Style and Grooming
Stretch Marks: What Actually Fades Them and What Is a Waste of Money
What fades stretch marks? Stretch marks are permanent, but some treatments make them less noticeable, especially when the marks are new and red or purple. Prescription tretinoin and hyaluronic acid have the best cream evidence for early marks. For older, white marks, procedures like lasers or microneedling help more. Popular oils like cocoa butter and almond oil have not been shown to work.
Why they happen
Stretch marks form when skin stretches quickly, such as during growth spurts, pregnancy, fast weight gain or loss, or building muscle fast. Hormones and genes also matter. That is why two women with the same weight change can get very different marks.
New marks vs old marks
| Type | Looks like | Treatment response | |---|---|---| | Early | Red, pink, purple, sometimes raised | Better | | Mature | White or silver, flat or slightly sunken | Harder |
If you want to try something, starting while marks are still colored gives you the best chance.
What has evidence
The American Academy of Dermatology says that in studies, two ingredients you apply to the skin seem to offer some relief for early marks: [1]
- Hyaluronic acid. In two large studies, applying it to early stretch marks made them less noticeable. [1]
- Tretinoin. A prescription retinoid that may help early stretch marks look more like normal skin. It can irritate, and it is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. [1]
For marks that do not respond, the AAD and Mayo Clinic describe in-office options such as lasers, light treatments, microneedling, and radiofrequency. [1] [2] Results vary, and several sessions are usually needed.
What does not work
The AAD says researchers found that none of the stretch marks faded when people massaged in almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, or vitamin E. [1] Tanning also does not help. It can make stretch marks stand out more, because the marks do not tan the same way. [1]
So if a body oil promises to "erase" stretch marks, it is selling hope.
Pregnancy
Many women look for prevention during pregnancy. Moisturizing can help itchy, stretched skin feel better, and that is worth doing for comfort. But there is no strong proof that any cream prevents marks. Tretinoin is not used during pregnancy.
A realistic plan (original)
- Decide if the marks bother you or if you were told they should. Many women have them. They are normal skin changes.
- If marks are new and red: ask about tretinoin or try a hyaluronic acid product. Use it daily for months, not weeks.
- If marks are white and old: creams will likely do little. If you want change, compare in-office options and costs.
- Protect from the sun. Sun can darken red marks on some skin tones and make them stand out.
- Take photos in the same light every month to judge.
Questions to ask before paying for procedures (original)
- How many sessions does this usually take, and what does each cost?
- What results have you had on stretch marks on my skin tone?
- What is the risk of dark or light spots afterward?
- What is the downtime?
Lasers on brown and Black skin need settings chosen with care, because some can cause pigment changes.
The confidence side
Stretch marks are extremely common. Many women have them on hips, thighs, breasts, and belly. Treating them is a personal choice, not something you owe anyone. Some women decide to stop spending money on them after learning that most creams do not work, and that is a reasonable outcome too.
What newer research adds
A 2026 systematic review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology estimated stretch marks affect about 56% of people. It noted that older go-to treatments like topical tretinoin and some lasers have limits, and that treatment is moving toward combinations chosen for each person, such as lasers or microneedling paired with other therapies. [3] Translation: clinic treatments can soften them, but no single product is a fix.
Quick answers
Do they go away on their own? They usually fade from red to white over time but do not fully disappear.
Does losing weight remove them? No. Weight loss can make the skin around them looser, but the marks remain.
Is self tanner a good cover? It can blend the color difference a little, but marks may still show.
The bottom line
Act early if you want to try. Hyaluronic acid and prescription tretinoin have the best cream evidence for new marks. For old white marks, procedures help more than any oil. Skip cocoa butter miracles, and keep your expectations honest.