How to get rid of stretch marks

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks form when skin stretches or shrinks quickly and the collagen and elastin that support it rupture as the skin heals. Puberty growth spurts, pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, and rapid muscle growth are common times for them to appear; changing hormone levels and family history also affect risk. Long term use of a corticosteroid applied to the skin can cause stretch marks, and Cushing disease or Marfan syndrome are also associated with them.1

During pregnancy, marks commonly appear on the belly and can also appear on the breasts, hips and buttocks. Marks on the belly and lower body can develop as the baby grows; breast marks can appear as the breasts enlarge.2

New stretch marks can be pink, red, purple, reddish brown or dark brown, depending on skin color. They may feel slightly raised and itchy at first; as they mature, their color fades and they can become slightly indented.1

Can stretch marks go away?

Stretch marks are permanent scars, so aim for less noticeable marks rather than complete removal. Many fade with time, and pregnancy related marks often become less noticeable after birth.12

How do you fade stretch marks?

The color and age of the marks matter. Topical treatments have little effect on mature stretch marks, while treatment may make early marks less noticeable sooner than waiting alone.1

1. 1Start with a realistic target. Treatment can soften the appearance of early marks, but no cream or procedure removes every stretch mark.
2. 2If you want to try a topical treatment, prescription tretinoin has evidence for early marks. Hyaluronic acid has also made early stretch marks less noticeable in studies. One study of tretinoin used it every night for 24 weeks and found the marks less noticeable.
3. 3Massage a topical product gently into early marks and use it daily for weeks. If it helps, visible change takes weeks, not days.
4. 4If you want a procedure, ask a board certified dermatologist which option fits your health, age and how long you have had the marks.

Dermatologists use chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, radiofrequency and ultrasound to make stretch marks less noticeable. Procedures are more effective than creams, lotions and gels, but they do not erase stretch marks. Redness and swelling after a procedure are common and usually settle within hours or days.1

For breast stretch marks, a pulsed dye laser targets redness in newer red or purple marks. Older marks can be treated with fractional lasers, radiofrequency or microneedling, sometimes in a combination of treatments and sessions. Laser selection needs care on darker skin because burns or discoloration are possible.3

Professional skin needling is another option used to fade stretch marks. Up to five procedures may be needed, with at least six weeks between treatments. Dryness, scaling, redness or swelling can last several days or longer, and sun protection is recommended for several weeks afterward.4

Do not tan to hide stretch marks: they do not tan, so a real tan can make them more noticeable. A self tanner can camouflage early or mature marks temporarily, but it does not remove them.1

Do stretch mark creams work?

Most store bought creams, oils and butters have not shown reliable fading results. Studies found no fading from massaging almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil or vitamin E into stretch marks. Cocoa butter has also not been shown to prevent marks or reduce their overall appearance, and coconut oil and shea butter are not proven stretch mark treatments. Moisturizing can keep skin hydrated, but hydration is not the same as fading a scar.15

What if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before treating stretch marks. Some products contain retinol, which can harm a baby, and tretinoin is not safe to use during pregnancy.15

When should you see a dermatologist?

A board certified dermatologist can help you weigh prescription creams and procedures against the age of the marks, your health and the possible side effects. Consider an appointment if you are spending time or money on products without seeing a change, or if you want to compare procedure options.1