The Story Behind the Stripes
Stretch marks are something nearly everyone experiences at some point—whether from growth spurts, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or simply life happening to our bodies. These streaks, often appearing on the thighs, stomach, hips, or arms, are a completely normal part of skin evolution. But for many, they’re also something they'd like to soften or reduce. That’s where collagen comes in.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
To understand how collagen might help, it's important to understand what stretch marks are. When the skin stretches quickly, the underlying connective tissue doesn’t always keep up. This results in tiny tears in the dermis—the middle layer of the skin—leading to those visible lines we call stretch marks.
Initially red, purple, or brownish in color, stretch marks often fade over time but rarely disappear completely on their own. That's because the skin's structural proteins—like collagen and elastin—have been disrupted.
Collagen’s Role in Skin Strength and Elasticity
Collagen is the primary protein responsible for giving our skin its firmness, structure, and ability to bounce back. Think of it as scaffolding beneath the surface, helping your skin stay smooth and resilient. When collagen levels are high, skin is more supple and better able to recover from stretching.
But as we age or experience rapid body changes, our collagen production naturally dips—especially after the age of 25. This makes it harder for skin to repair itself fully after stretching, which may increase the likelihood or visibility of stretch marks.
How Collagen Supplements May Help with Stretch Marks
Research on collagen supplementation has shown promising results when it comes to skin health. Collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen) can stimulate the body’s own collagen production, leading to improved skin elasticity, hydration, and texture.
For stretch marks, this may translate to:
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Smoother skin texture around affected areas
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Increased skin elasticity, making future marks less likely
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Better skin tone, helping blend and fade existing marks
Some clinical studies have found improvements in skin elasticity and hydration in participants who regularly took marine collagen peptides, particularly those rich in Type I collagen—an essential building block of skin.
Marine Collagen: Gentle, Potent, and Bioavailable
Fish-based marine collagen, like what’s found in Ballstad Collagen, is rich in Type I collagen—the type that makes up nearly 90% of your skin’s collagen. It’s also highly bioavailable, meaning your body absorbs it efficiently. Unlike heavier bovine or porcine collagens, marine collagen is easy to digest and can be seamlessly mixed into your morning coffee, smoothie, or juice—without affecting taste or smell.
Realistic Expectations, Real Benefits
While collagen isn’t a miracle eraser for stretch marks, it’s one of the few natural tools that actually supports skin repair from within. It works gradually and holistically—rebuilding skin resilience, improving texture, and helping your body do what it does best: heal and renew.
If you’re looking to support your skin’s health—whether to manage stretch marks or simply age gracefully—adding a high-quality collagen supplement to your routine is a gentle yet powerful step.
Final Thoughts
Stretch marks are a part of many people's journey. They tell stories of change, growth, and life itself. But if you’d like to soften their appearance and give your skin the tools it needs to heal, collagen might be your ally.
With clean, sustainably sourced fish collagen like Ballstad’s, supporting your skin becomes a nourishing, daily habit—one scoop at a time.
