Redeem now - It's not necessary to get rid of stretch marks, as they are an extremely common and harmless skin response to rapid growth during times like pregnancy or puberty.
- You also can't get rid of stretch marks completely, as topical lotions and creams will not penetrate the skin deeply enough to remove them.
- If you want your stretch marks to fade over time, you may be able to reduce their appearance with in-office dermatologist treatments like microneedling, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy.
- To help prevent stretch marks, you can also moisturize your skin twice daily, apply hyaluronic acid, and try to manage weight gain or fluctuations.
Stretch marks are extremely common. In fact, about 90% of pregnant women, 70% of adolescent females, and 40% of adolescent males have them.
While there are plenty of treatments out there for stretch marks, it's important to note that stretch marks do not indicate that anything is wrong with your skin or overall health.
Feeling beautiful is about what makes you happy, and stretch marks should not impede that. They are a completely normal and harmless skin response to rapid growth — whether you're having a baby or going through puberty.
If you are interested in removing stretch marks, there's a lot of misinformation around the process. Moreover, it's not likely that you'll be able to make them disappear entirely.
Here's what you need to know about the few processes that are proven to help minimize stretch marks.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae or stria atrophicus, are scars caused by tears in collagen and elastin fiber, which support the structure of the skin. Stretch marks form in the dermis, the second layer of skin that contains connective tissues. They occur when your skin stretches, usually during times of rapid growth, including:
- Pregnancy
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
- Growth spurts
- Rapid muscle growth, like with weight training
Stretch marks usually look like red, pink, or purplish raised lines across the skin when they first appear, says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City. Over time they will often fade and appear white.
Anyone can develop stretch marks, but they are more common in women than in men and can be more prominent in dark-skinned individuals. You are also more likely to get stretch marks if others in your family have them, due to genetics.
Can you get rid of stretch marks?
Contrary to popular belief, there really is no cheap, easy way to get rid of stretch marks, says Shari Sperling, DO, a dermatologist with her own private practice in New Jersey.
"Exfoliation or topical creams are typically not effective as they just work on the surface of the skin and do not penetrate deeper into the skin to have a noticeable difference," Sperling says.
Some studies have found that prescription vitamin A derivatives, like tretinoin cream, may improve the appearance of stretch marks, but the results are mixed. In general, no topical solution has been shown to be completely effective at getting rid of stretch marks.
Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, Green says, but certain dermatological treatments may make them less noticeable.
Treatments that can reduce the appearance of stretch marks
Many of the treatments available to reduce the appearance of stretch marks focus on strengthening the skin and rebuilding collagen. If you're interested in stretch mark treatments, talk with your dermatologist about the best course of treatment for you.
Here are some of the most popular treatments:
1. Laser therapy
Laser therapy directs light at certain components of the skin, like pigment and blood vessels, to increase collagen production and restore elastin fibers. One type of laser, the Fraxel laser, is an FDA approved therapy designed for:
- Scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Acne marks
- Sun spots
- Leg veins
- Stretch marks
The Fraxel laser makes microscopic cuts in the skin stimulating new collagen production while leaving the surrounding tissue intact, Green says.
"It is recommended that stretch mark treatment begins at the initial onset when the likelihood of successful stretch mark removal is much higher," Green says. "It is much easier to remove the red stretch marks with laser treatments, than the later stage of scarring or white stretch marks."
The number of sessions you may need depends on how old (and pronounced) your stretch marks are, Green says, but most people need at least three to five. Stretch marks that are red, blue, or purple in color are typically newer and easier to treat with laser therapy than those that are white and silver.
2. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Because stretch marks are deep in the skin, this treatment can reduce their appearance, but not eliminate them. Exfoliation can also help stimulate collagen production and promote new skin growth, which can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
A 2014 study found microdermabrasion to be as effective as a daily application of topical 0.095% tretinoin cream in reducing the severity of early stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion has few side effects and is well-tolerated by people with many different skin types, Green says. But using microdermabrasion to treat stretch marks is a lengthy process and could take a dozen or more treatments to see results.
3. Microneedling
Microneedling uses tiny needles to puncture the skin. As the skin heals, your body produces new collagen which repairs damaged fibers and fills the lines caused by stretch marks. Side effects are usually temporary and include redness and swelling at the site.
In a 2008 study, researchers found that microneedling could reduce the appearance of stretch marks in one to four treatments by as much as 60% to 80%. A small 2016 study found three microneedling therapy sessions were more efficient than microdermabrasion in treating stretch marks.
How to prevent stretch marks
It's impossible to completely prevent stretch marks, Sperling says, but there are some ways to minimize the chances of developing them, including:
- Moisturize your skin with lotion twice a day. This helps maintain skin hydration and optimize skin elasticity and strength, so it's less likely to tear when stretched.
- Manage weight gain and try to prevent rapid fluctuations in weight. This allows the skin to gradually adjust without overstretching and disrupting connective tissue.
- Apply hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate the skin and stimulate collagen production, which may prevent the appearance of stretch marks.
Insider's takeaway
Stretch marks are scars that form when your skin stretches and tears, and they are a normal part of rapid growth during times like pregnancy or puberty. These marks are harmless and extremely common, so there's no reason to worry about needing to erase them from your skin.
Plus, because the scars occur deep within the skin, they will likely be permanent. If you'd like to rebuild some of that collagen and strengthen your skin, dermatological treatments like laser therapy and microneedling can do this, and may help your stretch marks fade over time.
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- The best anti-aging ingredients for skincare, according to dermatologists
- The best exfoliating ingredients, according to dermatologists
- How to exfoliate your face based on your skin type, according to dermatologists
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