
Many people feel that despite trying various home care methods such as stretch mark creams, ointments, and oils, there is no change. This is not so much a problem with product selection as it is a limitation in approach, as stretch marks that have already damaged the dermis layer cannot be effectively treated with products applied only to the surface.
When continuing home care, it's good to check the following:
- Whether you are consistently moisturizing to prevent skin dryness
- Whether you have checked the color and surface to determine if it's the red or white stage
- Whether you have noticed early signs such as itching or raised skin
- Whether you have considered consulting a specialist rather than simply changing products if there is no change
If you haven't seen sufficient change with home care and are curious about the progression stage, you can easily inquire via Chat consultation for teenage stretch marks.
What Treatments Are Available at a Dermatology Clinic?
If you feel that surface products are not bringing about change, you may consider Stretch Mark Treatment performed at a dermatology clinic. The approach varies depending on the stage.
For red stretch marks, V-beam vascular lasers may be used. The approach aims to reduce redness and promote skin regeneration, and earlier treatment tends to be more favorable for expecting changes. For white stretch marks, lasers such as Ultrapulse Alpha may be used. This method works deep within the skin to induce collagen production and improve skin texture. For indented areas, methods that act on the dermis layer, such as RePott Laser, may also be considered.
Since there is a recovery period of about 2-3 weeks during which exfoliation occurs after the procedure, the most realistic plan is to utilize school breaks or holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions parents ask about teenage stretch mark treatment.
Q. Can teenagers also receive laser treatment?
Growing adolescents can find suitable methods through consultation with a dermatology specialist. Above all, thorough discussion with a specialist is paramount.
Q. Will losing weight improve stretch marks?
In mild cases, some improvement may occur, but deeply indented stretch marks may appear more prominent, so caution is needed.
To Avoid Missing the Right Time
Teenage stretch marks are a natural skin change that can occur during growth. However, if you haven't seen sufficient change with home care, we recommend consulting a dermatology specialist before it's too late.
For stretch marks, the earlier the treatment, the more diverse the approaches, and the treatment results can vary. To help adolescents, who are in a sensitive period regarding their appearance, regain confidence, seek professional help at the appropriate time. If you have any questions, feel free to inquire below.
Inquire via chat consultation if you are concerned about teenage stretch mark treatment
Dr. Sang-Joo Lee, a board-certified dermatologist, leads Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon. He will serve as the president of the Korean Dermatological Association in 2026 and as an adjunct professor at the Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, having long specialized in pigment and scar treatments. View Dr. Sang-Joo Lee's Profile First published 2026-04-08 / Last reviewed July 23, 2026
This article provides general medical information, and even for the same stretch marks, results may vary individually depending on the stage and skin condition. Please consult a dermatology specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.