Use These 7 Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks - GoodRx (2024)

Key takeaways:

  • Stretch marks —or striae distensae — are the red, purple, or brown lines that some people get on their thighs, butts, arms, and abdomen.

  • Stretch marks are common in pregnancy, after puberty, and in other times of rapid growth or weight gain.

  • Some creams and other skin treatments claim to prevent or treat stretch marks. But genetics decide whether you get stretch marks or not.

Use These 7 Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks - GoodRx (1)

Stretch marks are linear scars in the skin. And there’s a lot of historical documentation that proves they’ve been around for a long time. As far back as 16 B.C. there are reports of people taking steps to improve the appearance of stretch marks, including making natural remedies with olive oil, salt, and frankincense.

Pregnancy is one of the most common reasons for stretch marks. Up to 90% of pregnant people get stretch marks. But it’s not just pregnancy that causes stretch marks. People of all genders —at any stage of life — can get stretch marks. Sudden weight gain and puberty are other common times. It’s not clear why some people get them worse than others, but stretch marks seem to run in families.

Many people find their stretch marks distressing, but they’re not anything to worry about beyond their physical appearance. While there are many ways to treat stretch marks, there’s no cure. Here, we’ll cover what the scientific evidence says about how to prevent and treat stretch marks. We’ll also tell you what doesn’t work, so you can shop smart.

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Types of stretch marks

The medical name for stretch marks is “striae distensae,” which loosely translates as “stretch lines.” There are other names, depending on how recent the stretch marks are or when they developed. Let’s look at what these terms mean.

Striae rubrae

Striae rubrae is the medical name for newly developed stretch marks. It means “red lines,” but the color actually depends on your skin tone. New stretch marks can be red, brown, or purple. Stretch marks may feel raised and itchy at first. You might even feel itching before you notice a change in the appearance of your skin.

Striae alba

Striae alba, loosely translated as “white lines,” are older stretch marks. This is because as stretch marks heal in white skin they fade to a silvery white. In darker skin shades, striae alba may look dark gray, black, or even bluish.

Stretch marks change in color from new to old over months to years. The scars may also shrink, which makes the stretch marks sink and appear wrinkled. Old stretch marks may look like shallow, linear pits in the skin. They can become more noticeable with age as skin loses its elasticity.

Striae gravidarum

Striae gravidarum is the specific term for stretch marks of pregnancy. They typically follow the same patterns as other stretch marks. They start out darker, raised, and/or itchy. And they eventually fade with time. Striae gravidarum typically start in the second and third trimesters. They’re common on the abdomen, breast, and thighs.

Where on the body do stretch marks mostly occur?

Stretch marks can happen anywhere on the body, but they commonly develop on these body parts:

Stretch marks are usually symmetrical, meaning that they develop on both sides of the body. They can be thin (a few millimeters wide) or thick (up to 1 centimeter wide).

What causes stretch marks?

The science isn't clear on why stretch marks happen. It's likely due to a combination of factors. Typically, stretch marks happen when skin stretches quickly at a time of hormonal change. It's also likely there are features of certain skin types that make it more or less likely that stretch marks will develop. This explains why not all areas of skin or all people get stretch marks.

At a microscopic level, stretch marks happen because there’s damage to the collagen and elastin proteins that maintain our skin's stretchability.

Stretch marks don’t happen to everyone. Some people have more elastic skin and are less likely to develop stretch marks.

But some situations make stretch marks much more likely:

  • Puberty growth spurts

  • Rapid weight gain

  • Pregnancy

  • Rapid muscle growth from certain types of exercise, like weight training

  • Use of steroid cream over a long period of time

  • Being female

  • Family history of stretch marks

If you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to get stretch marks related to pregnancy if:

Are stretch marks bad?

Stretch marks can be uncomfortable and itchy at first, but they’re not physically harmful. They don't cause any other medical conditions, but they might cause cosmetic concerns and distress to people who have them. This emotional stress can lead to a lower quality of life, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if your stretch marks bother you.

In rare cases stretch marks can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as Cushing’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or chronic liver disease.

How do you treat stretch marks?

Stretch marks may fade with time, but they usually don't go away completely. Still, research shows that many people try to prevent or lessen the appearance of stretch marks. The most common treatments people use are creams, gels, and oils. For the best possible results, it’s important to be patient and apply the products daily for at least several weeks.

Even with prescription treatments and cosmetic procedures, results vary and are hard to predict. And like with any prescription treatment or procedure, there’s also a risk of side effects. Many prescription treatments that help stretch marks fade may not be safe for pregnancy. In this case, you should opt for treatment after pregnancy has ended.

