You thought stretch marks were something only pregnant women dealt with, appearing exclusively on the stomach, hips and thighs… And then it happened: your shoulders and arms are marked with fine white streaks. Why have stretch marks appeared on this specific area of your body? What can you do to prevent them — or at least reduce their appearance?
Causes of stretch marks on the shoulders
stretch marks are the result of a sudden, rapid change in body shape — a gain in volume or a growth spurt so abrupt that the skin, caught off guard, simply cannot keep up. The collagen fibres responsible for its elasticity break down, leaving behind stretch marks. Typically found on the torso (chest, stomach) and the lower body (buttocks, hips, thighs), stretch marks can also appear on the upper body. The main causes include:
- Puberty-related growth: the teenage years are a prime time for stretch marks to develop. Why? A combination of contributing factors — sudden growth spurts with changes in body shape, intense hormonal shifts, and fluctuating cortisol levels. Stretch marks can appear on the arms and shoulders during this period, particularly in boys.
- Rapid weight gain: whatever the cause (yo-yo dieting, pregnancy, illness, medication), significant weight gain over a short period of time takes a toll on the body. Starting with visible changes to the skin: loss of elasticity, skin laxity and stretch marks. The shoulders are no exception — when you gain weight, you don’t get to choose where.
- Muscle mass development: a phenomenon that particularly affects men who train for bigger arms and broader shoulders — though some women can be affected too. Certain sports, including weightlifting, can cause a sudden and significant increase in upper body volume. When the trapezius, deltoids and pectorals are pushed to their limits, the elastic fibres in the skin give way, resulting in stretch marks on the shoulders.
- A hormonal imbalance: androgenic hormones (testosterone, DHEA, androstenedione), naturally produced by the body, can sometimes be generated in excess when a hormonal disruption occurs. This can lead to weight gain in the upper body and the possible appearance of stretch marks on the shoulders.
Stretch marks on the shoulders in men: a common problem
It’s no coincidence that men are so often affected by stretch marks on their shoulders. During the teenage years, the growth spurt in boys tends to hit the upper body. Later on, weight training can quickly add size to the trapezius, deltoids and pectorals. The skin is stretched too fast to keep up, and the collagen fibres break.
That doesn’t mean women are spared. Rapid weight gain, pregnancy or intensive weight training can also leave their mark on the shoulders. Whatever the cause, the skincare habits described below are exactly the same.
What about stretch marks on the arms?
Stretch marks on the arms often appear at the same time as those on the shoulders, and for the same reasons: a growth spurt, rapid weight gain or significant muscle growth, especially among those training for bigger arms.
The advice that follows therefore applies to the whole area: exercise in moderation, stay well hydrated, eat a varied diet and massage in a suitable product every day, on your arms as well as your shoulders.
How to prevent stretch marks on the shoulders?
The skin is a delicate organ. To avoid putting it under too much strain on your arms and shoulders, a few simple lifestyle and dietary habits are well worth adopting.
- Go easy on the exercise: if you’re a dedicated gym-goer, that’s great, but take it steady and focus on tone rather than bulk. Otherwise, consider gentler activities that still work the arms without adding size too suddenly: swimming, windsurfing, climbing. Moderate, non-hypertrophied muscle is kinder to your skin.
- Stay well hydrated: it bears repeating: drink plenty! Water should be your go-to. Cut back on alcohol, sugary drinks and stimulants. Don’t forget to moisturise your skin too, with a rich cream, on your shoulders and everywhere else.
- Go for a varied diet: aim for varied, balanced meals.
- See your doctor: ladies, if you suspect a hormonal imbalance (severe acne, unusual hair growth, missed periods…), ask a GP or an endocrinologist for advice.
How to reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the shoulders?
Despite your best efforts, stretch marks have appeared on your arms and shoulders. They make you self-conscious to the point where you avoid wearing off-the-shoulder tops. So what are the options for minimising their appearance?
1- Professional treatments
In recent years, a number of aesthetic techniques have emerged (and are therefore not covered by insurance) that aim to improve the appearance of stretch marks, including those on the shoulders. They generally work by:
- Compensating for collagen loss (since broken collagen fibres do not regenerate on their own): plasma injections, carboxytherapy
- Regenerating the different layers of the skin: microneedling, laser, LED therapy, radiofrequency
- Smoothing skin texture to reduce the fissured appearance caused by stretch marks: peeling, cosmetic surgery (though rarely performed on the shoulders, as it requires sufficient fatty tissue)
These techniques vary in effectiveness and can be costly, with results that differ from one person to the next.
2- Cosmetic solutions
There are now cosmetic solutions formulated with natural plant-based actives. These work to nourish and care for the skin. A daily massage of at-risk or affected areas is a simple skincare habit to adopt.
Our Stretch Mark Prevention Oil, a carefully crafted blend of natural plant oils, nourishes your skin. Massaged into your shoulders every day, it slots easily into your skincare routine and leaves your skin feeling soft and comfortable.
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?
Frequently asked questions
How do you get rid of stretch marks on your shoulders?
Once the collagen fibres have broken, stretch marks don’t disappear completely. However, you can aim to reduce their appearance. Aesthetic treatments (laser, peels, microneedling…) are expensive. A daily massage with a plant oil-based product nourishes and cares for the skin.
Can I keep lifting weights if I have stretch marks on my shoulders?
Yes, as long as you adapt your training. It’s best to focus on tone rather than bulk and avoid bulking up your trapezius, deltoids and pectorals too quickly. Sports such as swimming, climbing and windsurfing also work the arms, but more moderately.
What eating habits should I adopt day to day?
Go for a varied, balanced diet. Stick mainly to water and cut back on alcohol, sugary drinks and stimulants.
Should I see a doctor about stretch marks on my shoulders?
If stretch marks appear for no obvious reason, or if you notice other unusual signs (severe acne, unusual hair growth, irregular periods), ask your GP or another health professional for advice.
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- Stretch marks linked to weight loss
Useful categories: Stretch Marks by Area, Stretch Marks.
