6 Stretch Mark Treatments Explained: What Works and Why Timing Matters

Stretch marks commonly develop during pregnancy, puberty and other periods of rapid body change.

Stretch marks are extremely common. They can develop during pregnancy, puberty, rapid weight change, muscle growth or prolonged corticosteroid use. Although they are harmless and frequently become less noticeable over time, some people choose treatment because of itching or concerns about their appearance.

Timing can influence how well certain treatments work, but there is no guaranteed method for preventing or removing stretch marks completely. Newer marks may respond to some topical treatments, while established marks usually require professional procedures if

someone wants to reduce their appearance.

This guide examines six widely discussed options, including their evidence, limitations and important safety considerations.

Quick Answer

New stretch marks may be pink, red, purple, reddish-brown or dark brown, depending on skin tone. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica may offer limited benefits when used early, although they cannot guarantee prevention.

Prescription tretinoin may improve some newer stretch marks but must not be used during pregnancy. Professional treatments such as laser therapy and microneedling may make established marks less noticeable, although results vary and several sessions may be required.

Stretch marks are permanent changes within the skin. The realistic objective of treatment is improvement—not complete removal.

Key Takeaways

• Stretch marks are a type of scar associated with changes in collagen and elastin.

• New and mature stretch marks can look different across different skin tones.

• No cream, oil or procedure can guarantee complete removal.

• Hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica have limited evidence for early use.

• Moisturisers may relieve dryness or itching even when they do not change the marks.

• Prescription tretinoin may help newer stretch marks but must be avoided during pregnancy.

• Lasers and microneedling should be performed by appropriately qualified professionals.

• PRP remains an emerging treatment with less-established evidence.

• Sudden or widespread stretch marks may occasionally need medical assessment.

Contents

1. What Are Stretch Marks?

2. Why Timing Can Affect Treatment

3. Six Treatments for Stretch Marks

4. 📊 Evidence Snapshot

5. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Considerations

6. How to Choose a Professional Treatment

7. When to Speak With a Doctor

8. Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks—medically known as striae distensae—develop when the skin changes rapidly and the supporting collagen and elastin are disrupted. They commonly appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms and lower back.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, factors associated with stretch marks include:

• Pregnancy

• Puberty and growth spurts

• Rapid weight gain or loss

• Rapid muscle development

• Family history

• Prolonged use of certain corticosteroid medicines

• Medical conditions that affect hormone or connective-tissue function

New stretch marks are often raised or differently coloured from the surrounding skin. They generally fade over time and may eventually become pale, silvery or slightly indented. Colour alone, however, is not a perfect way to determine their age.

Stretch marks are not dangerous or a sign that someone has failed to care for their skin.

Why Timing Can Affect Treatment

Newer stretch marks may respond better to certain topical treatments because the skin changes are still developing. Once marks have matured, creams and oils are much less likely to make a visible difference.

That does not mean every new mark will respond—or that treatment must begin immediately. Genetics, hormones, skin characteristics and the cause of the marks all influence the result.

Professional treatments may be considered for mature stretch marks, but these procedures still cannot restore the skin to its exact appearance before the marks developed.

Myth vs Fact

Myth: Starting an expensive cream early will prevent stretch marks.

Fact: Early application may improve the chance of a modest response to certain ingredients, but no topical product can guarantee prevention.

Myth: White stretch marks cannot be treated.

Fact: Established marks may respond to professional procedures, although complete removal remains unlikely.

Myth: Stretch marks are caused by dry skin.

Fact: Dryness can make skin feel itchy or uncomfortable, but stretch marks develop through deeper structural and hormonal processes.

Six Treatments for Stretch Marks

1. Moisturising Serums Containing Hyaluronic Acid or Centella Asiatica

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps the skin retain moisture. Centella asiatica is a botanical ingredient included in some products marketed for supporting skin elasticity.

The evidence is limited, but studies cited by the American Academy of Dermatology suggest that products containing hyaluronic acid or Centella asiatica may help make early stretch marks less noticeable. Some research has also explored whether Centella-containing formulas might reduce the likelihood or severity of pregnancy-related marks.

These findings do not prove that every serum containing these ingredients will work. A finished product may differ considerably from the formulations used in clinical studies.

Some people prefer a dedicated body serum during pregnancy or other periods of rapid body change. 8 Sheep Organics offers skincare products marketed for use as the skin stretches, including its True Belly Serum. Anyone considering it should review the current ingredient list, patch-test the product and discuss its use with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Moisturising products may also relieve tightness, dryness and itching. That can be worthwhile even when the appearance of the marks does not change.

💡 Expert tip: Apply a new product to a small area first. Stop using it if you develop burning, swelling, persistent redness or a worsening rash.

2. Body Oils and Cosmetic Blends

Body oils—including mineral-oil and plant-oil blends—can reduce dryness and make the skin feel more comfortable. Massage during application may also feel soothing.

Evidence that oils prevent or repair stretch marks is weak, however. Studies of cocoa butter, almond oil, olive oil and vitamin E have generally failed to establish reliable prevention. The NHS notes that evidence for creams and lotions marketed for stretch marks remains limited.

