The Best Stretch Mark Treatments, According to Experts

First things first: Stretch marks are *extremely* normal—around 90 percent of women have them. The cause of stretch marks is unknown, but by and large you can form them during puberty, develop ‘em when you’re growing a tiny human in your stomach, and even get them from losing weight. The size, shape, and even color of stretch marks can differ person to person, but they’re likely going to present red, pink, or white in color. The one defining factor across the board? Stretch marks are permanent scars, so getting them to completely disappear (if that’s what you want) isn’t all too realistic. 

That said, take a quick walk through a Sephora or do a search on Amazon, and you’re bound to find dozens of creams, gels, and oils that claim to remove stretch marks. And while there are benefits to topicals (we’re going to dive into it, don’t worry), over-the-counter products are only going to reduce the look of stretch marks to a certain extent. 

“There isn’t any hard evidence that topical creams fade stretch marks after they appear,” explains New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss. “However, it is possible that they can slightly help the appearance, depending on how light or how dark the mark is.” 

To get a better temperature check on what’s realistic when it comes to fading, preventing, or treating the texture and color of stretch marks, keep reading. We tapped the pros to get the down low on it all—and find out what to look for in the best stretch mark creams. 

What Is a Stretch Mark?

To put it simply: a stretch mark is a scar that’s the result of thinning skin. “Although the exact causes of stretch marks are unknown, they are often associated with pregnancy, sudden changes in weight, rapid growth, genetics, and prolonged use of topical corticosteroids,” explains Dr. Marie Hayag, board-certified dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics. “They are most common among adolescents and pregnant women and typically form in the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts.” 

The color and texture of a stretch mark can vary depending on where it is in its lifecycle—a freshly formed mark is going to look a heck of a lot different than one that’s been there for a decade. “Early stretch marks can appear slightly raised and red in color when compared to our normal skin because of inflammatory mechanisms in our body,” Dr. Hayag explains. “As the inflammation calms down, stretch marks then become lighter in color and feel more depressed.” 

Can I Prevent a Stretch Mark From Forming?

While there’s no hard and fast prevention method for stretch marks, there are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood you’ll develop them. The top tip? Keep the skin uber-hydrated and reach for products that can clinically prove an increase in elastin (the bounciness in the skin) and collagen (the plumpness in the skin). “If you’re looking to prevent stretch marks from forming, it is best to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated, which will ultimately help elasticity and strengthen the skin,” advises Dr. Idriss. “When purchasing products, I usually look for those packed with nourishing ingredients such as cocoa butter, jojoba, shea butter, coconut, and hemp, as well as sunflower, peppermint, and patchouli oils.”

If you’re looking for a little something extra, you can also talk to your dermatologist about regular microneedling treatments, which will also help boost collagen and elastin. That said, there is a large genetic component to stretch marks, and paired with other factors, stretch marks can be unavoidable. 

How to Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks

Topicals 

Using a cream on your stomach, breasts, or bum isn’t going to harm you, so go ahead—slather away. That said, it’s important to manage expectations with a topical, store-bought product. Both derms agree that there’s not enough “hard evidence” to support the fact that stretch mark creams will get rid of stretch marks after they appear. But, you may notice some moderate changes in color or texture with regular and prolonged use. “Stretch marks can be reduced using topical creams, but results can take weeks to become noticeable and vary for individuals,” says Dr. Hayag. She also notes that because stretch marks are technically scars, getting rid of them entirely is very difficult. 

If you are interested in a topical cream however, there are a few active ingredients you’re going to want to keep an eye out for. Dr. Hayang explains that an ingredient called regestril is effective at increasing collagen production and should be a go-to for newly-formed stretch marks. “It can help lessen the depth, width, length, and pigment changes of the scar,” she adds. Another common ingredient is called regu-stretch, which has been specifically formulated for the treatment of stretch marks. The chemical combo contains anti-inflammatory properties, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Retinoids are another great option as it can increase collagen and decrease redness. That in mind, pregnant women should not use it. You should also avoid products containing parabens and phthalates, as these ingredients can be harmful to our reproductive system, liver, and kidneys.

“In order to reduce the length, width, and any elevation, it is important to start applying topical treatments on new scars as they are more receptive to the active ingredients in stretch mark creams,” adds Dr. Hayag. 

Lasers 

One of the most widely-accepted treatments for stretch marks is the use of in-office lasers, specifically VBeam and Fraxel. According to Dr. Idriss, the former “targets and treats the red-colored stretch marks,” while the latter can address both texture and color in superficial and deep scars. “Newer stretch marks make you a good candidate for VBeam and the settings can be adjusted for different skin tones,” Dr. Idriss explains. “Fraxel is better for older stretch marks that fade to depressed scars as it targets skin texture and color.” (Doctor’s note: Both lasers make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so applying—and reapplying—SPF is of utmost importance.)  To see any results, you’ll typically need anywhere from four to six sessions. 

Dermal Fillers

Dermal filler, like one brand called Radiesse, can also help fill in inset scars. “They tell our body to produce more collagen, elastin, and blood vessels, which help reduce the size of the stretch marks,” adds Dr. Hayag. 

The Best Stretch Mark Removal Creams