If you can’t prevent stretch marks and cosmetic treatment isn’t for you, you could try to camouflage stretch marks with self tanner. A product like this can darken stretch marks and camouflage them in the way that makeup can on your face. But it won’t cause the stretch marks to go away.

Although it’s difficult to accept the stretch marks of pregnancy and the changes to your body, be kind to yourself and try to acknowledge what your body has accomplished.

Home remedies and over-the-counter treatments for stretch marks

There aren’t well-designed studies on most of the available over-the-counter (OTC) products for stretch marks. But there has been some research showing benefits with the following topical medications:

But the studies on these products show varied results. So although OTC treatments are generally safe to use in pregnancy, there’s no definitive scientific evidence to show that they make much difference.

For instance, moisturizing creams, such as those with cocoa butter or shea butter, have been used for decades. But there’s no strong evidence to prove that these help. In fact, it might just be the extra moisture and the act of massaging the product into the skin that actually helps. Extra moisture can help the skin remain more elastic instead of stretching too thin. This might help decrease the chance of getting stretch marks— or lessen the appearance of them.

Whatever you decide to use, it’s probably best to start using safe products on early stretch marks (striae rubrae), rather than later stretch marks (striae albae). You have more of a chance of lessening the appearance of striae rubrae than if you wait to treat stretch marks that have been there for a while.

Tretinoin (Retin-A)

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid cream that helps increase collagen production in the skin. A few small studies have shown that tretinoin may improve stretch marks by making them smaller and less noticeable. This improvement happened with early treatment of stronger doses of tretinoin. But tretinoin and other retinoids aren’t safe to use in pregnancy. You have to wait until after your pregnancy ends to use them safely.

Cosmetic procedures that treat stretch marks

Cosmetic treatment isn’t necessary, but if you want treatment there are some procedures that can help. To get the best results, your provider may combine different treatments. For example, they may use radiofrequency with tretinoin or a laser. Cosmetic procedures may include:

Several small studies show that laser therapy is one of the best cosmetic treatment options for striae rubrae. Laser therapy targets the blood vessels to increase collagen production and skin elasticity. A typical treatment to reduce the appearance of stretch marks is up to 6 sessions, 4 weeks apart.

Another study showed that microdermabrasion can help reduce the appearance of striae rubrae. A few different studies showed that microneedling could be helpful in reducing both striae rubrae and striae alba. One study showed that radiofrequency and ultrasound helped improve the appearance of striae alba.

Preventing stretch marks

Despite many treatments available and marketed especially at pregnant women, there’s no strong evidence that any of the following creams work to prevent or reduce stretch marks in pregnancy:

  • ​​Alphastria

  • Trofolastin

  • Verum

  • Olive oil

  • Cocoa butter

There’s also no evidence that "belly bands" prevent or improve stretch marks in pregnancy. The truth is, some people get mild stretch marks, some get severe stretch marks, and some get none at all.

The bottom line

Stretch marks are common in pregnancy, but they can affect people with other skin and hormonal conditions as well. The most common treatments for stretch marks include massaging moisturizing creams and lotions into the skin. Your healthcare provider might recommend prescription products or cosmetic procedures for stretch marks. Stretch marks may fade, but it’s unlikely that they will ever truly disappear. So try to remember that stretch marks aren’t harmful, and focus on things you can try to improve — like your mental health, a well-balanced diet, and a healthy pregnancy if you’re pregnant.

References

American Academy of Dermatology Association (n.d). Stretch marks: Why they appear and how to get rid of them.

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (n.d). Striae.

View All References (11)

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Brennan, M., et al. (2016). The use of anti stretch marks’ products by women in pregnancy: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.

Farahnik, B., et al. (2017). Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology.

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. (2017). Ehlers-danlos syndromes. National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

Hague, A., et al. (2017). Therapeutic targets in the management of striae distensae: A systematic review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. (2021). Stretch marks.

National Health Service. (2019). Stretch marks in pregnancy.

Oakley, A. M., et al. (2021). Stretch marks. StatPearls.

Osman, H., et al. (2007). Risk factors for the development of striae gravidarum. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Ud-Din, S., et al. (2016). Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): Prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Waldman, R. A., et al. (2022). Hypopigmented rashes. Dermatology for the Primary Care Provider.

Wollina, U., et al. (2017). Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae). Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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Use These 7 Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks - GoodRx (2024)

FAQs

Is there anything that actually gets rid of stretch marks? ›

Derived from vitamin A, retinoids — such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Avita) — that you apply to your skin may improve the appearance of stretch marks less than a few months old. Tretinoin, when it works, helps to rebuild a protein in the skin called collagen, making the stretch marks look more like your normal skin.

