Stretch Marks: What Works, What Does Not, and What to Stop Trying
Stretch marks (striae) are scars in the dermis. No topical product fully removes them — but several genuinely fade them and improve texture.
What Stretch Marks Actually Are
Tears in the dermal collagen matrix from rapid stretching (pregnancy, growth spurts, weight gain, gym hypertrophy). Initially red/purple (striae rubra), fading to silver/white (striae alba) over months.
Most Effective on Fresh Marks (Red/Purple)
Tretinoin (prescription only). Vitamin C serum daily. Niacinamide body lotion daily. Treat in the first 6 months for best results.
Older Marks (Silver/White)
Topicals fade colour but not texture. Visible improvement is modest — 20–40% lightening over 6 months of consistent care.
For texture: micro-needling at a dermatology clinic is the only intervention with strong published results.
What to Stop Trying
Bio-oil alone, cocoa butter alone — these moisturise but do not affect stretch marks specifically. They are useful supports, not solutions.
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