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The stomach of a lady with purple stretch marks [0181d5]

Purple Stretch Marks: What They Mean & How to Get Rid of Them

We’ve got them, you’ve got them, your friends have them. Who doesn’t have stretch marks? They might vary in color, location, and severity, but it’s incredibly normal to have stretch marks somewhere on your body. In nearly every case, they come from some fluctuation or change in the volume and weight of your body.

But why are your stretch marks purple while someone else’s are white? Does anything actually get rid of deep purple stretch marks?

Let’s find out.

HOW STRETCH MARKS FORM

Depending on how elastic your skin is, the marks might appear more dramatic when it stretches out from weight gain, muscle gain, or pregnancy. These marks are the skin tearing as it’s having difficulty producing enough collagen to keep up with the expansion. And newer stretch marks have a different color than older ones. Thin people can also still get stretch marks, although they typically come from a sudden growth spurt.

WHERE ARE STRETCH MARKS COMMONLY FOUND?

Not all stretch marks have the same appearance, and there is a reason behind each characteristic. That said, there are several areas along the body that you might find stretch marks, including:

  • Breasts
  • Belly
  • Buttocks
  • Hips
  • Back
  • Thighs
  • Upper arms

Wherever they appear on your body, taking preventative measures and staying ahead of stretch marks will help tremendously. The older your stretch marks are, the less likely you are to be rid of them, especially on your own.

What Your Stretch Mark Color Means

PURPLE STRETCH MARKS

You may be wondering why your stretch marks have color, and what purple stretch marks means. These are the earliest signs of stretch marks. This color is from injury to the elastic fibers with tissue inflammation. The epidermis is reducing in thickness, and the skin will soon start to fold up, or furrow, around the area.

When stretch marks are darker, there are still blood vessels within the surface layer of the skin (epidermis). That means they can function to promote blood flow and collagen production, giving you a chance to revert the damage.

If you’ve got purple stretch marks, now is the time to start caring for them. The faster you respond and the more diligent you are with treatment, the more likely you will see optimal results.

A photo of stretch marks on a woman's belly wearing a white suit. [027029]

WHAT CAUSES PURPLE STRETCH MARKS?

Darker colored stretch marks, such as purple ones, are newer. Typical causes of purple stretch marks include rapid weight gain or muscle growth, weight loss, puberty, pregnancy, genetics, and topical or oral steroids.

RED STRETCH MARKS

Once they start turning a red color, stretch marks have reached the next stage in development. The skin is becoming thinner, and scar tissue is forming to heal the overstretching skin. Some people might have an itching sensation as the skin stretches.

A photo showing stretch marks on a woman's belly who is wearing a black suit. [6a1f1b]

WHITE STRETCH MARKS

At this stage, the marks resemble scars more than ever because no blood flow is circulating in that area. That means melanin will no longer produce where stretch marks are, which is why they never tan or burn. This is the most advanced form of stretch marks, and it’s common for the scars to sink deeper into the skin, making the texture uneven.

The best way to avoid stretch marks is to take preventative measures that keep your skin well-hydrated and maintain a body weight that doesn’t fluctuate too drastically. Of course, some stretch marks are from pregnancy or puberty and are much harder to control. Thankfully, there are ways that you can treat stretch marks.

A close up image of stretch marks on a belly. [504d8e]

ARE STRETCH MARKS HEALTHY?

Stretch marks are not harmful. They are also neither a sign of good nor bad health, especially because they happen for so many different reasons. Like other scars on the body, they shouldn’t be painful or harmful and will likely fade with time (but not disappear).

HOW TO REMOVE STRETCH MARKS WITH ICOONE Laser®

Treating the skin with ICOONE Laser improves the appearance of stretch marks by promoting blood flow to areas with scarring. This non-invasive solution uses microstimulation, specifically MMAS (Multi Micro Alveolar Stimulation) along with LED 650 nm and laser 915 nm, to target areas below the skin’s surface.

The effects of microstimulation, up to 21,6000 microstimulations per minute, per session, on stretch marks help to relax tight muscles. The laser breaks down fat cells, reduces cellulite, and accelerates metabolism. The LED light increases blood flow to areas that need it, stimulating cell rebuilding by promoting collagen and elastin production, which are what give skin elasticity. Plus, it gets the lymphatic system moving, reducing inflammation and edema.

Overall, ICOONE Laser helps nourish and oxygenate tissues for optimal results with no downtime. Of course, it’s crucial that you choose the right provider for your treatment. If you are in the Long Island area, Blue Water Spa is (as of right now) the first and only medical spa and clinic to offer ICOONE Laser. And it’s our specialty! We would be happy to sit with you during a free consultation and discuss your questions and concerns.

image of icoone treatment [1de702]

CAN STRETCH MARKS GO AWAY WHEN YOU LOSE WEIGHT?

Even if you lose the weight that was to blame for those colorful stripes, it’s not likely that they will disappear. No matter how it happens, these marks appear because the collagen fibers and elastin within the middle layer of the skin (dermis) are breaking. They will fade with time, but also probably not go away. It’s important to remember that these aren’t just marks on the skin. They are scars that lack collagen. Losing weight won’t replace that collagen production.

HOW TO TREAT PURPLE STRETCH MARKS AT HOME

If you are wondering how to get rid of dark purple stretch marks or fade older, white stretch marks, there are various home remedies you can consider. DIY care for scars might not be entirely effective, but is worth a try. Some solutions may help nourish your skin, offering the hydration it needs to promote healing. These remedies can minimize the appearance of your stretch marks, but it’s important to remember that it might not work for everyone. Plus, the newer the marks are, the easier it is to control, so pick one or two options to stick to and see if anything helps.

