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Updated on May 22, 2026•health-beauty

What is the difference between red and white stretch marks?

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2 Answers

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Updated on May 22, 2026

Nobody likes stretch marks on their skin, be it red or white. They are harmless scarring marks on the skin that develop mainly when the body gains weight. They usually occur during pregnancy on the belly and commonly on the areas of body like breasts, thighs, buttocks and arms.

Another reason of these marks is bodybuilding and hormonal changes. With increased weight, the skin stretches rapidly causing a tear in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. These marks appear reddish or purplish in the beginning when the skin stretched.

The red stretch marks

Red-coloured stretch marks are those fresh marks that you notice in the beginning. These marks show the blood vessels through, hence the red colour appears on the skin. If you take early precaution at this stage, these marks can heal fast by restoring collagen through various topical creams.

The difference between red and white stretch marks - Times of India

The white stretch marks

These marks are considered to be the most stubborn marks on the skin. Such scars have been on your body for a long time. These white stretch marks are not new and can't be healed with topical creams. They appear tiny on the skin. This is one of the reasons that there hasn't been any 'perfect cure' for white stretch marks till now.

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Updated on May 22, 2026

Stretch marks, also called striae, appear when the skin stretches rapidly. Red stretch marks (striae rubrae) are newer. They look red, pink, or purple because blood vessels are still visible under the stretched skin. At this stage, they may feel slightly raised or itchy and respond better to treatments like creams or laser therapy. White stretch marks (striae albae) are older. Over time, blood flow reduces, and they turn white or silvery. They become thinner, less noticeable, and more permanent. While both are harmless, early red marks are easier to treat, whereas white marks are harder to reduce completely. 

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