There are many misconceptions about darker skin tones… starting with the idea that Black or mixed skin is more prone to stretch marks. Myth or reality? We’ve separated fact from fiction — and rounded up a few solutions to treat your stretch marks and care for your skin.
How do stretch marks appear?
Stretch marks are skin lesions that appear in specific contexts of hormonal and/or physical change, such as:
1- Puberty
Puberty is a period of intense change for teenagers: they grow taller, their body transforms, and they experience hormonal surges. These three factors can trigger the appearance of stretch marks. The skin undergoes sudden, significant stretching linked to growth and changes in body shape. Sometimes it keeps up — but under the strain, it can give way in places. The elastic fibres that make up the dermis break, and skin lesions appear: the dreaded stretch marks. In boys, they tend to appear on the back, shoulders and calves. In girls, whose physical changes are more pronounced — including the onset of periods — stretch marks more commonly appear on the thighs, hips and buttocks, and sometimes the chest.
2- Pregnancy
Women are often more affected by stretch marks than men, as they go through more intense physical transformations over the course of their lives. Pregnancy is one of them. It involves rapid and significant changes to the body: a belly that grows rounder month by month, weight gain, dry skin and breasts that swell in preparation for possible breastfeeding. Pregnant women are therefore particularly susceptible to stretch marks.
3- Weight fluctuations
Significant and rapid weight gain or loss can also lead to stretch marks. The skin is subjected to considerable stretching and distension, which can weaken it in places. Collagen and elastin fibres, though resilient, can break. These subcutaneous tears cause inflammation and “cracks” at the surface of the skin: stretch marks.
4- Fluctuations in blood cortisol levels
Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone”, is naturally produced by the human body. It helps us get up in the morning and react instantly to urgent situations. Blood cortisol levels normally regulate themselves. But sometimes the system goes off balance and the body starts producing more cortisol than needed. This can happen during chronic stress, adrenal gland dysfunction (a condition known as Cushing’s Syndrome), cortisone-based treatment, or in the final stages of pregnancy(hormonal surge). High cortisol levels bring a range of unwanted effects: weight gain, a weakened immune system, and skin deterioration — including dryness and fragility — which can lead to stretch marks.
5- Muscle hypertrophy
Rapid and significant muscle gain can also trigger stretch marks. This is common with certain sports, such as weight training, weightlifting or bodybuilding. The effect is amplified when athletes intensively work the same muscle groups and/or use mass-gaining products (anabolic substances, gainers). Stretch marks can then appear on the shoulders and arms, pectorals, back, and even the thighs and calves. “Gym” stretch marks more commonly affect men, whose capacity for muscle gain is greater than that of women.
Are dark or mixed skin tones more prone to stretch marks?
Let’s come back to the misconception that darker skin is more prone to stretch marks. This is simply not true. However, stretch marks are more visible on dark skin than on lighter skin. A stretch mark is characterised by:
- Its soft texture, as it results from the distension of the dermis’s elastic fibres
- Its sunken appearance, because the skin sinks slightly at the site of the stretch mark, no longer “supported” by the elastic fibres
- Its colour, which typically shifts from red, pink or purple (the inflammatory stage of a new stretch mark) to a pearlescent white (a “healed” and depigmented stretch mark)
As a result, white stretch marks will inevitably stand out more on dark or mixed skin than on lighter skin, due to the contrast effect.
To this, we can add two contributing factors:
- Darker skin tones tolerate dry climates less well than lighter skin. Naturally less adapted to low-humidity environments, they retain moisture less effectively and tend towards dryness and dehydration. And since dry skin increases the likelihood of developing stretch marks, keeping skin well nourished is essential.
- Women who use “lightening” products — still far too common among women of colour — significantly weaken their skin. In addition to other substances harmful to the dermis, these products often contain cortisone, which promotes the development of stretch marks.
“Black stretch marks”: what does it actually mean?
When people talk about “black stretch marks”, they usually mean stretch marks on Black or mixed-race skin, not stretch marks that are black in colour. As we’ve seen, these skin tones are no more prone to them than any others. It’s mainly the contrast that makes them more noticeable.
