Stretch marks, those narrow bands that appear on the skin, are a common concern for many. They are essentially scars that develop when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly. This quick change causes the collagen and elastin, which give our skin support and elasticity, to rupture. As the skin repairs itself, stretch marks emerge. While stretch marks naturally fade over time, various treatments can help make them less noticeable faster.
Alt text: Close-up image of stretch marks on a woman’s skin, illustrating the appearance of these skin markings.
Not everyone gets stretch marks. Hormonal fluctuations seem to play a significant role, and genetics can also increase your susceptibility. You are more likely to develop stretch marks during periods of:
- Puberty growth spurts
- Pregnancy
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Rapid muscle growth from weight training
Prolonged use of corticosteroid creams can also induce stretch marks. Certain medical conditions like Cushing’s disease and Marfan syndrome are also associated with their appearance.
Initially, stretch marks can appear in various colors like red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin tone. At this early stage, they might feel slightly raised and can be itchy.
Over time, the color will fade, and the bands will sink slightly beneath the skin’s surface. Mature stretch marks often feel like slight depressions when you run your finger over them.
Treatments That May Help Reduce Stretch Marks
It’s crucial to understand that, like any scar, stretch marks are permanent. Complete stretch mark removal isn’t truly achievable, but numerous treatments can significantly diminish their visibility and alleviate associated itching. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult your doctor before starting any stretch mark treatment, as some ingredients, like retinol, can be harmful during pregnancy.
Alt text: A pregnant woman gently massaging lotion onto her stomach to treat stretch marks, highlighting a common approach to managing skin changes during pregnancy.
It’s also important to recognize that no single treatment works universally, and many over-the-counter products show limited effectiveness. However, research has revealed some helpful strategies for managing stretch marks.
Topical Treatments: Creams, Lotions, and Gels
Numerous creams, lotions, and gels are marketed for stretch mark treatment. While no single product guarantees success for everyone, and some may not work at all, research suggests some guidelines for better results.
If you choose to use a cream, lotion, or gel to fade stretch marks, keep these tips in mind:
- Treat early stretch marks: Treatments are most effective on new stretch marks. Mature stretch marks respond less to topical applications.
- Massage thoroughly: Gently massaging the product into your stretch marks can enhance its effectiveness by improving absorption and circulation.
- Consistent, long-term application: Apply the product daily for several weeks. Visible improvements take time and consistent application.
Home remedies: Popular home remedies like almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, and vitamin E have not been proven effective in clinical studies. Massaging these into stretch marks did not result in noticeable fading.
Tanning and Stretch Marks: Tanning, whether from the sun or tanning beds, will not get rid of stretch marks. In fact, tanning can make stretch marks more prominent as they don’t tan and become more noticeable against tanned skin.
Self-Tanners for Camouflage
While tanning exacerbates the appearance of stretch marks, self-tanners can effectively camouflage both new and old stretch marks. Self-tanners work by darkening the skin around the stretch marks, making the color difference less apparent. It’s important to remember that self-tanner is a cosmetic solution and does not remove or treat the stretch marks themselves.
Alt text: An individual using a tanning bed, illustrating a method that can unfortunately make stretch marks more visible rather than reducing them.
Prescription Medications
Prescription topical medications offer a more evidence-based approach to reducing early stretch marks. Two ingredients have shown promise in studies:
- Hyaluronic acid: Studies have shown that applying hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks can make them less noticeable by promoting skin hydration and elasticity.
- Tretinoin: Tretinoin is a retinoid, a form of vitamin A. Prescription tretinoin creams can also improve the appearance of early stretch marks. Research indicates that consistent nightly application over several months can lead to a visible reduction in stretch mark prominence.
Retinol, another type of retinoid available in some over-the-counter products, may also offer some benefit for early stretch marks, although prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin are generally more potent.
Professional Procedures by Dermatologists
Dermatologists offer various procedures to further minimize the appearance of stretch marks. It’s important to reiterate that none of these procedures completely eliminate stretch marks, but they can significantly improve their texture and color. Common procedures include:
- Chemical peels: These treatments remove the outer layers of skin, which can help improve the texture and appearance of stretch marks.
- Laser therapy: Different types of laser treatments can stimulate collagen production and reduce the redness and discoloration of stretch marks.
- Microdermabrasion: This technique exfoliates the skin’s surface, potentially improving the appearance of older stretch marks.
- Radiofrequency: Radiofrequency treatments use energy to heat the skin and stimulate collagen production, which can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound therapy is another method used to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin, aiming to improve stretch mark appearance.
Dermatologists often combine multiple procedures for optimal results, for example, combining radiofrequency with a pulse dye laser. While side effects like redness and swelling are possible with these procedures, they are usually minor and temporary when performed by a board-certified dermatologist. Consulting a dermatologist is essential to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on your individual skin type, health, and the age of your stretch marks.
Can Anything Prevent Stretch Marks?
The possibility of preventing stretch marks is still under investigation. Many purported preventative remedies have been proven ineffective. Studies have shown that common home remedies like almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, and vitamin E do not prevent stretch marks.
However, some ingredients show potential for stretch mark prevention. Research suggests that products containing:
- Centella asiatica: This herb has properties that may promote collagen production and skin elasticity.
- Hyaluronic acid: As a natural component of the skin, hyaluronic acid helps maintain hydration and elasticity, potentially reducing the risk of stretch marks.
When to Seek a Dermatologist’s Expertise
Over-the-counter stretch mark treatments can be costly, and results may be limited. If you are spending considerable time and money without seeing improvement, consulting a board-certified dermatologist can be beneficial. Dermatologists can offer in-office procedures that are generally more effective than topical creams and lotions. They can also provide up-to-date information on the latest and most effective treatments and preventative strategies.
Alt text: A board-certified dermatologist (FAAD) smiling and talking to a patient, representing professional medical advice for skin conditions like stretch marks.
Seeking professional advice ensures you receive accurate information and effective treatment options tailored to your specific needs when dealing with stretch marks.
References
Hague A and Bayat A. “Therapeutic targets in the management of striae distensae: A systematic review.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;77(3):559-68.
Stier MF and Hirsch RJ. “Rejuvenation of scars and striae.” In: Hirsch RJ, et al. Aesthetic rejuvenation. McGraw Hill Medical, China, 2009:224-9.
Ud‐Din S, McGeorge D, et al. “Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016; 30(2): 211–22.