Of course, not all home remedies are going to work. If you’ve been trying creams and other potential cures to no avail, it might be time to go professional. Visiting a team of specialists might be the solution you need. For instance, at Blue Water Spa, our licensed and experienced professionals see all types of stretch marks and other skin conditions. We can help uncover your individual concerns and goals to create a customized plan for you. Most of these plans involve ICOONE Laser because of how effective treatment is.

CREAMS, LOTIONS, AND GELS

There is an endless variety of creams, lotions, and gels that claim to help remove stretch marks. Popular choices include Mederma stretch mark cream, Bio-Oil formulated with Vitamin A, and CeraVe intense stretch mark cream. Cocoa butter, Vitamin E, and stretch mark gel formulated with ingredients like baobab oil, shea butter, and coconut oil are additional options that are believed to fade stretch marks at home.

Some of these topicals may help smooth and hydrate your skin and improve the appearance of newer stretch marks. However, these treatments seem to have little effect on removing deep purple stretch marks. Additionally, results are gradual and require daily application of the product. Overall, at home remedies may make stretch marks appear less noticeable, but they cannot get rid of stretch marks entirely.

HYALURONIC ACID

The body naturally produces hyaluronic acid (HA) to heal the skin by promoting collagen production. Collagen is what helps give the skin elasticity to stretch as it grows. HA is also a powerful ingredient in many creams and serums, which makes it a popular choice for stretch mark care.

GLYCOLIC ACID

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can help exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production. This potent ingredient can improve skin texture and may help fade stretch marks. Additionally, glycolic acid is safe for individuals with darker skin tones, as well as those with sensitive skin.

RETINOIDS (VITAMIN A) AND TRETINOIN

Many skin care products contain Vitamin A, also known as retinoids. These products are usually creams, some OTC, and others prescription (like tretinoin). Vitamin A helps smooth the skin, although it can be irritating, so it’s best to monitor your body’s response to treatment and follow the instructions. Do not try these products if you are pregnant, nursing, or trying to get pregnant. Retinoid creams such as Retin-A are most effective when used on new, purple stretch marks.

CENTELLA ASIATICA FOR SKIN

This is a popular herb that can be found in Korean (K-beauty) cica creams, which help calm and repair sensitive skin. On the face, Centella is a useful solution for acne scars. On the body, it can help soothe irritated stretch marks.

A study involving 100 women showed that using a cream with Centella extract is associated with fewer women developing stretch marks during pregnancy, meaning this can also be a product to try to avoid their development in the first place.

SUGAR SCRUBS

Exfoliation methods are popular for stretch marks as they can help the scars fade. You can purchase sugar scrubs or combine sugar with almond/coconut oil to create a formula that you can gently rub over stretch marks. It will help to rub away dead skin to reveal fresh, smooth skin while promoting better circulation.

SUNLESS TANNING PRODUCTS

While self-tanning sprays and lotions do not have the ability to remove stretch marks, they can make a difference in concealing deep, purple stretch marks. By darkening the skin, self-tanner can effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks on areas of the body such as the stomach, thighs, and buttocks. Self-tanning products help create a more balanced and uniform skin color and can greatly reduce their visibility. Plus, most tanning products contain nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, and aloe vera that promote smoother, more radiant skin.

TCA CHEMICAL PEELS TO REMOVE STRETCH MARKS

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) chemical peels are a potent over the counter treatment that can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. More intense TCA treatments are available at a physician’s office. Trichloroacetic acid works by deeply penetrating into the skin and removing the top layer of skin. This helps promote new skin growth and smooths the appearance of stretch marks and other skin imperfections.

MICRONEEDLING AND DERMAROLLERS

Microneedling is another popular skin treatment that may help improve the appearance of stretch marks. Also known as “dermarolling”, microneedling uses fine needles that penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production. These tiny needles create microscopic wounds in your skin, signaling your skin cells to produce more collagen to repair these punctures. At-home microneedling may be less effective compared to more advanced, in-office treatments performed by a qualified professional.

Get Rid of Purple Stretch Marks Professionally with ICOONE Laser

You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your body. If deep purple stretch marks make it harder to live your life how you want, it might be time to find a change. At Blue Water Spa, our team is happy to help you find the right solution for your body. Many patients have tried and love ICOONE Laser microstimulation at our locations in Oyster Bay (Long Island) and Southampton (the Hamptons).

Reduce the signs of stretch marks and leave skin looking and feeling younger! Get in touch today for an ICOONE Laser stretch mark treatment.

Picture of About the author

About the author

I’m Rachel Lee Lozina, founder of Blue Water Spa, a premier destination for non-invasive, results-driven skincare on Long Island and in the Hamptons.  Licensed since 2003 and trained at the Colorado School of Paramedical Aesthetics, I’ve spent over 20 years bridging beauty and medicine, working alongside leading plastic surgeons before opening my flagship Oyster Bay location in 2008. In 2024, I expanded to Southampton with a second full-service spa. My specialties include microcurrent facial sculpting, LED photorejuvenation, EMSCULPT, and Icoone Laser Body Sculpting—all grounded in science, not trends. Featured in Glamour, Hamptons Magazine, and Newsday, I’m passionate about helping clients achieve visible results while feeling confident and cared for.

The stomach of a lady with purple stretch marks [0181d5]

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