Stretch marks are tiny scars that appear when your skin stretches or shrinks quickly. They can be red, purple, pink, or brown, slightly raised, and itchy.
It is common to get stretch marks when you are pregnant. They can show up while your skin is stretching or as it is healing.
Stretch marks usually fade over time, but they likely won’t go away completely. Some treatments can smooth them out, help them heal, or relieve itching. Others could make them less noticeable.
“Stretch marks can be improved with treatment,” says Dr. Jessica Weiser, founder of Dr. Sage Skin in New York City. But don’t expect them to go away completely.
Here are some things you can’t and can’t do to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Start early
After 1 year, stretch marks are considered ripe. You can’t fade mature stretch marks.
However, if you start early within a few months of developing stretch marks, you may be able to improve your appearance. The sooner you start the better.
Once stretch marks appear, apply pressure and massage at least once a day. This can help them heal faster.
See a dermatologist
This dermatologist can treat your stretch marks with techniques that can improve their appearance.
Laser therapy, light therapy, microneedling
“Once the proteins in your skin are broken down, it is very difficult to completely restore them. However, surface resurfacing treatments can help stimulate the production of new collagen to partially heal and smooth stretch marks, ”says Weiser.
Your dermatologist may try light therapy, laser therapy, or microneedling (using a device that sticks tiny needles into your skin) to create new collagen and improve elasticity.
For red or purple stretch marks, Weiser recommends a vascular laser such as Excel V. It can reduce redness and improve pigment changes.
For white stretch marks, Weiser recommends a number of treatments to reapply your skin. She says microneedling and radiofrequency heating (a device that heats your skin) can boost skin turnover. This can help the wounds heal, making the stretch marks less noticeable.
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Tretinoin and hyaluronic acid
If your stretch marks are new or less than a few months old, the dermatologist may suggest two treatments that you apply to your skin: tretinoin and hyaluronic acid.
Some studies suggest that tretinoin, a prescription retinoid (meaning it’s made from vitamin A), may make new stretch marks less noticeable. Tretinoin rebuilds collagen, which can make your stretch marks look more like the rest of your skin.
In one study, people who applied tretinoin cream every night had fewer noticeable stretch marks after 24 weeks. For people who didn’t use the cream, the stretch marks got bigger.
Other studies suggest that the ingredient hyaluronic acid can make new stretch marks less noticeable.
Tretinoin and hyaluronic acid can work best on reddish stretch marks.
surgery
After pregnancy, you may be able to remove certain stretch marks through surgery. If your stretch marks are on your lower abdomen, below your belly button, you can get a tummy tuck.
A plastic surgeon will remove the skin under your belly button and use the skin over it to make your skin look firmer and smoother. Your upper stretch marks will be hidden near your bikini line.
If you’re considering this option, speak to a board certified plastic surgeon about what a tummy tuck can and can’t do for stretch marks.
What does not work?
Many treatments have been exposed to improve stretch marks. Even if you see them marketed as a remedy, research suggests that they don’t help.
Oils that you apply to your skin
“Topical therapy for existing stretch marks doesn’t work,” says Weiser. Research has found that almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, and vitamin E don’t fade them.
Home remedies
“Very light treatments such as superficial peelings, microneedles or rollers at home and LED therapy generally do not lead to any significant improvement,” says Weiser.
Tan
When you tan, your stretch marks won’t go away. This can make them easier to spot because stretch marks don’t tan. But you can also try a self-tanner to blend in better with the surrounding skin.
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An advice
All treatments don’t work the same for everyone. “Every patient has a different skin and a different healing process,” says Weiser. Results can depend on your age, skin tone, diet, length of stretch marks, the number of treatment sessions, and the healing process of your skin.
For the best results, get treatment early, before the stretch marks are ripe.
Talk to a dermatologist who specializes in aesthetic treatments and laser treatments to find the best options for you.
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SWELL:
American Academy of Dermatology Association, “Stretch Marks: Why They Occur and How to Get Rid of Them.”
Jessica Weiser, MD, Founder and Director, Weiser Skin MD, New York.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “What Are Stretch Marks And What Can You Do To Get Rid Of Them?”
Mayo Clinic: “Stretch Marks.”
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: “Retinoids, Topical.”
Cleveland Clinic: “Stretch Marks”.
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