Bio-Oil is one of the better-known cosmetic blends in this category. Some cosmetic studies have reported improvements in participants’ assessments of scar or stretch-mark appearance, but these findings do not demonstrate that the product repairs damaged collagen or prevents pregnancy-related marks.

Body oil can therefore be a reasonable moisturising choice, but expectations should remain realistic.

Best suited to: Dryness, itching and general skin comfort

Evidence for removing stretch marks: Limited

Important consideration: Check fragrances and vitamin A derivatives during pregnancy

3. Prescription Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid related to vitamin A. It promotes skin-cell turnover and influences collagen production.

A small clinical study found that daily tretinoin reduced the length and width of some early stretch marks over six months. This provides evidence of possible improvement, but not complete removal, and the study was too small to guarantee similar results for everyone.

The original research is indexed through Johns Hopkins University.

Tretinoin is most likely to be considered for relatively new stretch marks. Common side effects include:

• Dryness

• Peeling

• Redness

• Burning or stinging

• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

Do not use tretinoin or other topical retinoids during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, trying to conceive or could become pregnant, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using any retinoid.

Tretinoin should only be used under medical guidance. Applying more than prescribed is likely to increase irritation rather than accelerate improvement.

4. Laser and Light-Based Treatments

Different laser systems target different characteristics of stretch marks. Vascular lasers may be used for newer marks with visible redness, while fractional lasers may be considered for mature marks with changes in texture.

Laser treatment works by creating controlled energy within the skin, stimulating a healing response and new collagen formation. Some studies have found visible improvements, but results vary according to:

• The type and age of the stretch marks

• The laser being used

• Skin tone

• Treatment intensity

• The clinician’s experience

• The number of sessions completed

Laser treatment may cause temporary redness, swelling, discomfort and changes in pigmentation. Some devices carry a greater risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones, making careful device selection and practitioner experience particularly important.

Treatment is usually cosmetic and may not be covered by insurance or public healthcare. Ask for a written estimate covering the full expected course rather than judging affordability by the price of one session.

5. Professional Microneedling

Microneedling uses a device containing fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. The resulting healing response may stimulate collagen and improve the texture of stretch marks.

Clinical studies and reviews suggest that microneedling can make both newer and established stretch marks less noticeable. However, research protocols vary, and there is no standard result or universally agreed number of sessions.

Possible risks include:

• Bleeding or bruising

• Infection

• Temporary redness and swelling

• Pigment changes

• Scarring when performed incorrectly

At-home rollers are not equivalent to professional microneedling. Reusing or inadequately disinfecting a home device can increase the risk of infection and skin injury. Professional treatment allows the practitioner to select an appropriate depth and technique for the treatment area and skin tone.

Microneedling should be postponed if the area has an active infection, inflamed rash or unhealed wound. Pregnancy, a history of abnormal scarring and medicines affecting bleeding should also be discussed beforehand.

6. Platelet-Rich Plasma

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is prepared from a sample of the patient’s blood. The blood is processed to concentrate platelets, and the resulting preparation is injected or applied alongside another procedure.

PRP is intended to deliver growth factors involved in tissue repair. Small studies have reported improvements in stretch-mark appearance, but methods differ considerably. PRP may also be combined with microneedling, radiofrequency or laser therapy, making it difficult to determine how much benefit comes from PRP itself.

A published review of PRP for striae distensae concluded that the treatment shows potential but that larger, better-controlled studies are needed.

PRP should therefore be described as an emerging option rather than a proven first-line treatment.

Because the procedure involves blood handling and injections, it should only be performed in an appropriately regulated clinical environment. Ask about practitioner qualifications, infection-control procedures and how the PRP preparation system is regulated.

📊 Evidence Snapshot

Treatment	Most relevant stage	What it may do	Evidence limitations
Hyaluronic acid or Centella products	Newer marks or periods of skin change	Hydrate skin and possibly reduce the appearance or severity of early marks	Ingredient-level findings do not prove every finished product works
Body oils	Any stage	Improve dryness, softness and comfort	Little reliable evidence of prevention or structural repair
Prescription tretinoin	Newer stretch marks	Produce modest improvements in colour, length or width	Small studies; irritation common; prohibited during pregnancy
Laser treatment	New or mature marks, depending on the device	Improve colour and texture	Results depend on device, skin tone and clinician; pigment risks
Microneedling	Often mature marks	Encourage collagen remodelling and improve texture	Research protocols vary; several sessions may be needed
PRP	Usually established marks	Potentially support tissue-remodelling responses	Emerging evidence; often combined with other procedures

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Considerations

Stretch marks are particularly common during pregnancy, but “natural,” “organic” or “pregnancy skincare” labels do not automatically establish that a product is safe or effective.

If you are pregnant:

• Avoid tretinoin, retinol and other retinoids.

• Check the complete ingredient list of oils, balms and serums.

• Ask a midwife, pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated botanical ingredients.

• Do not begin laser, microneedling, PRP or another elective cosmetic procedure without medical advice.

• Stop using any product that causes persistent irritation.

