About stretch marks it is important to understand one thing honestly: they are scars, and they cannot be erased completely. But you do not have to just accept them either — at an early stage (while they are red-purple) they respond to treatment noticeably better than old ones. Let us work out what really helps and what is marketing, and the important caveats for pregnant women.
Stretch marks (striae) are scars from rapid stretching/contraction of the skin, when collagen and elastin tear. Stages: early (striae rubra — red/purple, respond better) and mature (striae alba — whitish, harder). They cannot be removed completely; their appearance is reduced by: retinoids on early ones (not in pregnancy!), acids, hydration, and among procedures — laser, microneedling. Most OTC creams and oils have weak evidence.
01What it is and why it appears
A stretch mark is a type of scar: when the skin stretches or contracts too fast, the collagen and elastin supporting it tear, and stripes appear at the site of healing. Common causes: pregnancy, puberty, rapid weight gain/loss, bodybuilding. Hormones and heredity play a role, and long-term use of corticosteroids thins the skin and also provokes striae. Not everyone gets them — much depends on genetics.
02Early versus mature
Fresh stretch marks (striae rubra) are red, pink, purple or dark brown, sometimes slightly raised and itchy — it is at this stage that treatment works best. Over time the colour goes, the stripes sink and become silvery-white (striae alba) — these are harder to smooth. The conclusion is simple: start earlier. If you run a finger over a mature stretch mark, you often feel a slight indentation.
03What helps
On early stretch marks a retinoid (retinol/tretinoin) may help — but it must not be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and stretch marks are often "pregnancy" ones, so this is critical. Gentle acids (glycolic) and hydration support the skin. Among procedures at a dermatologist, most effective are lasers and microneedling (they stimulate collagen), though even they do not remove striae completely. Creams, oils and butters (cocoa, shea, vitamin E) more often have weak evidence.
- Retinol during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Retinoids are contraindicated — see a doctor first.
- Expecting them to disappear completely. It is a scar; the appearance can genuinely be reduced, but not erased.
- Starting on mature white striae. The best response is in fresh red ones.
- Believing in a "stretch mark cream in a week". Most OTC have weak evidence.
- Tanning to "mask" them. A tan increases the contrast with the striae.
04What to try
Early (red) striae
Support and hydration
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05Common questions
Can stretch marks be removed completely?
No. Like any scar, stretch marks remain, but their appearance can be noticeably reduced — especially at the early red stage and with procedures at a dermatologist.
Do oils and creams help with stretch marks?
The evidence for most OTC products is weak. Hydration is useful for skin comfort, but you cannot "erase" striae with a cream; retinoids on early ones and procedures are more effective.
What to do in pregnancy?
Retinoids are contraindicated. Limit yourself to hydration and gentle care, and defer the question of active treatment, discussing it with a doctor after childbirth/breastfeeding.
Drawing on dermatological sources:
This material is educational and does not replace a consultation with a dermatologist. In pregnancy and breastfeeding do not use retinoids; discuss treatment with a doctor.