Stretch marks can look more noticeable when you lose weight. As your body changes, your skin tightens up — and that can make those little lines stand out more than they did before. It’s totally normal, and it happens to a lot of people. Things like how fast you’re losing weight, your age, your skin type, and even your family history can all play a part. If your skin’s feeling dry or you’ve lost weight quickly, those marks might be more obvious for a while. Stretch marks usually show up when your skin stretches too fast — like during pregnancy, weight gain, growth spurts, or building muscle. They can pop up on your thighs, upper arms, or abdominal area, and they often start out as reddish-brown or purple streaks. They might feel a bit raised at first, but they tend to fade over time — even if they don’t disappear completely. There’s no magic fix to prevent stretch marks, but there are things you can do to help fade early stretch marks and support your skin as it heals. From creams and oils to in-office treatments like laser therapy, you’ve got options. Curious about what actually works? Keep reading — we’ll break it all down.