If you notice a dark or brown mark and you’re unsure what it is, only a GP or dermatologist can tell you.
What are the solutions for treating stretch marks?
Big problems call for big remedies! If you have darker skin and notice stretch marks appearing on your buttocks or stomach, it’s essential to treat them. The sooner the better — new stretch marks respond more readily to treatment than older ones.
If you’re considering an aesthetic treatment for your stretch marks, such as LED, laser, microdermabrasion or similar, be aware that these techniques are not recommended for dark or mixed skin tones. These methods can cause micro-trauma to the dermis, leading to areas of hyperpigmentation (dark spots and possible dark scarring).
The best approach remains maximum hydration. Your skin needs nourishment, protection and regeneration. Here are several skincare routines to consider.
1- Natural plant oils
If you love richer textures, you can use plant oils to treat your stretch marks. There’s plenty to choose from — just make sure you go for quality. Some top picks include:
- Coconut oil, rich in fatty acids, is valued for nourishing dry skin.
- Argan oil, a treasured Moroccan beauty secret, is a precious and delicate oil that helps keep the skin supple and nourished.
- Sweet almond oil is also valued for nourishing the skin. Our Stretch Mark Prevention Oil, a blend of plant oils (sunflower, sesame, avocado and jojoba), is designed for all types of stretch marks. Its natural formula nourishes the skin and leaves it supple and soft to the touch.
The massage oil that helps prevent stretch marks from appearing*, during pregnancy and beyond
*User test on 21 volunteers over 3 weeks, based on participants' feedback.
- Why does it work?
2- Plant butters
If you prefer a solid texture, a plant butter can be an excellent choice. Just as rich as an oil, it will give your skin all the softness it needs. Again, you have plenty of options:
- Shea butter, the best-known of all plant butters, is wonderfully nourishing. It is rich in fatty acids and vitamins.
- Cocoa butter is loved for its richness. It suits all skin types, from the most delicate to the most damaged, whether light or dark!
- Kokum butter, derived from the pressed seeds of Garcinia indica, can also be applied daily to areas with stretch marks. It’s ideal for those who love a rich texture with a non-greasy finish.
3- Anti-stretch mark creams
Finally, if you prefer a cream texture, a dedicated routine could be the answer. Many anti-stretch mark creams combine moisturising actives with ingredients that care for the dermis. Take a close look at the formula to find the one that suits you best.
Our Stretch Mark Repair Cream is designed for both old and recent stretch marks. Its formula brings together several ingredients:
- It brings suppleness to the skin — Macadamia oil.
- It nourishes the skin — Cocoa butter.
- It soothes the skin, especially on new stretch marks — Provitamin B5.
Daily application is recommended to care for your stretch marks.
The cream that helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks* and improve how they look
*Consumer test on 22 volunteers over 3 weeks, based on participants' feedback.
- Helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs and bust. Apply morning and night
- Three plant oils: macadamia softens, sunflower soothes and coconut holds in hydration
- Velvety texture: it absorbs easily and calms feelings of tightness
Frequently asked questions
What can I do about stretch marks on black skin?
On Black or mixed-race skin, the main advice is to keep your skin as well moisturised as possible, using an oil, a plant butter or a stretch mark cream. Aesthetic treatments such as laser or microdermabrasion are not recommended for this skin type. If a mark concerns you, ask a dermatologist for advice.
Can stretch marks be removed completely?
No skincare product can promise to make a stretch mark disappear. You can, however, look after your skin by keeping it nourished and moisturised with the texture you prefer: an oil, a plant butter or a stretch mark cream. On darker skin, avoid aesthetic treatments such as laser. If in doubt, ask a dermatologist for advice.
What can I do about stretch marks on my thighs?
In girls, stretch marks on the thighs often appear during puberty. Weight fluctuations can also cause them. The care options are the same as for other areas: an oil, a plant butter or a cream to nourish the skin. On darker skin, aesthetic treatments are not recommended. Ask a healthcare professional for advice.
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Useful categories: Stretch Mark Care, Stretch Marks.
