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This article was co-authored by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors.
There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 293,118 times.
Stretch marks can shake your confidence, even though most people have them. On the brightside, you have a lot of options for hiding stretch marks—and even making them fade faster. Anyone can get stretch marks, but they’re especially common during growth spurts, pregnancy, weight gain, and bodybuilding.[1] Additionally, they’re totally harmless and typically fade on their own over time.[2] In the meantime, we’ve compiled the most effective ways to reduce the appearance of your stretch marks, including with sunless tanner.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Home Treatments & Cover-Ups
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1Hide your stretch marks with a sunless tanner. While it won’t make your stretch marks go away, sunless tanner covers them up really well.[3] They’ll blend right in with the rest of your skin. Apply a sunless tanner for a quick pick-me-up and a big boost to your confidence.
- Tanning in sunlight doesn't reduce the appearance of stretch marks. In fact, tanning actually makes your stretch marks stand out more because these marks don’t tan well. Additionally, tanning is bad for your skin.[4]
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2Apply a stretch mark cream with hyaluronic acid, vitamin A, or centella. You can purchase over-the-counter stretch mark creams at any department store or online. For best results, use the creams to treat new stretch marks, and rub them into your skin every day.[5] Look for these ingredients that are the most effective at reducing their appearance:
- Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin and may help with elasticity.
- Vitamin A/Retinoid: Retinoids, which come from vitamin A, can improve your skin’s texture and hydration. However, don’t use them while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.[6]
- Centella: Studies show that centella helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and may help stop them from growing. Additionally, it may stimulate cell production and fibroblasts, which produce collagen.[7]
- Stretch mark creams start at around $10-15, though they often cost in the $30 to $50 price range.
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3Massage aloe vera gel into your skin. Aloe vera can prevent your stretch marks from spreading, and some people say it makes their stretch marks look better.[8] You can buy 100% aloe vera gel at a store or online. Additionally, you can harvest it from an aloe vera plant. Use your fingers to rub a dime-size amount of gel onto your stretch marks in a circular motion.
- Apply more gel as needed to cover your stretch marks and the skin around them. Cover the entire area of your body that’s affected by the stretch marks so they’re less likely to spread.
- If you buy your aloe vera gel from the store, check the bottle to make sure it contains only aloe vera gel. A product that has a lot of filler ingredients might not work as well.
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4Rub sweet almond oil onto your skin. Sweet almond oil works similarly to aloe vera gel. It mostly stops stretch marks from getting bigger, but some people say it helps fade them, too.[9] Sweet almond oil is easy to find in health food stores or online. Simply massage a bead of oil into your skin in a circular motion to help it absorb.
- Like with aloe, add more oil as needed to treat both your stretch marks and the skin around them.
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5Exfoliate your skin using a sugar scrub. Exfoliating your skin removes dead skin cells, which helps renew your skin. To use sugar scrub, massage it into your skin in a circular motion for about 30 seconds. Then, rinse the scrub away in your shower. Afterwards, apply a moisturizer to rehydrate your skin.[10]
- Exfoliate your skin once every week or 2.
- You can make a sugar scrub at home with products you likely already have in your kitchen.
- If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, exfoliation might be too harsh for your skin.
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6Try body makeup for a temporary cover-up. It might not be practical for every day, but body makeup is a great option for hiding stretch marks for special occasions. Choose body makeup that matches your skin tone, then apply a thin layer over your stretch marks.[11] Finish it with some setting powder.
- Some brands of body makeup are waterproof, so you may be able to wear it to places like the beach or the pool.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Professional Treatments
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1Use prescription tretinoin or a retinoid cream. Tretinoin is a type of retinoid, which is derived from Vitamin A. Retinoids stimulate collagen growth in your skin, so they may help renew your skin and fade stretch marks.[12] Talk to your doctor to find out if these creams might be right for you.
- Retinoids are effective for fading stretch marks, but they won’t totally get rid of them.
- You shouldn’t use these creams while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. In that case, your doctor can help you pick the best option for you.
- The price of retinoids and tretinoin depends on your insurance coverage. You may be able to get it for as low as $25, but it could cost upwards of $100.
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2Consider light or laser therapy. These treatments can reduce the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen growth, which improves your skin’s elasticity.[13] During the procedure, your doctor will direct a light onto your stretch marks to help regenerate your skin.[14] Ask your dermatologist if light or laser therapy is a good treatment option for your stretch marks.
- Laser and light therapy are very effective for fading stretch marks, though the marks won’t go away completely.
