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Do stretch mark creams work?

Some stretch mark creams can make new marks less noticeable, but they cannot erase them. Most creams have little evidence behind them, and creams have little effect on older marks. Making a scar less noticeable is a smaller job than erasing it, even if the jar would prefer the bigger job.1 2

Ingredients in this answer

RetinoidRenews skin
Hyaluronic acidHolds water
CentellaSoothes

Stretch marks are scars that form when skin stretches or shrinks quickly, damaging the collagen and elastin that support it. Pregnancy, puberty, rapid weight changes and rapid muscle growth are common triggers. The useful distinction is between newer, darker marks and older, pale, slightly sunken marks: treating them early gives you a better chance of improvement.3

What ingredients help stretch marks?

Hyaluronic acid has made early stretch marks less noticeable in studies.
Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid, a type of vitamin A treatment. It can help early marks; one study found improvement with nightly use for 24 weeks.
Retinol is another retinoid that might help early marks.
Cocoa butter, almond oil, olive oil and vitamin E have not faded stretch marks in studies.

How should you use a stretch mark cream?

1Start while the marks are new, rather than waiting until they become pale and sunken.
2Gently massage the product into the marks.
3Apply it every day for several weeks. Visible improvement, if it happens, takes weeks rather than days.

How long do stretch marks take to fade?

Stretch marks generally become less noticeable over six to twelve months, even without treatment. They usually start darker and gradually become paler, but can remain visible. Retinol creams can require at least six months of regular use before noticeable results. Natural fading also means a change after starting a cream is not necessarily all the cream's doing.1 3

Can moisturizer prevent stretch marks?

Moisturizer can hydrate skin, but there is no firm evidence that moisturizing or massage prevents stretch marks. Moisturizing and preventing scars are different jobs, however convenient it would be to put both on the same receipt. Products containing centella or hyaluronic acid might help prevent marks, but prevention remains uncertain.2 4

During pregnancy, evidence that oils or creams prevent stretch marks is limited. Marks can gradually fade into paler scars after birth without disappearing completely. Do not try to prevent them by eating less to lose weight during pregnancy.5

How do you fade old stretch marks?

For older marks, a dermatologist can discuss lasers, radiofrequency or microneedling rather than another cream. Older breast stretch marks often need several sessions and a combination of treatments, and complete clearing is not possible. Weigh the likely improvement against the cost and risks before committing. Lasers can burn or discolor darker skin, so choose a dermatologist experienced with your skin type.4

Who should be careful with treatment?

Do not use retinoid creams during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before starting stretch mark treatment. Retinol can cause dryness, irritation, discoloration and sensitivity to light. Stop a cream that causes a bad skin reaction and seek medical advice. A dermatologist is also a useful next step if you keep spending money on creams without seeing improvement.1 2 3 4

Where this answer comes from

1Stretch marksnhs.uk
2Stretch marks: Why they appear and how to get rid of themaad.org
3Stretch Marks: What are they, Causes & Treatmentsmy.clevelandclinic.org
4What You Should Know About Stretch Marks on the Breastshealth.clevelandclinic.org
5Stretch marks in pregnancynhs.uk

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