Stretch Mark Treatments: A Pregnancy-First Guide for Expecting Moms

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Your Health Magazine Contributor

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Stretch Mark Treatments: A Pregnancy-First Guide for Expecting Moms

You’re pregnant. Or freshly postpartum. And you’re researching stretch marks before, during, or after they show up.

Stretch marks develop when skin stretches rapidly and changes occur within the dermis, the layer beneath the surface. Newer red or purple stretch marks may respond differently to treatment than older white marks.

If you are pregnant, discuss any stretch-mark treatment or skincare product with your healthcare provider before starting it.

Key Takeaways

• Centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid are two topical ingredients that have been studied for stretch marks.
• Prescription retinoids such as tretinoin are generally avoided during pregnancy.
• Professional treatments such as laser therapy, microneedling, and PRP injections have also been studied.
• Topical products are one option to consider before more intensive procedures.
• Some topical products contain ingredients such as centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid that have been studied for stretch marks.
• Timing matters. Red or purple stretch marks may respond differently to treatment than older white ones.

Stretch Mark Treatment Options Discussed in Dermatology Research

The following options include topical products, prescription treatments, and professional procedures that have been discussed in dermatology research.

8 Sheep Organics (Hyaluronic Acid + Centella Asiatica)

8 Sheep Organics is one topical option containing hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica.

Two ingredients commonly studied in connection with stretch marks sit at the core of the formula:

• Centella asiatica: Research has examined its effects on fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis. It has been included in clinical studies evaluating topical approaches to stretch marks.¹
• Triple-weighted hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid helps support skin hydration and has also been studied for its potential relationship with fibroblast activity and collagen production.²

The company states that the product is handmade in small batches in the United States and markets it for use during pregnancy. Pregnant consumers should review the ingredient list with their healthcare provider if they have questions about whether a product is appropriate for them.

The company also offers a three-month satisfaction guarantee.

Bio-Oil (Vitamin A + E)

Bio-Oil combines mineral oil, vitamins A and E, and plant extracts. Pregnant consumers should review product ingredients and use instructions with their healthcare provider if they have questions.

A 2018 study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science reported self-assessed improvement in the appearance of stretch marks over eight weeks with a cosmetic oil formulation.⁸

Oil-based products primarily support hydration and the skin barrier, while stretch marks themselves involve changes deeper within the dermis.

Prescription Retinoids, Such as Tretinoin

Prescription retinoids such as tretinoin are generally avoided during pregnancy. Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy should discuss retinoid use with their prescribing clinician.

Common side effects can include peeling, dryness, and irritation.

A 1996 study evaluating topical tretinoin for early stretch marks reported improvement among some participants over six months.³

Dr. Geeta Yadav, a Toronto-based board-certified dermatologist, has explained that retinoids may help improve the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen production and cellular turnover.¹⁰

Laser Therapy

Laser treatment is another option that may be considered in consultation with a dermatologist or other qualified clinician, particularly during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Older white stretch marks can be more difficult to improve with topical products, and some patients may consider procedures such as laser treatment.

Two types that have been studied include:

• Fractional CO2 laser
• Pulsed dye laser

Research has reported improvement in the appearance of stretch marks following fractional CO2 treatment, while other studies have compared laser therapy with microneedling.⁴ ⁵

Cost can vary considerably depending on the provider, treatment area, and number of sessions required.

Microneedling

Microneedling is another procedure used for stretch marks.

The treatment creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which can stimulate collagen and elastin production.

A meta-analysis drawing from 11 clinical studies reported improvement in stretch marks when microneedling was used alone or alongside other treatments.⁶

Professional microneedling uses controlled needle penetration performed according to the treatment area and clinical protocol.

Multiple sessions may be needed, and cost varies by provider and treatment area.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment

PRP treatment involves drawing a patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and injecting the resulting plasma into the treatment area.

The goal is to use platelet-derived growth factors to stimulate tissue repair and collagen production.

One study evaluating PRP for stretch marks reported improvement in appearance and changes in fibronectin content following treatment.⁷

The evidence base remains more limited than for some other approaches.

People who are pregnant or recently postpartum should discuss the timing of PRP treatment with a qualified healthcare professional.

Timing Matters With Stretch Mark Treatment

Treatment options may differ depending on the age and appearance of the stretch marks.

Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist, has discussed the use of emollients and massage as part of stretch-mark prevention strategies during pregnancy.⁹

Newer red or purple stretch marks may respond differently to treatment than older white stretch marks. Once marks become lighter and more mature, some patients may consider professional procedures such as laser treatment or microneedling.

Consistency can also matter when evaluating topical skincare products.

Pregnant readers considering topical products should compare ingredients, review manufacturer instructions, and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you 100% get rid of stretch marks?

Stretch marks generally cannot be completely erased. Treatments may help reduce their visibility, texture, or color.

What ingredients are commonly discussed for stretch marks?

Centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid are among the topical ingredients that have been studied for stretch marks. Product suitability during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare professional when appropriate.

What do dermatologists recommend for stretch marks?

Treatment depends on factors such as pregnancy status, breastfeeding, the age and appearance of the stretch marks, and individual medical history. A dermatologist can help determine which topical or procedural options are appropriate.

References

1. Garcia Hernandez JA, et al. “Use of a specific anti-stretch mark cream for preventing or reducing the severity of striae gravidarum.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2013;35(3):233-237.
2. Ud-Din S, McGeorge D, Bayat A. “Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae.” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2016;30(2):211-222.
3. Kang S, et al. “Topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) improves early stretch marks.” Archives of Dermatology. 1996;132(5):519-526.
4. Elsaie ML, et al. “Striae distensae (stretch marks) and different modalities of therapy: an update.” Dermatologic Surgery/Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2013.
5. Saki N, et al. “Comparing the efficacy of fractional carbon dioxide laser with microneedling in the treatment of striae alba: A randomized clinical trial.” Dermatologic Therapy. 2022;35(1).
6. Sun Q, Jia H, Huang R. “A systematic review and meta-analysis of microneedle treatment for striae distensae.” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2024.
7. Hodeib AA, et al. “A clinical and immunohistochemical comparative study of the efficacy of carboxytherapy vs platelet-rich plasma in treatment of stretch marks.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2018;17(6):1008-1015.
8. Bielfeldt S, et al. “Randomized controlled study for the assessment of the cosmetic efficacy of a combination cosmetic product for the improvement of scar and striae appearance.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2018;40(1):81-86.
9. The Healthy. “How Dermatologists Treat and Prevent Stretch Marks.”
10. NBC News Select. “The Best Stretch Mark Creams, According to Experts.”