Stretch marks are very common. If you have stretch marks on your shoulders, you may have stretch marks other places, too. They’re a sign of rapid growth and you can sometimes prevent them.

Stretch marks occur from rapid physical growth, usually from weight loss or gain. When this happens, the collagen in your skin — which helps keep its elasticity — can’t keep up with your stretching skin. The scars which form are called stretch marks.

If you have stretch marks on your shoulders, it may be due to rapid mass gain from either muscle or fat. Stretch marks on shoulders are often caused by bodybuilding.

Bodybuilding or intense workouts can increase your chances of stretch marks. The rapid increase of muscle mass in your shoulders and arms can cause stretch marks to appear. However, you can prevent stretch marks if you’re willing to be patient for results.

Set a routine

Many workout regimens are set up to get you from point A to point B as quickly as possible whether that’s through weight loss or gaining muscle. However, to prevent stretch marks, you should choose a routine that promotes steady progress. Slowly gaining muscle can limit your chance of developing stretch marks.

Avoid sudden weight gain

Increase your growth gradually. Don’t take steroids with the intention to gain muscle. Using steroids can increase your muscle mass quickly but may stop your skin from keeping up with your growth, resulting in stretch marks.

Eat well

Eating a nutritious diet can help promote good skin health. Include foods that have zinc, antioxidants, and vitamins. Your diet should also include fruits and healthy proteins such as chicken or nuts.

Moisturize

Keep your skin moisturized with lotions, cocoa butter, shea butter, and products with vitamins A and E.

A lot of people have stretch marks. They’re not uncommon since they’re a normal part of growing. However, if you want to make your shoulder stretch marks less noticeable, you have a number of options, including:

  • using sunless self-tanner
  • putting on makeup to even out your skin tone
  • wearing shirts with sleeves

Some surgical treatments have been tested for the improvement of stretch marks. If you’re thinking about cosmetic treatment, research the options that are available, such as:

Always check with your doctor before undergoing cosmetic treatments. You may also want to see if your health insurance covers the procedure.

Stretch marks are completely normal. You may start to see minor stretch marks on your shoulders when you’ve started an exercise routine to increase upper body and arm mass.

If you eat a healthy diet and follow a plan to promote slow and steady growth, you can lessen the possibility of stretch marks.