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Influencer Choi Jun-hee, 23, has drawn attention after sharing photos of the stretch marks that remain on her body even after losing 55 kilograms. Despite the dramatic weight loss, the marks left behind when her skin stretched have not gone away. Stretch marks are a type of scar caused by structural changes in the collagen and elastic fibers deep within the skin, and they can persist long after the weight is lost.
Choi posted photos on her SNS on Oct. 29 showing stretch marks around her waist, writing, "I don't manage my stretch marks." She added that when she weighed 96 kilograms, the marks tore so deeply that she decided there was nothing she could do about them and focused entirely on losing weight.
Choi described her stretch marks with humor, saying they looked "like I got struck by lightning." She had previously disclosed that her weight climbed to 96 kilograms during treatment for lupus before she brought it down to 41 kilograms.
Stretch marks can develop for reasons beyond weight changes, including growth spurts during puberty, pregnancy and hormonal shifts. They typically appear red or purple at first, then fade to white over time, and their response to treatment varies depending on when they formed and the condition of the skin.
Weight loss shrinks fat but leaves collagen damage behind
The medical term for stretch marks is striae distensae. They form when the skin stretches or contracts rapidly, triggering structural changes in the collagen and elastin fibers that make up the dermis.
The skin is broadly composed of the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous fat layer. The dermis contains collagen, which maintains the skin's firmness, and elastin, which allows the skin to stretch and return to its original shape.
Rapid weight gain increases subcutaneous fat and places strong tension on the skin. When that tension damages the connective tissue in the dermis and disrupts the arrangement of collagen and elastic fibers, thin, elongated streaks can appear on the skin's surface.
The American Academy of Dermatology describes stretch marks as a type of scar that forms when skin stretches or shrinks quickly. Common triggers include rapid growth during puberty, pregnancy, weight fluctuations and increases in muscle mass.
Hormonal and genetic factors also play a role. Long-term use of corticosteroid medications in particular can suppress collagen synthesis in the skin and weaken connective tissue, making stretch marks more likely to develop.
When weight is lost, the volume of subcutaneous fat decreases, but the collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis that have already changed do not fully return to their original structure. That is why marks remain on the skin even after the weight comes off.
Stretch marks most commonly appear on areas where the skin is prone to stretching, including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, chest and arms. They generally do not cause direct health problems, though itching may accompany them when they first form.
Why red and white stretch marks respond differently to treatment
Stretch marks are broadly classified as either red or white depending on when they developed. Early-stage marks appear red, pink or purple and are medically known as striae rubrae.
In the early stage, inflammation and vascular changes within the skin can deepen the color. Over time, the redness gradually fades, the skin thins and the marks become lighter and slightly sunken compared with the surrounding skin — a stage known as striae albae.
Because the two types involve different internal changes in the skin, treatment approaches differ as well. Early stretch marks may be addressed with therapies that reduce redness and promote skin regeneration, while older marks are typically treated with methods designed to stimulate collagen remodeling in the dermis.
A 2024 analysis published in the international journal Dermatologic Surgery examined 151 studies on stretch mark treatment. The researchers compared the effectiveness of a range of approaches, including energy-based procedures such as laser and radiofrequency treatments, topical medications and injection therapies.
The analysis found that multiple treatments produced improvements in the color and texture of stretch marks. Complete elimination, however, was rare. The researchers noted that responses varied considerably depending on the type of stretch mark and the treatment used, and said further research is needed to identify the most effective options.
Clinical trials have also targeted older white stretch marks. A study published in 2026 in the international journal Lasers in Medical Science compared the effects of fractional radiofrequency treatment and tretinoin application in 20 adults.
The researchers divided each participant's stretch mark area into four zones and compared tretinoin alone, radiofrequency alone, a combination of both, and no treatment. At an assessment roughly 20 weeks later, the zones treated with both radiofrequency and tretinoin showed significantly greater improvement in participant-rated scar appearance than the untreated zones.
However, no statistically significant difference between the treatment and control groups was found on the measures assessed by dermatologists. The researchers said the results showed that treating older stretch marks remains difficult but demonstrated the potential of combination therapy.
Can stretch mark creams make them disappear? Moisturizing and treatment are not the same
Many people apply oils or creams consistently after stretch marks appear. While keeping the skin moisturized can help relieve dryness and itching, its ability to eliminate marks that have already formed is limited.
The American Academy of Dermatology says there is insufficient evidence that applying almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, vitamin E or similar products to the skin eliminates or prevents stretch marks.
Some ingredients may help improve early-stage stretch marks. Products containing hyaluronic acid and tretinoin, a vitamin A derivative, have shown some benefit in reducing the appearance of red stretch marks in certain studies. Their effectiveness on older marks is limited, however, and tretinoin can cause skin irritation, so it should be used only under medical guidance. It should be avoided during pregnancy.
Dermatologists use laser therapy, radiofrequency and microneedling, among other procedures, depending on the condition of the stretch marks. These treatments work by stimulating the dermis to promote collagen remodeling or by reducing redness.
Vascular-targeting lasers are used for red stretch marks, while fractional lasers or microneedling radiofrequency may be considered for older white marks. Temporary redness and swelling can follow treatment, and there is a risk of side effects such as hyperpigmentation depending on skin tone and the type of procedure.
Avoiding rapid weight fluctuations and maintaining skin health can help prevent stretch marks. That said, they can also appear during natural physical changes such as puberty and pregnancy, and genetic factors play a role as well.
Existing stretch marks often fade naturally over time. For those considering treatment, it is advisable to assess when the marks formed, their color and the degree of skin thinning before choosing an appropriate approach.
Because stretch marks are in most cases a cosmetic skin change rather than a health concern, the decision to treat them comes down to personal discomfort and preference. Dermatological treatments aim to make the marks less visible, and older stretch marks generally take longer to improve.
rainbow@heraldcorp.com
