Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong · Last reviewed · 3 min read
Published 13 October 2026 · Reviewed by Dr Sin Yong
Striae (stretch marks) are dermal scars: tears in collagen and elastin that gave way under stretching faster than they could remodel, most often after pregnancy or rapid weight change. Red or purple marks (striae rubrae) are the early, inflamed stage with an active blood supply; white or silver marks (striae albae) are the mature, settled scar with thinned collagen and fewer vessels. The stage decides the tool: vascular and collagen-directed treatment early, RF microneedling or fractional laser for mature marks.
Key facts
ICD-10
L90.6
Red stage (striae rubrae)
Early: inflamed, flat or slightly raised, blood vessels present; treated earlier and more gently
White stage (striae albae)
Mature: pale, slightly depressed, thinned dermis, no blood supply; needs energy delivered into the dermis
Creams and oils
Do not change a dermal scar; topical treatment does not reach it
Where it fits
Colour is a stage, not a type: red marks become white marks over months to years, and the same device is not the right choice for both. Dr Sin Yong stages first, then plans: the vascular and inflammatory component is addressed while a mark is still active, and collagen remodelling in the scar is the aim once it has matured, using fractional laser, RF microneedling and resurfacing. Sudden widespread striae without a clear cause need a medical review. Full page: stretch marks: torn collagen, two stages; how they are treated on stretch mark treatment in Singapore; after pregnancy on post-pregnancy stretch marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A stretch mark is a scar in the dermis, and topical products do not reach or remodel it. Collagen-inducing treatments delivered into the dermis aim to soften and flatten the mark; the stage decides which is used.
Because it tells you the stage. Red or purple marks are new and still vascular, so they respond to vascular and collagen-directed treatment delivered gently and early; white marks are mature scars that need energy delivered into the dermis, such as RF microneedling or fractional laser.
References
Kumar N, et al. Effectiveness of radiofrequency microneedling in the treatment of dermatological conditions: a systematic review. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026. doi:10.1007/s00266-026-05834-y (PMID 42047762). source