- Laser and light therapy are non-invasive and painless, but you’ll likely need several treatments.
- Laser and light therapy cost around $50 to $150 a session. You’ll likely need around 20 sessions, so you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000.
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3Visit your dermatologist for dermabrasion. You can get visible results fast with dermabrasion, though it won’t totally get rid of your stretch marks. Instead of using a prescription cream every day, you can do one dermabrasion treatment and get the same improvement.[15] During dermabrasion, your dermatologist will scrape off your stretch marks, prompting new skin to grow. After about a few weeks, your skin should heal to reveal healthy, smooth skin.[16]
- You could experience side effects from dermabrasion, including swelling, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or milia, which are tiny white bumps.
- Dermabrasion typically costs around $1,800 per session.
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4Get microneedling. Microneedling can work well on both new and existing stretch marks.[17] In a microneedling treatment, your doctor will insert tiny needles into your skin to promote collagen and elasticity to improve the look of your skin. You can expect results after about three to six treatments.[18] Ask your dermatologist if microneedling could work for you.
- A full course of treatment can take up to six months.
- In general, microneedling usually costs between $200 and $700 per session. You’ll likely need around 6 sessions, so expect to spend around $1,200 to $4,200.
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5Try radiofrequency therapy. These devices use heat and microneedling to destroy tissues, which prompts your body to repair itself. The new skin will look smoother, with minimal signs of stretch marks.[19] Ask your doctor about radiofrequency therapy.
- With daily treatments, radiofrequency therapy could improve the look of stretch marks in as little as one week.[20]
- Radiofrequency therapy ranges in cost between $100 and $1,000.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Prevention
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1Maintain your weight. Since weight gain and weight loss can both cause stretch marks, keeping a steady weight is the best prevention.[21] To stay at your current weight, eat healthy and exercise. This will also help you feel great, so you’ll feel confident.
- You could also use this BMI calculator to estimate your ideal weight.
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2Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will keep your skin soft and supple, which may help prevent stretch marks.[22] Most people need to drink between 11.5 to 15.5 cups (2.7 to 3.7 L) of water every day. To get more water, carry a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go.
- If you don’t like the taste of water, try adding fruit slices or flavoring to the water.
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3
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4Eat a nutritious, high-protein diet. A diet rich in protein gives your body the nutrients it needs for good skin. Additionally, vitamins A, C, D, and Zinc all support healthy skin. Fill your plate with lots of fruits and vegetables to help your skin look its best.[25]
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5Exercise five to seven days a week. When you exercise, your heart beats faster and increases your circulation. Additionally, it prompts your body to produce more collagen. Because of this, your skin looks healthier and repairs itself more easily[26] > To stay healthy, set a goal to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of strenuous exercise each week.[27]
- Always check with your doctor before you begin a new exercise program.
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References
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/stretch-marks-why-appear
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stretch-marks/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/stretch-marks.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/stretch-marks.html
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/stretch-marks-why-appear
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10785-stretch-marks
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5057295/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28521546/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28521546/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/Stretch-Marks
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8624148/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5782435/
- ↑ https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/laser-light-therapy
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5782435/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10785-stretch-marks
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5782435/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5640351/
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1610-0387.2008.06780.x
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5782435/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stretch-marks/
- ↑ https://www.gundersenhealth.org/health-wellness/live-happy/how-to-prevent-stretch-marks
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01094.x
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/moisturizers-do-they-work
- ↑ https://www.stretchmarks.org/blog/2019/04/prevent-stretch-marks-naturally-eating-right-foods/
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2006.00522.x
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5057295/
About This Article
R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Board Certified Dermatologist
This article was co-authored by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors. This article has been viewed 293,118 times.
Co-authors: 28
Updated: November 8, 2022
Views: 293,118
Categories: Cellulite and Stretch Marks
Article SummaryX
While there’s no guaranteed way to make stretch marks disappear completely, you can reduce their appearance with skincare products that moisturize and promote healing. Moisturize your stretchmarks daily with a natural product like aloe or coconut oil, which can help fade the marks and keep your skin supple. You may also be able to minimize the marks and help your skin heal with an ointment containing hyaluronic acid or retinoids. If you’re not getting the results you want with topical products, talk to a dermatologist about dermabrasion or laser therapy to smooth your skin. You can also prevent stretch marks from getting worse by protecting them from the sun, keeping yourself hydrated, and avoiding habits that hurt your skin, like smoking. For tips on how to quickly mask your stretch marks with makeup, read on!
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