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Stretch Marks from Muscle Growth

In this blog post, we will be talking about stretch marks from muscle growth. Stretch marks can occur for many different reasons such as growth spurts during puberty or pregnancy.

When people get bigger or lose weight over a short space of time, their skin may not have enough time to adjust which can cause stretch marks. These marks can appear on the stomach, shoulders, legs but it is possible for them to show up literally anywhere on your body.

Read on to find out more

Should I be worried about stretch marks with weight training?

As mentioned, stretch marks from weight training are a common thing. In fact, it is not just weight training but almost any activity that causes a substantial amount of weight loss or gain in a short period of time. This being said, you should always consider your genetics when talking about stretch marks. If both your parents have a good amount of stretch marks then chances are you will get them too.

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are essentially scars that form on the skin (dermis) when it is rapidly stretched. They look like thin lines or streaks (or sometimes slightly raised) and can be red, purple, pink, white, silver, brown, or nearly flesh-toned.

Your genetics affect whether you get stretch marks from weight training, but there are several variables that can increase your chances of developing stretch marks with weight training.

Stretch marks are not caused by training equipment (such as barbells, dumbbells, etc.), heavyweights, or working too hard. Instead, they are usually formed because the skin is stretched faster than it can handle (most often seen in young adolescents who develop very rapidly). It’s very much an unavoidable thing

How do you prevent/reduce stretch marks with weight training?

There is no known way to completely prevent stretch marks, though some remedies like cocoa butter and vitamin e cream are always recommended by people, there is little evidence of their efficacy.

There are also no special exercises or workouts that can prevent stretch marks. So beware of fitness ‘influencers’ trying to tell you there are!

How to Reduce Stretch Marks from Muscle Growth

You may have already gotten stretch marks from muscle growth.  

There are a few ways you can lessen or reduce the appearance of stretch marks from muscle growth.

1. Laser Therapy

This is currently the best stretch marks removal technique. 

It may sound futuristic and painful, but it gets rid of damaged skin, seals broken vessels and enhances skin connectivity which can hide stretch marks from muscle growth. 

The body also gets a chance to form healthy new tissue that is free from stretch marks when the damaged tissue is eliminated.

2. Dermabrasion

This technique involves freezing the skin then scrapping away the dead upper layer. 

With this layer removed, the stretch marks from muscle growth are eliminated too, and you also get to grow smoother skin in the place of the removed layer. 

If you do not have the time for this, you could also opt for a homemade body scrub.

3. Chemical Peels

There are different chemicals that you can use to eliminate stretch marks from muscle growth. 

During this procedure, an exfoliating chemical is applied on the affected area which then peels off the upper layer of the skin. 

With this layer gone, a newer and smoother one grows which is free from stretch marks.

Most importantly… DRINK WATER

It goes without saying, drinking water is key for your skin’s elasticity.

Water helps lubricate and moisturize your skin allowing it to stretch more easily. The effectiveness of water for stretch marks removal has not been scientifically tested though many experts believe that drinking water is good for your skin.

Are stretch marks permanent?

Stretch marks are permanent but the degree of their permanence varies.

To reduce their appearance, you can follow the tips above (laser therapy, dermabrasion, chemical peels). 

So make sure you drink plenty of water on a daily basis! I aim for a gallon of water a day.

Changes you can make to avoid stretch marks

Along with drinking more water, it may be a good idea to cut some things out that can actually dehydrate your skin

• Fizzy drinks/sodas that contain caffeine

Caffeine is known to be a diuretic that drains your body of water and in turn drains your skin of the moisture it needs to remain supple and stretchy which can make you more susceptible to stretch marks.

• Drinking alcohol

Alcohol is a diuretic and can dehydrate your skin. Cut down or cut out alcohol completely and your body will thank you in the long run.

• Reduce your salt intake

Salt makes your skin contract. So the more you have, the dryer and tighter your skin becomes, which can lead to stretch marks too.

Again try to aim for a gallon of water a day as suggested earlier!

My personal opinion on stretch marks – Conclusion

It takes time to get rid of stretch marks for good or to avoid stretch marks from working out altogether because it is down to your genetics how and where you get them, when I first noticed I was getting stretch marks from weight training mainly on my calves and thighs, I actually thought it was pretty cool to see my body changing and my workout and diet actually coming together.

The stretch marks I have from weight training have actually faded over time and as the years have passed, I haven’t actively tried to get rid of the stretch marks I learned to live with them.

The bottom line is stretch marks from weight training can happen to anyone so if it does for you, don’t feel too down about yourself. They are more common than many think and also very fixable.