My body matured much earlier than most of my peers. I developed breasts at a young age and became the target of many unkind jokes. As a young girl, it was emotionally challenging. I despised the changes happening to my body. However, what others could see was just part of the problem; it was what lay beneath my clothes that I found even more embarrassing.
I vividly remember the first time I spotted a stretch mark on my outer thigh. At first, I thought it was a bruise—long and purple. In just a few weeks, more appeared. While I didn’t have an overwhelming amount, those that I had were extremely conspicuous. Of course, no one else would notice them, but that did little to lessen my humiliation. I wished for them to vanish.
This was the early ’90s, a time long before I could simply Google “stretch mark solutions.” Shy and self-conscious, I kept my feelings to myself, silently resenting them. They also appeared on my breasts, which only added to my disdain. I was already frustrated about needing a larger bra than my mother’s in seventh grade; this felt like the final straw.
Despite my strong feelings, what I was experiencing was perfectly normal. Many adolescents encounter stretch marks during puberty, just as they deal with unexpected hair growth and breakouts. Stretch marks, known medically as striae, are common and nothing to be embarrassed about. Dr. Emma Harris, a pediatrician at Bright Futures Hospital, provided insight into this typical aspect of growing up.
When we inquired about the causes of stretch marks and their prevention, Harris explained that they often occur during rapid growth or weight changes, which are frequent during puberty. Genetics can also play a role, and while a healthy diet and regular exercise may help manage weight fluctuations, stretch marks can sometimes be unavoidable.
Many teens wish their stretch marks would disappear. However, that expectation isn’t really practical. “Sadly, there isn’t a universal treatment that guarantees results,” Harris noted. “Various creams and lotions, like coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E, are marketed for stretch marks, but the scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is limited.” While there may not be a miraculous solution, minimizing sun exposure and applying a good sunscreen can help them fade over time.
As parents, it’s essential to foster a positive body image in our children. We want them to have a healthy relationship with their bodies and food. There is absolutely no reason to feel shame over something entirely natural. If your teen wants to discuss their stretch marks, listen to them. Resist the urge to offer a miracle cream that may not work; instead, show empathy. Remember how challenging it can be to navigate adolescence. Help them feel beautiful, normal, and validated. That’s what they truly need—not just a rub of coconut oil.
“Puberty is a critical time to nurture a lifelong sense of body positivity in your child. Alongside the social, psychological, and academic hurdles of adolescence, body changes can be daunting. Reassure your teen that these transitions are completely normal and signify healthy development,” Harris emphasized.
This is also a prime opportunity to address realistic versus unrealistic beauty standards. We often discuss the negative impact of diet culture, which starts at a young age. Teens are bombarded with images that can make them feel inadequate. We rarely look at pictures of attractive individuals and think, “I resemble them,” or “Our hair is similar.” Instead, it’s often a comparison that leads to feelings of inadequacy. We must combat this mindset early on to prevent more significant issues in the future.
“Encourage your child to appreciate the unique qualities that make them who they are. Help build their confidence and self-esteem. One way to do this is by modeling body positivity yourself; take photos when asked, even if you don’t feel ‘camera-ready’, and use positive affirmations about your own body, such as ‘I feel strong today!’ or ‘I love my hair!’ Celebrate achievements and the positive attributes in others instead of focusing on physical appearances. These small actions can significantly contribute to your child’s sense of self-worth,” Harris concluded.
Stretch marks are a normal aspect of life. If your child wishes to talk about them, that’s great; if they prefer to keep their feelings private, that’s okay too. Always remind them they can approach you if needed. However, if they seem comfortable with their stretch marks, don’t bring up the subject unnecessarily. Puberty and body changes are challenging enough without additional pressure from parents. Give your child the autonomy to appreciate their bodies as they grow stronger and evolve. A few stretch marks don’t define them. It’s the comfort in their own skin that truly makes them shine.
For further insights on related topics, you might find this article on home insemination helpful, as well as this excellent resource on the IVF process.
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Summary:
Stretch marks are a natural occurrence in many teens as they undergo physical changes during puberty. It’s essential for parents to foster a positive body image and reassure their children that these changes are normal. Open communication and empathy can help teens navigate their feelings about stretch marks while promoting a healthy relationship with their bodies.