This is what you can do about stretch marks

It’s important to say straight off that there is absolutely nothing wrong with having stretch marks. They are a natural part of your body, and they are not a flaw. Around 80% of us will experience them. They can appear on teenagers hitting growth spurts, new mums navigating a rapidly changing body, fitness lovers building muscle, as well as people experiencing weight fluctuations. Some can just unfairly appear!

For some of us, stretch marks can spark insecurity and confusion. Can we prevent them? Can we minimise their appearance? Should we even try? The truth is, while we can’t erase them completely, we can improve them and, in some cases, we can be proactive in preventing them.

Remember, if stretch marks appear suddenly without a clear cause, or if they’re accompanied by skin thinning or other unusual changes, it’s worth checking in with a dermatologist.

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What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks form when the skin stretches faster than it can comfortably keep up with. Imagine the skin as a highly elastic fabric woven from collagen and elastin. When it’s pulled quickly, during pregnancy, puberty, rapid muscle growth, or weight change, those fibres can tear. The result is a type of scar inside the dermis.

Stretch marks aren’t a surface-level issue, they’re structural, which is why simple moisturisers can help the appearance but don’t magically erase them.

There are two main types:

• Striae rubrae: the newer, reddish-purple, sometimes pink or brown marks. This is the stage where they’re most responsive to treatment.
• Striae albae: the older, paler, slightly indented streaks. They’re ‘mature’ stretch marks and harder to treat, but they can be improved.

So, why do some people get stretch marks while others don’t? Genetics play a huge role in how our collagen behaves, with its strength, flexibility, and how quickly it repairs, so family history can play a part (thanks mum and dad!).

Hormones also influence them too, particularly cortisol, which can weaken the skin’s collagen matrix. This explains why two people can go through nearly identical body changes yet have entirely different experiences with stretch marks.

Stretch marks are a type of scar and like scars, they can be improved but not completely erased. The most successful approach is to try topical support, in-clinic treatments, and lifestyle habits that support skin health.

Topical treatments

Not all creams are created equal. Some moisturisers simply hydrate; others target the biological pathways involved in scar formation. Here are the ingredients that dermatologists consistently recommend.

Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin)

Best for early stretch marks (striae rubrae), retinoids increase collagen production and speed up cell turnover, helping new marks fade more quickly and smoothing their texture. Prescription tretinoin tends to deliver the most dramatic improvement, but OTC retinol is a gentler, widely accessible alternative. This is no safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Centella asiatica (Cica)

This soothing botanical helps stimulate fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. It’s a star ingredient in many K-beauty stretch-mark formulas due to its wound-healing properties.

Hyaluronic acid

Hydrated skin stretches better. HA won’t erase marks, but it helps keep the skin supple, potentially reducing severity and improving texture over time.

Vitamin C

A collagen-supporting antioxidant that helps brighten dark or pink marks and gradually improves texture.

Glycolic acid (AHA)

Exfoliates, smooths texture, and encourages collagen remodelling. Usually used in combination with retinoids for best results (alternating nights).

Silicone gels and sheets

Long used in medical scar therapy, silicone helps flatten and fade scars by creating an optimal healing environment. Results vary, but it’s a low-risk option for newer marks.

Botanical oils (Rosehip, Argan, Marula)

Despite the hype, oils don’t prevent stretch marks, but they improve skin suppleness and reduce itchiness during rapid skin expansion (like pregnancy). Their main benefit is hydration and comfort, not structural prevention.

Clinical treatments

If topical products are slow or insufficient, in-clinic options can create much more dramatic improvements. Here are some examples.

Microneedling

Tiny needles create micro-injuries in the skin, triggering collagen and elastin production. Excellent for both new and old stretch marks. Works best in a series of sessions.

Radiofrequency Microneedling

A more advanced version that adds heat to stimulate deeper. Particularly good for mature, white stretch marks.

Fractional Laser (e.g., Fraxel, CO₂, Er:YAG)

One of the most effective treatments available. It works by resurfacing the skin and breaking down old collagen and stimulating new. Best for deeper, older marks.

Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)

Targets the red/pink pigmentation in new stretch marks, helping them fade much faster.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Often combined with microneedling. Uses your own growth factors to enhance healing and collagen production.

Chemical Peels

Medium-depth peels like TCA can improve texture and colour butare generally used as an add-on to needling or laser therapy.

Keep skin hydrated (inside and out)

Hydrated skin is more flexible and less prone to micro-tears. Drink enough water, and use rich creams with ceramides, squalane, shea butter, or HA. Apply twice daily during pregnancy, muscle gain phases, or weight changes

Slow your body changes

Rapid change is the biggest trigger. Gradual, controlled weight gain during pregnancy or training helps the skin adapt more comfortably.

Collagen-boosting nutrition

Foods rich in vitamin C, protein, zinc, and healthy fats support your skin’s elasticity.

Manage stress and cortisol

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which weakens collagen making stretch marks more likely. Even daily micro-habits (breathwork, light exercise, better sleep hygiene) help regulate this.

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