At the age of 28, I found myself unexpectedly embracing the beauty of the stretch marks on my hips. What once seemed like an insecurity transformed into a source of empowerment, not only for me but for many women of different sizes and shapes. There isn’t a profound story behind this change of heart; it simply happened. Throughout my teenage years, I desperately sought to diminish the appearance of my stretch marks, slathering my skin with cocoa butter and using vitamin E capsules in hopes of fading them. Occasionally, I found success with certain products—cocoa butter has consistently helped reduce dark spots. Interestingly, I now feel no urgency to erase my stretch marks; instead, I celebrate them as a part of my unique body.
With the bold and unfiltered campaigns from Lizzo’s Yitty to Beyoncé's stunning visuals in her Renaissance album, the cultural narrative surrounding our skin is evolving. We’re no longer conforming to the unrealistic ideals of “perfect” skin; rather, we are embracing our authentic selves. No longer should we hide behind layers of makeup or products designed to erase our imperfections. Stretch marks are a natural part of our bodies, especially for those of us who identify as curvy or plus-size, and they deserve to be celebrated.
Embracing the Reality of Stretch Marks
As a millennial, I grew up under the impression that celebrities possessed flawless, firm skin. Watching them glide down red carpets during premieres and awards shows was mesmerizing, but it also raised doubts about my own body image. Seeing women without any stretch marks or cellulite was always daunting, especially since I began dealing with these issues at just 13 years old. Even the curvier celebrities seemed to have perfectly taut skin. This perception was reinforced by societal beauty standards, heavily influenced by older generations, particularly our mothers who were mostly from the Baby Boomer generation.
Yet, we can’t ignore the surge of body positivity on platforms like TikTok, where creators showcase body makeup techniques to conceal imperfections. Our feeds are filled with tutorials on how to blend foundation seamlessly over hyperpigmentation and scars. And honestly? If using makeup empowers you and makes you feel confident, then go for it! However, for those of us who prefer to let our natural marks shine, embracing our authentic selves doesn’t equate to laziness or neglect; it showcases our real beauty. Our skin, with all its unique textures and stories, deserves to be seen without shame.
Rather than hiding behind makeup, I’m choosing to invest in nourishing my skin. Fortunately, body care brands are catching up to this mindset, creating products that nourish stretch-marked skin without shame. For instance, Topicals’ Like Butter is a favorite of mine—its rich, thick texture is infused with niacinamide and Centella to support skin barriers. Eadem’s Cashmere Peel gently exfoliates without stripping the skin, and Osea’s Undaria Algae Body Oil feels indulgent, like wrapping my body in luxurious silk. These products aren’t about erasing our imperfections; they’re about honoring and celebrating our skin’s journey. Body positivity regarding stretch marks invites us to appreciate our skin with joy and intention.
One of my go-to products is the traditional Cocoa Butter Stick. While I once used it to try and erase my stretch marks, I now apply it to soothe and nourish my skin.
Beyond simply accepting my stretch marks, I now view them as a beautiful representation of the changes a woman’s body can experience over time. The journey of watching one’s body transform can be daunting yet exhilarating. Whether due to childbirth, weight fluctuations, fitness journeys, or the healing of past traumas, every woman remains a work of art. This is why I encourage my friends to capture moments through photographs, regardless of how they feel about their appearance. Observing the evolution of the female form throughout our lives is a special and empowering experience.
When TikTok showcases yet another round of body makeup tips—complete with airbrush techniques and color-correcting products—I completely understand the desire to look polished. However, as someone who has traveled the path of self-love and acceptance, I know this truth: you do not have to conceal your skin to be confident. If you choose to embrace your natural features this summer, including dark spots, stretch marks, and everything in between, know that these are not imperfections but rather expressions of your unique beauty.
We are witnessing a significant cultural shift in how we interact with and perceive our bodies. It’s no longer about achieving a false notion of flawlessness; it’s about honoring our authentic selves, embracing the raw and the radiant. For plus-size and curvy women, the movement towards body positivity, especially concerning stretch marks, is not merely a trend—it’s a lifestyle choice, a declaration of self-love, and a courageous act of reclaiming our narratives.
