Stretch marks are a common, harmless type of scar that forms when skin stretches or shrinks quickly, such as during puberty, pregnancy or rapid weight change. They cannot be fully erased, but they usually fade on their own over time. Treatments work best on new, red or purple marks: prescription tretinoin and hyaluronic acid creams have the best evidence, while clinic procedures such as laser, microneedling and microdermabrasion can make older marks less noticeable. Popular oils and butters like cocoa butter, almond oil and vitamin E have not been shown to prevent or fade them.
What are stretch marks?
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains that stretch marks are a type of scar. When the skin stretches or shrinks quickly, the collagen and elastin that support it can rupture. As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear. Doctors call them striae.
According to the NHS, they are very common, are not harmful, and often become less noticeable over time.
What they look like
Stretch marks appear as lines or streaks on the skin. When they first appear, they may be:
- pink, red, purple, reddish-brown or dark brown, depending on your skin colour
- slightly raised and sometimes itchy
Over time, the colour fades and the marks often become flatter or slightly sunken, and may look silvery or paler than the surrounding skin. They are commonly found on the tummy, breasts, hips, thighs, bottom, upper arms and back.
What causes stretch marks?
The main cause is rapid stretching of the skin. Hormones and genes also play a part, which is why some people get them more easily than others. The NHS and AAD list these common times and risk factors:
| Cause or risk factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Puberty | Growth spurts stretch the skin quickly |
| Pregnancy | The tummy and breasts grow rapidly; hormones may also play a role |
| Rapid weight gain or loss | Sudden changes in body size stretch or shrink the skin |
| Rapid muscle growth | For example, from intensive weight training |
| Family history | If close relatives have them, you are more likely to get them |
| Corticosteroid medicines | Long-term use of steroid creams or tablets can thin the skin |
| Certain medical conditions | Rarely, conditions such as Cushing's syndrome or Marfan syndrome |
The NHS also notes that being female and being overweight increase the chance of getting them.
Can you prevent stretch marks?
Not always. The NHS says it is not always possible to prevent them, but keeping to a healthy weight and avoiding rapid weight changes is the best way to reduce your chances. Some other points:
- During pregnancy, some stretching is unavoidable. The AAD notes that products containing centella (Centella asiatica) or hyaluronic acid may help prevent stretch marks, but evidence is limited.
- If you are building muscle, gradual progress puts less sudden strain on your skin.
- If you use steroid creams, use them only as prescribed and for as long as advised.
Treatments for stretch marks
The Mayo Clinic points out that stretch marks do not need treatment, as they are harmless. If they bother you, treatment can make them less noticeable, although none will remove them completely, and no single treatment works for everyone. Most treatments work better on new marks than on old, pale ones.
Creams and gels
Creams work best when used on early, red or purple stretch marks. The AAD says:
- Hyaluronic acid: applying it to early stretch marks made them less noticeable in two large studies.
- Tretinoin: a prescription retinoid applied nightly for 24 weeks made early marks less noticeable in a study. The Mayo Clinic notes it may help marks less than a few months old, partly by helping rebuild collagen, but it can irritate the skin. Over-the-counter retinol may also help.
To give a cream the best chance, the AAD suggests gently massaging it in every day for several weeks. If you are new to retinoids, our guide on how to use retinol for beginners explains how to avoid irritation.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: do not use retinoids such as tretinoin or retinol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as they may harm the baby. Check with your doctor before using any stretch mark product during pregnancy.
Clinic procedures
The AAD says in-office procedures have proven more effective than creams, though they cost more and often need several sessions. Options include:
- Laser and light therapies: can stimulate collagen and reduce redness or improve texture.
- Microneedling: tiny needles create small injuries that stimulate collagen. The Mayo Clinic says it has a lower risk of skin colour changes than laser and is the preferred first approach for darker skin.
- Microdermabrasion: removes the very top layer of skin.
- Chemical peels, radiofrequency and ultrasound: other options, sometimes combined.
Redness and swelling after procedures usually last from a few hours to a few days. Choose a qualified dermatologist, especially if you have brown or black skin, as some treatments carry a risk of dark or light patches.
What does not work
Many products promise to banish stretch marks. The evidence is disappointing:
- The AAD reports that almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil and vitamin E did not fade or prevent stretch marks in studies.
- The NHS says there is very little evidence that creams sold to prevent or treat stretch marks work.
- The Mayo Clinic notes such products are not harmful, but probably will not help much.
Moisturising can still make skin feel more comfortable, especially if new marks are itchy, so there is no harm in using a plain moisturiser you like.
Making stretch marks less noticeable
- Avoid tanning. The AAD notes that a tan can make stretch marks more noticeable, because the marks themselves do not tan. Protect your skin with sunscreen.
- Self-tanner or body make-up can help camouflage marks temporarily.
- Be patient. Most stretch marks fade considerably on their own over months to years.
Stretch marks on brown and black skin
On darker skin tones, new stretch marks often look dark brown, purple or almost black rather than pink or red, and older marks may look lighter than the surrounding skin. The same causes and treatments apply, with a few extra considerations:
- Procedure choice matters. Some lasers can leave dark or light patches on brown and black skin. The Mayo Clinic notes microneedling has a lower risk of skin colour changes than laser, which is why it is often tried first for darker skin.
- Go gently with active creams. Irritation from retinoids or acids can leave dark marks of its own. Start slowly and stop if your skin becomes red, sore or flaky.
- Look for experience. Ask a dermatologist whether they regularly treat skin like yours and what results to expect.
Stretch marks in teenagers
Stretch marks are very common during puberty, when growth spurts can happen quickly. They often appear on the hips, thighs, bottom, breasts, back or shoulders, and they are a normal part of growing for many young people. Reassurance is usually the most helpful thing, as the marks generally fade over time. If a teenager is very bothered by them, a doctor or dermatologist can discuss options. Teenagers who use steroid creams for conditions such as eczema should follow the prescribed directions, as long-term use can contribute to stretch marks.
When to see a doctor
Most stretch marks are nothing to worry about. The NHS advises seeing a GP if you have large stretch marks along with other changes, such as:
- a fatter chest and tummy, but slim arms and legs
- a build-up of fat on the back of the neck
- a red, puffy, rounded face
These can be signs of Cushing's syndrome, a condition caused by too much of the hormone cortisol. Also see a doctor if stretch marks appear suddenly without an obvious reason, or if you are using steroid medicines and notice new marks.
Frequently asked questions
Do stretch marks go away?
They do not disappear completely, but they usually fade and become much less noticeable over time.
What is the best treatment for stretch marks?
No single treatment works for everyone. For new marks, tretinoin or hyaluronic acid creams have the best evidence. For older marks, clinic procedures such as laser or microneedling are more effective than creams.
Does cocoa butter or bio-oil prevent stretch marks?
Studies of cocoa butter, almond oil, olive oil and vitamin E found they did not prevent or fade stretch marks. Plain moisturisers may ease itching but are unlikely to change how the marks look.
Can men get stretch marks?
Yes. Anyone can get them, for example during teenage growth spurts, weight changes or rapid muscle gain from weight training.
Are stretch marks during pregnancy preventable?
Not always. Genes play a large role. Avoiding rapid weight gain may help, and centella or hyaluronic acid products may offer some benefit. Avoid retinoids during pregnancy.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Skin differs from person to person. Patch-test new products, and consult a dermatologist or doctor for persistent, painful or worsening skin problems, or before using active ingredients if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on prescription treatment.
