Stretch Marks: Why They Happen, What Actually Fades Them, and What Is Hype

Stretch marks form when skin is stretched too far, too fast, and the collagen and elastin in its deeper layer tear. They are a kind of scar, so no oil or cream can fully erase them. They do fade with time, and new red or purple marks respond far better to care and treatment than old white ones.

At a glance

• Stretch marks are very common. Growth spurts, pregnancy, weight gain or loss, and fast muscle gain at the gym are the usual causes.
• New marks (red, pink, purple) respond best to treatment. Old marks (white, silvery, slightly sunken) are much harder to change.
• Moisturiser keeps skin soft and eases itching, but it does not "cure" marks.
• Do not use retinoids (retinol, tretinoin) during pregnancy.
• Misusing steroid creams can itself cause stretch marks.
• See a doctor if marks are very wide, deep purple and appear suddenly in many places.

Why stretch marks happen

The middle layer of skin, the dermis, behaves like an elastic mesh. Stretched slowly, it adapts. Stretched quickly and a lot, its fibres tear, and long line-like marks appear on the surface. The common triggers:

• Puberty growth spurts. When teenagers shoot up or their body shape changes, marks on the thighs, hips, breasts and lower back are completely normal. Boys get them too.
• Pregnancy. On the belly, breasts, thighs and hips, usually later in pregnancy. Hormonal changes also make skin more prone to tearing under strain.
• Weight gain or loss. Gaining a lot of weight quickly causes marks, and losing weight quickly can make existing marks more visible.
• Gym and bodybuilding. Rapid muscle gain can leave marks on the shoulders, upper arms and the sides of the chest.
• Genetics. If your mother or sister has many stretch marks, you are more likely to get them. In the same situation some people get them and others do not, and that is not your fault.
• Steroids. Long-term steroid tablets or strong steroid creams thin the skin and cause marks. Undeclared steroids have been found in some "whitening" creams on the market, so stay away from creams of unknown origin.

Honest expectations: marks fade, they rarely vanish

You will see plenty of "stretch marks gone in 7 days" claims. The truth is that a stretch mark is a lasting structural change. The good news is that, over time, the red or purple colour settles, the mark narrows and moves closer to your skin tone, and it becomes much less noticeable. The goal of any treatment is therefore to make marks fainter and less visible, not to wipe them away.

The age of the mark matters more than anything else:

• New marks (red, pink, purple, sometimes itchy): the skin is still actively repairing and the blood vessels are still active. This is the stage where care and treatment work best.
• Old marks (white, silvery, slightly sunken or wrinkled): these are mature scars. Creams change them very little. Making a visible difference usually takes in-clinic treatment from a dermatologist, and even that does not erase them.

What helps with new marks

• Moisturising regularly. Soft, hydrated skin feels less tight and itchy. No cream has been reliably shown to prevent stretch marks, but hydrated skin is more comfortable.
• Hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica. Some studies suggest a modest benefit from these two ingredients on early marks. The evidence is still limited, so treat them as supportive care rather than magic.
• Prescription retinoids. There is research showing tretinoin cream can help early marks somewhat. But it is a prescription medicine, it can irritate the skin, and it must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a dermatologist instead of buying it yourself.
• In-clinic treatment. Certain lasers can reduce the redness of new marks well. A doctor should decide which one suits you.

What to expect with old white marks

Do not expect big changes from creams at home on old marks. Dermatologists can improve their texture somewhat with fractional lasers, microneedling or chemical peels. It usually takes several sessions, and results vary from person to person. On brown skin some procedures carry a risk of leaving darker patches, so have them done by an experienced doctor, not at a beauty parlour.

If you want to hide marks, body makeup or a self-tanner can be a temporary option. Note that tanned skin makes white marks stand out more, because the marked areas do not tan. If the area is exposed, use sunscreen on it.

A step-by-step daily routine

1. Shower with a gentle cleanser. Harsh soap dries the skin. Use lukewarm water, not very hot. See [cleansers](/categories/cleanser).
2. Moisturise slightly damp skin. Pat dry with a towel and apply within three minutes, on the belly, thighs, hips, breasts, or wherever you have marks or tightness. See [moisturisers](/categories/moisturizer).
3. Massage gently. Spend a few minutes in circular motions. Massage does not heal marks on its own, but it builds the habit of applying regularly.
4. Add a serum if you like. On new marks, a serum with hyaluronic acid or centella can go on before moisturiser. See [serums](/categories/serum).
5. Moisturise again at night. Twice a day is good for dry or itchy areas.
6. Be patient. Keep it up for at least a few months before judging results. Taking photos makes changes easier to see.

What is safe in pregnancy

An itchy, tight belly is very common in pregnancy. Keep things simple:

• Generally considered safe: fragrance-free moisturisers, shea butter or cocoa butter, glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid.
• Avoid: retinol, tretinoin and any other retinoid. If you see names like "retin" or "retinyl" on a label, ask your doctor.
• Keep fragrance and essential oils low. Skin is more sensitive in pregnancy, and strong smells can make nausea worse.
• Let your gynaecologist know before you start anything new. For more detail, read our guide to [pregnancy-safe skincare](/blog/pregnancy-safe-skincare-bangladesh).

The belief that cocoa butter or olive oil prevents stretch marks is very widespread, but research has not shown it to work. If you enjoy applying them, go ahead, but do not blame yourself if marks still appear.

What not to do

• Buying a steroid cream from a pharmacy and using it yourself. This raises the risk of new stretch marks and thinner skin.
• Harsh scrubs or rubbing lemon on the marks. They do not fade marks, and they can cause irritation and darkening.
• Creams of unknown origin that "guarantee" to erase marks. Fake or adulterated products can contain hidden steroids or mercury.

Where to buy

Whatever cream you choose, make sure it is genuine. At TheSkinProof every product is matched against the importer's invoice, with its batch, seal and expiry checked before it ships, and if a product is ever proven counterfeit you get 2x your money back. If you buy elsewhere, you can check a product photo with our free [product checker](/product-checker). For sensitive skin, browse [products for sensitive skin](/products?concern=sensitive).

When to see a doctor

• Marks are very wide and deep purple, and appear suddenly in many places along with weight gain, a rounded face, high blood pressure or muscle weakness. This can be a sign of a hormonal problem and needs testing.
• Marks appear without an obvious reason such as growth, pregnancy or weight change.
• You notice marks or thinning skin after using steroid creams or tablets.
• The marks are seriously affecting your mood or confidence, and you are considering in-clinic treatment.
• Intense itching in pregnancy, especially on the palms and soles. This may be something other than stretch marks, so tell your gynaecologist promptly.

A dermatologist can look at the age and colour of your marks and your skin type, and decide which treatment is safe and worthwhile for you. And remember: stretch marks are not a disease. They are a very normal sign of a body that has grown and changed.