I Asked 5 Skin Experts—These Are the Stretch Mark Creams and Oils That Actually Help

A stretch mark occurs when the collagen and elastin in your dermis (aka the layer of skin just under the surface) tear from stretching and create a type of scar. "The skin has undergone mild damage as a result of natural, normal circumstances," says plastic surgeon John Kim, MD.

At first, stretch marks may appear bright red or purple and have a slightly raised, bumpy feel to them, but in three to six months, they’ll start to blend into your skin tone (or turn white and silvery, regardless of skin tone) and settle into a slightly sunken texture when examined closely.

Stretch marks are caused any time your skin stretches too quickly: rapid weight loss/gain, pregnancy, growth spurts in puberty, and intense weight-training regimens. But certain medications, like topical or oral steroids, can also increase your chance of developing stretch marks because they can temporarily thin the skin and make it more prone to tearing. But your stretch marks can also just be a matter of genetics; if everyone in your family got stretch marks during pregnancy or puberty, you might too.

“Stretch mark creams do not have any scientific evidence of working,” dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, says. But dermatologist Hadley King, MD, points to one small-scale 2017 study that found stretch mark creams containing centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid, as well as daily massages, might help make a “mild improvement” in the appearance of stretch marks. However, no clinical studies have proven ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E, or almond oil can prevent or get rid of stretch marks.

The one at-home product with the best chance at treating stretch marks is retinoids, says dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD. Retinoids increase cell turnover and encourage collagen production, which can smooth the texture of bumpy stretch marks when used three times a week for three to six months. But remember: all retinoids can be drying and irritating (especially higher-strength formulas, like prescription tretinoin and drugstore adapalene), so make sure to layer on a thick moisturizer afterward, and start slow with your retinoid usage (two nights a week for two weeks and then every other night indefinitely).

Unfortunately, no, you can’t prevent stretch marks with a cream or oil. Tbh, there is really no way to completely prevent stretch marks, because they’re so dependent on hormones, genetics, and lifestyle habits. But keeping your skin moisturized and supple can help some people get fewer stretch marks over time. The more elastic and strong your skin is, the more likely it will handle the stretching from weight changes. To keep your skin ultra moisturized, smooth a rich body cream or oil all over your skin twice a day.

Though you can't permanently get rid of stretch marks, your best bet is an in-office procedure that promotes collagen and elastin production to help fade the color or address the scar (see below for specifics). But JSYK: "None of the office-based procedures remove stretch marks completely," says Dr. Kim, "but they can reduce the size and noticeability of the stretch mark."

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): A laser treatment that stimulates collagen and elastin using intense, broad-spectrum flashes of light. IPL is best for reducing the appearance of red or purple stretch marks when they’re first forming, but not all IPL devices are safe for those with medium-to-deep skin tones, so check with your provider before scheduling an appointment.
• Microdermabrasion: A non-invasive treatment that gently exfoliates the outer layers of skin to stimulate collagen production for more even, clearer skin. This can be a great option if you have sensitive skin, but it’s only recommended for new, red/purple/brown stretch marks.
• Microneedling: A procedure that uses a needle-covered roller or stamp to create micro “traumas” in the skin to encourage collagen production, which can help fade stretch marks over time, especially when combined with radiofrequency (like in Morpheus8).
• Surgery: "Surgery can remove stretch marks, but you’re in essence replacing one scar with another scar," says Dr. Kim. This means that surgical excision is reserved for situations like an abdominoplasty (aka tummy tuck) or breast reduction since the area of affected skin would be removed as part of the procedure, he explains.

Your dermatologist or doctor can recommend the best treatment based on your goals, like if you’re trying to fade the bright red/purple color of your stretch marks, smooth texture, or firm skin. But as with any in-office procedure, you’ll need "multiple sessions to produce more noticeable results," says Dr. King, which can get costly and take time. Your outcome can also vary depending on the depth and tone of your stretch marks, so chat with your doctor before investing in a procedure that might not give you the results you’re looking for.

Some stretch marks can take anywhere from months to several years to fade on their own, depending on the area of your body, their color, and their texture, says Dr. Ciraldo. “Be proactive and don’t wait to see if yours will resolve quickly or not,” she says, meaning if you want to get rid of your brand new stretch marks, see a doctor ASAP.

And if you’re wondering, will losing weight reduce stretch marks? Dr. Ciraldo says no, but losing weight can make stretch marks appear more like loose, excess skin, rather than the classic “tiger stripes” look. In general, rapid weight fluctuations (including weight loss) can cause more stretch marks or exacerbate the ones you already have. So, if you’re losing weight after pregnancy or natural weight shifts, bring up any skin concerns with your doctor, who can recommend a treatment for you.

There’s no surefire way to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy, but you can moisturize your skin to strengthen its elasticity, which can help your skin stretch better without tearing and scarring. Massage a moisturizing cream or oil twice a day to your stomach, breasts, inner thighs, and anywhere you’re worried about marks. Dr. Ciraldo suggests stretch mark creams with cocoa butter, shea butter, and avocado oil, thanks to their moisturizing properties and thick, spreadable consistency.

Regardless of what cream you choose, you should start the massage process early, says Dr. Ciraldo. If this is your first pregnancy, “It is best to start at three months or, at the latest, the beginning of the second trimester,” she explains. In fact, Dr. Ciraldo suggests picking up a cream as soon as you find out you’re pregnant, if you’ve been pregnant before or have gotten stretch marks from other weight fluctuations or medications in the past.

Pick the right ingredients.

When it comes to fading existing stretch marks, Dr. Rabach says to prioritize the ingredients that have the most data on improving or reducing the appearance of stretch marks: prescription retinol, which produces collagen to increase elasticity and fade hyperpigmentation; and hyaluronic acid, which can help plump up your skin to help make bumpy textures appear smoother (especially when combined with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E). If you have sensitive skin, beware that added fragrance can be irritating (especially if you have a sensitive nose during pregnancy) and worsen redness.

Prioritize regular use.

The more you use a stretch mark cream, the better your skin can remain soft and stretchable, which might prevent some stretch marks from forming. For best results, most creams will require a twice-daily application for three to six months (or, if you’re pregnant, for the duration of your pregnancy), but retinoid-based creams (which, reminder, are not safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding) should only be used every other night to avoid irritation.

Understand what you want to achieve.

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to stretch mark creams. Some formulas are specially created to be safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some work best on new stretch marks, and others are better for old scars. Assess your needs before you make your pick, because who wants to spend money on a stretch mark cream that doesn’t work for them? Not me.

Manage your expectations.

So if you've gotten this far, you're aware by now that you can't completely get rid of stretch marks with an at-home cream. "There are diverse, office-based, non-surgical treatments that may help improve the size and noticeability of the stretch mark," says Dr. Kim, but again, nothing other than surgery will remove them completely. And with surgery, you're just replacing one scar with another, he explains.

• John Kim, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. His specialty is cosmetic surgery of the breast and body.
• Loretta Ciraldo, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Aventura, FL. She is the founder of Dr. Loretta skincare, a full line of skincare products for acne, fine lines, and pregnancy-safe products.
• Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY, specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology. She is also the clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
• Morgan Rabach, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical NYC in New York, NY. She is also an assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. She has expertise in treating acne scarring, Botox, and dermal filler.
• Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, a clinical instructor in dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and founder and medical director at Idriss Dermatology in New York, NY.