How do the Kardashians get rid of stretch marks? ›

Kim Kardashian's approach to stretch mark removal involved advanced laser, radiofrequency, and micro-needling treatments, which have proven highly effective.

What vitamin gets rid of stretch marks? ›

Researchers have not been able to prove that any specific vitamins prevent stretch marks, but evidence shows that skin needs a variety of nutrients , including vitamins A, C, E, and zinc, to stay healthy. Fruits and vegetables are rich in these and other vitamins and minerals.

How do you get rid of 100% stretch marks? ›

Medical treatments for stretch marks
  1. Tretinoin cream. Also known as Retin-A and Renova, this works by restoring collagen, a fibrous protein that helps give your skin elasticity. ...
  2. Hyaluronic acid cream. ...
  3. Pulsed dye laser therapy. ...
  4. Fractional photothermolysis. ...
  5. Microdermabrasion. ...
  6. Excimer laser therapy.
Feb 4, 2022

Does vaseline remove stretch marks? ›

Can Vaseline remove stretch marks? While Vaseline can help to moisturise the skin and improve its overall appearance, it is unlikely to completely remove stretch marks. Using Vaseline in combination with other treatments can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time.

How can I remove a stretch mark naturally? ›

Home Remedies for the Stretch Marks:
  1. Aloe vera: The outer layer of the aloe vera leaf is removed and the inner gel is sliced out to be applied on the stretch marks. ...
  2. Coconut oil: ...
  3. Centella: ...
  4. Hyaluronic acid: ...
  5. Vitamin A: ...
  6. Olive oil: ...
  7. Black tea: ...
  8. Potatoes juice:
May 10, 2024

What do celebrities use for stretch marks? ›

Bio-Oil Skin Care Oil

Kim Kardashian and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (aka Duchess Kate) are both fans of Bio-Oil for keeping skin soft and stretch mark-free during pregnancy.

Did coconut oil remove stretch mark? ›

While coconut oil cannot completely eliminate stretch marks once they've occurred, it may be used to reduce healing time and improve their appearance.

Can you permanently remove stretch marks? ›

Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, but treatment may make them less noticeable. Treatment can also help alleviate the itch. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before treating stretch marks. Some products contain ingredients, such as retinol, that can harm your baby.

What deficiency causes stretch marks? ›

One study found a correlation between low levels of vitamin D and the incidence of stretch marks. More research is needed, but results suggest that maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D may reduce your risk of stretch marks. The easiest way to get vitamin D is through exposure to the sun.

What oil is best for stretch marks? ›

Argan oil

Some research suggests that argan oil can improve the elasticity of the skin, which may reduce or prevent stretch marks.

Can drinking water get rid of stretch marks? ›

Water helps keep your skin stay soft, so you're less likely to develop stretch marks. Drinking caffeine can also increase your risk of developing stretch marks. If you drink a lot of coffee, tea or soda pop, it's a good idea to drink as much — or more — water.

What stretch marks are the hardest to get rid of? ›

The presence of functioning blood vessels allows red stretch marks to be more responsive to treatment. White stretch marks (striae alba) are older and more difficult to treat. Over time, your blood vessels will narrow, making it hard to stimulate collagen production.

Can old stretch marks be removed? ›

Summary. Ideally, if you want to care for older stretch marks the place to start is with topical creams. But if that doesn't have the desired impact, Chemical Peeling, Microdermabrasion, FMR and Laser are options.

Can you disappear stretch marks? ›

Many creams and other skin products claim to get rid of stretch marks, but the truth is that most don't work and are costly. Usually, the best thing to do is be patient because stretch marks often fade with time. If they still bother you when you're an adult, you can ask your doctor or see a specialist for treatment.

Do stretch marks go away if you lose weight? ›

Do stretch marks go away when you lose weight? Stretch marks from gaining too much weight are not likely to go away, even if you lose the weight. That said, stretch marks can heal if they're still red (indicating new stretch marks).

Do stretch marks ever fully fade? ›

Do Stretch Marks Ever Go Away Naturally? While stretch marks don't usually completely disappear, they do tend to fade over time. For example, you might find your pregnancy stretch marks fade after about 6 months.

Can you delete stretch marks? ›

The most efficient way to remove stretch marks is with a laser treatment using advanced IPL technology to effectively break apart the pigmentation in the skin. The appearance of stretch marks is due to hormonal changes or the skin stretching during weight gain, pregnancy, or a growth spurt.

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