How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks: 10 Remedies (2024)

Stretch marks can develop any time the skin rapidly expands or contracts, such as during a growth spurt or pregnancy. This abrupt change in shape can cause elastic fibers in the skin like collagen to rupture. As the skin heals itself, stretch marks can develop.

Early stretch marks can appear to be red, pink or purple when they initially develop, depending on a person’s skin tone. They may also feel slightly raised compared to the surrounding skin, and can become itchy, though this type of stretch mark may only be temporary. If the stretch marks fade to a paler shade and appear wrinkled, they may become permanent. While there’s no way to eliminate these marks altogether, early intervention may help make them less noticeable and alleviate symptoms like itching.

According to Saulis Banionis, M.D., a board-certified physician specializing in aesthetic and regenerative medicine, common causes of stretch marks include:

• Pregnancy
• Rapid weight gain or loss
• Growth spurts during puberty
• Bodybuilding or rapid muscle growth
• Using certain medications like corticosteroids
• Certain medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Additionally, people with relatives who have stretch marks may have a higher risk of developing them.

Stretch marks tend to improve spontaneously. While completely eliminating the appearance of stretch marks may not be possible, certain treatments may help lower their visibility, says Dr. Banionis. In fact, a number of at-home remedies are available for individuals with stretch marks to try.

Moisturizer

“Drier skin is more at risk for stretch marks,” says Corey L. Hartman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.

Regularly applying moisturizing creams or oils can help hydrate skin and improve its elasticity, which may aid in reducing the appearance of stretch marks, adds Dr. Banionis. He suggests looking for moisturizers that have ingredients such as antioxidants, enzymes, plant stem cells, hydroquinone or vitamin C to help lock in moisture.

Hyaluronic acid also helps to hydrate the skin, which may be beneficial for stretch marks. Applying a cream or serum containing hyaluronic acid might help early stretch marks become less noticeable, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Topical retinoids

“A topical retinoid may also help reduce the appearance of minor stretch marks,” Dr. Hartman says.

Retinoids are vitamin-A based products that may encourage the growth of new skin cells. Tretinoin, a retinoid-based topical product, may help treat stretch marks, according to Dr. Banionis. Research suggests tretinoin may aid early stretch marks by increasing collagen levels in the skin, though additional research is needed. However, given their strength, these products should be used with caution and under medical supervision, adds Baniois. Early stage treatment of stretch marks using retinoids can improve the appearance and decrease the length and width of the marks.

Massage

Gently massaging stretch marks with a moisturizer or oil, such as olive oil or almond oil, might improve blood flow, explains Dr. Banionis. Olive oil or almond oil may also promote skin hydration, though research has found varying results in their effectiveness for stretch marks alone. Massage the oil or product on stretch marks gently and slowly every day.

Exfoliation

Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote skin regeneration, which may help improve the appearance of stretch marks, says Dr. Banionis. However, it’s important not to over exfoliate, he stresses, as this could risk the skin becoming too dry. Dry brushing, the act of gently exfoliating skin with a bristle brush, may also help, adds Dr. Banionis. Use gentle techniques and remember to moisturize immediately after.

Self-tanner

Self-tanning products may help camouflage stretch marks by blending them into the skin. To apply self-tanner, exfoliate well beforehand and massage the self-tanner into the skin section by section in circular motions. Remember to dilute the self-tanner over joints by rubbing the elbows, ankles, knees and wrists with a towel or applying lotion to these areas after administering the self- tanner.

While self-tanner may help the appearance of stretch marks, tanning via sunbathing or in a tanning bed won’t have the same effect, and can have other adverse health effects, such as skin cancer. In fact, tanning can make stretch marks stand out even more.

It can take weeks of employing a treatment method before a person begins to notice changes in their stretch marks. However, if improvement through home remedies doesn’t occur after a significant amount of time, professional treatments from a dermatologist or skin care specialist are available to consider.

Laser therapy

Lasers use light energy to deliver beams of focused, controlled light to the skin. Pulse dye converts the beam of light to heat and uses it to destroy blood vessels without causing damage to the skin. This form of laser therapy may help with red stretch marks, though it’s not effective in secondary pigment changes that may occur in darker skin.

These devices can target specific tissues in the body by interacting with chromophores—parts of a molecule that absorb light. They may be able to help stretch marks by increasing pigmentation in the skin or boosting production of collagen, a protein that provides structural support to the body’s connective tissues, such as the skin, joints and ligaments.

Intense pulsed light

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a form of non-laser light therapy that uses high intensity flashes of light to fade stretch marks. One study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal found IPL to be an effective form of treatment for stretch marks: However, it also concludes lasers are more effective^[2]Stretch Marks: Why They Appear And How to Get Rid of Them. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Assessed 6/01/23. .

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny needles to prick the skin, creating small, controlled puncture wounds. A dermatologist usually applies a numbing agent to the skin before treatment to reduce any pain caused by the needle punctures.

“It’s these controlled injuries that trigger the body’s natural immune response, stimulating the production of collagen, ultimately helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks,” explains Dr. Hartman, who generally prefers radio frequency microneedling. This form of microneedling adds heat to the treatment that may boost collagen production.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion involves using aluminum oxide crystals to exfoliate the skin. During a microdermabrasion session, the dermatologist uses a handheld device to gently remove the top layer of skin, revealing another layer that’s brighter or more even in tone.

One randomized trial indicates dermabrasion may be just as effective on stretch marks as topical retinoids with a lower frequency of side effects^[3]Lin T, RN, Chou F, Wang H et al. Effects of scar massage on burn scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2022. . While microdermabrasion can be done at home, seeking professional treatments from a dermatologist allows for the sterilization and professional care needed to achieve deeper penetration of the skin. Professional treatments can also help avoid scarring and altered pigmentation.

Chemical peels

Certain chemical peels may help improve the appearance of stretch marks by removing the damaged outer layer of skin, says Dr. Banionis.

Chemicals like retinoic acid or glycolic acid may stimulate collagen production, which may make them effective for treating stretch marks. Chemical peels can vary in intensity, from mild, refreshing peels to medium to deep peels. Regardless of the intensity, chemical peels can irritate skin after treatment, causing redness and scaliness after milder peels or swelling and blisters in deeper treatments. The full recovery process can take anywhere from one to 14 days, depending on the type of peel.

Permanent stretch marks won’t fade away fully, but some factors may help prevent them from developing in the first place. According Dr. Hartman, methods that may help prevent stretch marks include:

• Using slow, gradual methods when trying to lose weight
• Keeping the skin hydrated
• Exercising to improve skin circulation
• Eating a diet rich in vitamins like C, D, E and zinc to maintain overall skin health

Whether an individual is trying to prevent stretch marks or minimize existing ones, early intervention is key for the best results. Consulting a dermatologist or skincare expert may also help determine best treatment for a person’s skin type.