Teenage stretch marks - any tips?

[TheWildRumpyPumpus]

DS1 (14) is 6’1” and very lean. He’s suddenly developing stretch marks at a ridiculous rate, and in weird places like the tops of his shoulders and shins! He doesn’t look to me like he’s bulking out at all, but he is constantly growing upwards.

Firstly, is this to be expected and not any kind of health concern?
Secondly, what’s the best way to try to reduce the appearance or minimise new ones appearing? I’ve been getting him to moisturise since he showed them to me.

I’ve got plenty of my own but never bothered to try and get rid of them!

@TheWildRumpyPumpus i developed stretch marks on my thighs etc during puberty which i assumed was just part of growing up (now pregnant with my 2nd , didn't get any first pregnancy but I am getting them this time around) i use coconut oil every day

my husband is very tall and broad and lean and he developed them in some strange places as well like your son (across the middle of his back is the strangest place) he has a very deep one on his groin and he also has them on his biceps (this has been the last few years from going to the gym)

i found the pound land bio oil (called rescue oil) did wonders for the ones on my thighs are they re barley noticeable now , they tend to fade over time

just like to add my husband developed most of his when he was about 16

My dd developed them at 16 too, out of the blue not linked to weight gain or anything. She’s uses bio oil and they’re very feint now.

It's completely normal and mostly influenced by growth and genetics (ie if your skin has more or less elasticity).

Creams don't prevent or remove them but they fade as you get older.

I was watching the operation ouch puberty special the other day. So that's from the lovely Dr Xand.

Partner has some on his shoulders and back. Pretty normal with growth spurts.

My son has developed them across his spine. They’re bright red and it looks like he’s been slashed!

People say bio oil is good, but I suspect doing nothing would yield the same results - ie they will fade.

One of my DDs developed them quite badly on her legs and body during puberty. I have to admit they looked pretty awful but I obviously never said anything. She would put bio oil and other moisturisers on and the colour faded relatively quickly.

Its not always weight gain, it's due to growing, either in length or width. Just the skin not being able to keep up with the growing. Very normal, I got loads in puberty

It's def not weight gain in my ds. He's 6'2 and 9.5 stone.

Clarins body partner has some good reviews on the John Lewis website for prevention and for minimising existing marks. Pricey though.

Thanks so much everyone, lots to investigate.