Stretch marks are a common skin condition that can occur in both men and women of all ages, sizes, shapes, and skin tones. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for stretch marks, there are several products and treatments that may help reduce their appearance. Here are some of the positive and negative aspects of different solutions for stretch marks, as well as their ingredients or materials:
Chemical Peels
- Chemical peels are an acidic solution that burns off the top layers of your skin to remove dead and damaged cells and boost new skin growth.
- This treatment may improve your stretch marks a little, but won’t completely get rid of them.
Radiofrequency and Ultrasound
- Radiofrequency and ultrasound treatments use energy to create heat and trigger your body to make collagen.
- One small study found that these treatments are safe and can improve stretch marks, but more research is needed.
Creams and Oils
- There are many creams, salves, oils, and other skin ointments that claim to either prevent or treat stretch marks.
- Some creams and oils may help fade newer stretch marks, but there’s little proof that any of these products really work.
- Some creams and oils that may help include:
- TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Cream, which hydrates your skin to improve its elasticity and boost collagen.
- Roe Wellness Stretch Mark Cream, which contains linoleic acid to protect and revitalize your skin, and jojoba oil/macadamia seed oil esters to condition your skin.
- Tretinoin creams, which contain retinoid to increase collagen production and may help fade newer stretch marks, but can also make your skin red, irritated, or scaly.
Home Remedies
- There are several home remedies that may help fade or hide stretch marks, but there’s little scientific evidence to support their effectiveness.
- Some home remedies that may help include:
- Aloe vera, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe your skin.
- Coconut oil, which may help moisturize your skin and improve its elasticity.
- Centella, which is supposed to increase collagen in your skin, but it’s hard to say if it’ll fade or prevent stretch marks.
- Hyaluronic acid, which is one of the top selling ingredients on Amazon for stretch marks and may help smooth your skin.
- Vitamin A, which is related to retinoid and may help increase collagen production.
- Olive oil, which may help moisturize your skin and improve its elasticity.
- Black tea, which contains antioxidants and...