Why Do I Get Pimples on My Stretch Marks? Causes, Treatments, Prevention

What Causes Pimples on Stretch Marks and How to Safely Treat Them

Many people find themselves struggling with an unpleasant surprise - pimples popping up directly on top of stretch marks. Not only are stretch marks themselves annoying, but zits forming on these indented skin lesions add irritation and inflammation. Luckily, with the right skincare approach, you can reduce breakouts on stretch marks and address both issues.

What Leads to Stretch Mark Acne?

First, it's important to understand what underlying factors cause pimples to form on stretch marks specifically:

• Hormonal fluctuations - Changes in estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and testosterone can trigger increased oil production.
• Friction and irritation - Tight clothing rubbing against marked skin can clog pores and hair follicles.
• Bacteria accumulation - Indented streaks and scar tissue provide places for acne-causing bacteria to multiply.
• Genetics - Those with family histories of stretch marks or body acne are at higher predisposition.

Risk Factors for Developing Stretch Mark Zits

You may be more prone to pimples on your stretch marks if:

• You are going through puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
• You have recently gained or lost a significant amount of weight.
• You have a skin or hormonal condition like PCOS, Cushing's, etc.
• You tend to wear tight, clingy fabrics regularly.
• You have a family history of acne or stretch marks.

Where Stretch Mark Breakouts Occur

While stretch marks themselves can form nearly anywhere on the body, the most common locations for related breakouts include:

• Hips
• Buttocks
• Breasts
• Stomach
• Thighs
• Upper arms

Interestingly, these areas correlate both with the most frequent body sites for stretch marks and adult hormonal acne flare ups.

How to Treat Zits on Stretch Marks

Now that you know what's behind acne cropping up alongside stretch marks, explore dermatologist-approved treatment options to clear bumps and blemishes while also addressing underlying marking.

Cleanse and Exfoliate

Gently cleansing stretch marked skin no more than twice daily removes trapped oil, dead skin cells, makeup residue, and bacteria that clog pores. Using soft circular motions ensures you don't create further irritation. Once clean, regularly exfoliating helps smooth uneven texture and cellular turnover.

Apply Acne Medication

After cleansing, use over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acids, or retinoids to curb bacteria growth and inflammation causing whiteheads or red pimples on old stretch marks. Start with the lowest concentration to assess skin tolerance. Prescription-strength vitamin A creams work especially well for combatting marks and breakouts simultaneously through increasing collagen production within skin.

Try Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

Seeking out skincare products with anti-inflammatory turmeric, green tea, aloe vera, chamomile, or centella asiatica is smart for calming the irritation of acne on sensitive stretch marks. The soothing properties of these plant-derived ingredients may lessen potential scarring too.

Use Light Therapy Devices

Both blue and red light therapy devices have anti-bacterial and collagen building abilities that can help diminish the appearance of pimples and dents in marked skin when used a few minutes daily. Clinical and at-home light boxes produce results over several weeks of consistent use.

Wear Breathable Fabrics

Choose loose, soft, breathable fabrics containing cotton, silk, or bamboo when possible. This allows your stretch mark-prone areas to stay ventilated and avoids rubbing, chafing, sweat accumulation, and friction-related breakouts.

Stick to Non-Comedogenic Makeup and Lotions

When applying any topical products to susceptible stretch marked areas with active zits, read labels carefully to only select non-comedogenic (wont clog pores) or non-acnegenic (wont cause acne) formulas. These clean skincare and cosmetic choices wont spur new bumps and lesions.

Professional Stretch Mark Acne Treatments

For those with severe inflammatory cystic acne, scarring, or particularly raised/discolored stretch marks, professional dermatological treatments take reduction a step further when combined with at-home care.

Prescription Oral or Topical Medications

Doctors can prescribe oral antibiotics or stronger topical retinoids like tretinoin or tazarotene if over-the-counter products dont adequately address congestion. These work systemically to lower high levels of acne-inducing bacteria within the skin and regulate thicker patches of damaged collagen associated with stretch mark indentations.

Cortisone Injections

For rapidly shrinking large, painful cysts or pimples causing pitted scars along stretch marks, cortisone (steroid) shots delivered right into the blemish deflate inflammation. The results are quick but not a long-term management solution since injections only treat one lesion at a time.

Microneedling

This collagen-stimulating treatment uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries within marked skin, spurring tighter tissue regeneration. Performed every 4 to 6 weeks alongside other acne medications to heal active breakouts, microneedling fades the look of uneven texture stretch marks create.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing directs pulsating light beams into the dermis to remove old, irregular cells to reveal fresher layers less prone to breakouts. Dermatologists tailor approaches like Fraxel or Clear + Brilliant lasers to treat both acne and reduce the discoloration of older marks simultaneously.

Chemical Peels

Superficial or medium-depth chemical peels use alpha hydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acid, phenol, or other acid solutions to peel off outer skin layers where active acne lingers and stretch mark indentations have formed. New skin then regenerates tighter.

How to Prevent Stretch Mark Breakouts

Using the thorough skincare routine and advanced treatments above ensures any new pimplesHealing bothersome stretch mark breakouts for smoother, clearer skin takes time and consistency with the comprehensive tips outlined. Just remember to gently care for your skin and talk to dermatologists if problems persist. stretch marks.

Alongside caring for existing zits in old marking, utilize these proactive methods moving forward to minimize recurrent issues:

• Maintain a stable, healthy body weight.
• Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet.
• Take collagen supplements to strengthen skin.
• Use non-fragranced moisturizers daily.
• Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen when markings are exposed.
• Examine any new medications acne-related side effects.
• Have hormone levels checked with sudden breakouts.

With diligent skincare habits, flare ups of acne on stretch marks can be reduced and managed for smoother, clearer complexions over time.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.