Moisturising may improve comfort as the abdomen, breasts or hips change. It cannot guarantee that stretch marks will not form.

To learn more about evidence-based care during pregnancy, continue to our Pregnancy Health hub.

Pregnancy skincare should be assessed by ingredients—not by marketing terms such as “natural” or “clean.”

How to Choose a Professional Treatment

Before paying for microneedling, laser treatment or PRP, arrange a consultation with a

suitably qualified dermatologist or regulated medical practitioner.

Ask:

• What type of stretch marks do I have?

• Is the proposed treatment suitable for my skin tone?

• What evidence supports this particular procedure?

• Who will perform it, and what qualifications do they hold?

• What side effects and pigment changes are possible?

• How many sessions are usually recommended?

• What recovery time should I expect?

• What will the complete treatment course cost?

• Can I see representative results from patients with a similar skin tone?

• What happens if I experience a complication?

Be cautious of clinics promising complete removal, guaranteed results or permanent restoration of “unmarked” skin.

When to Speak With a Doctor

Most stretch marks do not require medical care. Arrange an assessment if:

• Large numbers of marks appear suddenly without an obvious cause.

• You have been using a strong corticosteroid medicine.

• The marks occur alongside unusual weight gain, muscle weakness, easy bruising or changes to the face.

• The affected skin becomes painful, inflamed or infected.

• You are unsure whether the marks are actually stretch marks.

• Concerns about your skin are having a persistent effect on your mental wellbeing.

The NHS advises speaking with a GP when extensive stretch marks occur with other symptoms that could suggest an underlying condition.

Body Image Matters Too

Stretch marks can affect confidence even when they are medically harmless. Pregnancy, puberty, weight change and strength training can all alter the body quickly, and adjusting emotionally may take time.

Treatment is a personal choice. Choosing not to treat stretch marks is equally valid.

If concerns about appearance are causing persistent distress, avoidance of relationships or compulsive checking, speak with a GP or mental health professional. Cosmetic treatment may change the skin to some degree, but it does not always address the anxiety surrounding it.

For more guidance on caring for changing skin without unrealistic promises, explore the Skin Health hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can stretch marks be removed completely?

No treatment can reliably remove stretch marks completely. They often fade naturally, while topical or professional treatments may make them less noticeable.

What is the best treatment for new stretch marks?

Hyaluronic acid or Centella-containing products may offer modest benefits when used early. A dermatologist may also consider prescription tretinoin when it is medically suitable and pregnancy is not a factor.

Does moisturising prevent pregnancy stretch marks?

Moisturising can reduce dryness and itching, but it cannot guarantee prevention. Genetics, hormonal changes and the extent and speed of skin expansion also influence whether marks develop.

Is 8 Sheep Organics proven to prevent stretch marks?

The company markets products for skin undergoing pregnancy-related changes. Hyaluronic acid and Centella-derived ingredients have some limited supporting evidence, but this does not prove that any finished product will prevent or remove stretch marks for every user.

Can I use retinol on stretch marks while pregnant?

No. Retinol, tretinoin and other topical retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy. Speak with a healthcare professional if you are trying to conceive or breastfeeding.

Which is better for established stretch marks: laser or microneedling?

Both may improve established stretch marks. The better option depends on the marks, skin tone, medical history, budget and available expertise. A dermatologist should explain the expected benefits and risks of each.

Are at-home microneedling rollers safe?

Home devices are not equivalent to professional microneedling and may cause irritation, infection, pigmentation changes or scarring. Avoid using them over inflamed, infected or damaged skin.

How long does treatment take to work?

Topical treatments generally require consistent use for several weeks or months before any difference can be assessed. Professional treatments may require multiple sessions and several months of collagen remodelling.

Final Perspective

Timing matters, but it is only one part of stretch-mark treatment. The age and colour of the marks, skin tone, pregnancy status, medical history and chosen treatment all affect the likely result.

For new marks, a moisturising product containing hyaluronic acid or Centella asiatica may be a reasonable low-intervention option, provided its ingredients are appropriate for the user. Prescription tretinoin may offer modest improvement in suitable patients but must be avoided during pregnancy.

For mature marks, professional microneedling or carefully selected laser treatment may be more realistic than relying on another cream. PRP remains promising but less established.

Whatever option you consider, be wary of absolute claims. Stretch marks are common, harmless and often fade naturally. Treatment should support an informed personal preference—not create the impression that normal skin must be corrected.

Continue Exploring Skin Health

• Skin Health

• Pregnancy Health

• Women’s Health

• Hormone Health

References

• American Academy of Dermatology: Stretch marks—why they appear and how to treat them

• NHS: Stretch marks

• Kang S, et al. Topical tretinoin improves early stretch marks

• Sawetz I, et al. Platelet-rich plasma for striae distensae

• Ud-Din S, McGeorge D, Bayat A. Topical management of striae distensae. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2016;30(2):211–222.

• Brennan M, Young G, Devane D. Topical preparations for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2012.

• Saki N, Rahimi F, Pezeshkian F. Comparison of microneedling and fractional CO₂ laser for striae alba. Dermatologic Therapy. 2022;35(1):e15212.