Stretch Marks: What Can We Do?

Avee Naidoo
Nov 3, 2024
2 min read

by Dr. Avee Naidoo (2024).

Let’s talk about stretch marks.

A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks too quickly (e.g. during growth spurts, pregnancy, or rapid changes in weight).

The abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to rupture. Not everyone gets stretch marks and stretch marks can be due to a family history.

Can stretch marks be treated?

Stretch marks are challenging to treat, but they are most amenable to treatment when red, pink, red-brown or purple in colour. When stretch marks are more mature, they are white in appearance. Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, but treatment may make them less noticeable.

Are there evidence-based treatments for stretch marks?

HYALURONIC ACID

In two large studies, it was shown that applying topical hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks made the stretch marks significantly less noticeable.

VITAMIN C

There is some evidence that daily use Vitamin C serum can reduce the appearance of stretch marks

VITAMIN A

In patients who are not breastfeeding or pregnant, use of a Retinol or Retinoid (Vitamin A) has good evidence to make early stretch marks less apparent and prevent them from worsening.
- In one study, patients who applied a prescription retinoid (tretinoin) once nightly for 24 weeks has a marked improvement in the appearance of their stretch marks. Conversely, those who did not apply the cream noticed growth of these early stretch marks. Other studies have found similar results.