Stretch marks · Stages
Red vs white stretch marks: which can be camouflaged?
The colour of a stretch mark tells you its stage. Only one of those stages is right for camouflage.
When you first notice stretch marks they are often red, pink or purple. Over time, often many months, most fade to white, silver or a pale tone lighter than your skin. That change matters a lot for camouflage.
Red, pink or purple: still active
New stretch marks are still maturing. Their colour comes partly from blood vessels in the healing tissue. Adding pigment now is not appropriate: the mark is still changing, and the redness often fades on its own over time. This is the stage where many people speak to a dermatologist about options for new stretch marks.
“We don’t fix texture, we fix color.”
Evelyn Alvares Vega, founder of SKINEAV
White or silver: mature
Mature stretch marks have lost their redness and usually have less pigment than the surrounding skin. That pale contrast, often stronger on medium and deeper skin, is what camouflage reduces. These are the stretch marks I treat.
Real results and real moments
In between
Some marks are pale in the centre and still pink at the edges. I usually suggest waiting a little longer, or treating only areas that have fully matured.
How it works at SKINEAV
- Photo or callSend a photo or book a free phone consult. Honest first answer.
- Assessment & colour testIn clinic, Evelyn checks your skin and tests a custom formula.
- TreatmentPigment placed precisely, only where it is needed, one-on-one.
- Heal & reviewThe colour settles over weeks; follow-ups are planned if needed.
Darker stretch marks
On some skin tones, stretch marks can mature darker than the surrounding skin. Adding pigment to darker marks can make them more visible, so they are assessed individually. Read stretch marks on darker skin.
Texture
Mature stretch marks can be slightly indented or crinkled. Camouflage reduces colour contrast, not texture. For some light, textured marks, inkless camouflage may be considered.
Frequently asked questions
Can red stretch marks be camouflaged?
No. Red, pink or purple stretch marks are still maturing. Camouflage is for mature white or silver marks.
How long until stretch marks turn white?
It varies and often takes many months. Take photos over time to see when the colour stops changing.