Having stretch marks is completely normal and nothing to hate on or dislike. As a refresher, stretch marks are caused when your skin stretches suddenly, causing a type of scar. Though they often appear after weight fluctuations, puberty, and pregnancy, their frequency is actually determined by your genetics, which means they’re not really in your control. Still, if you’re not a fan of yours and looking to get rid of stretch marks with a few of the supposed “best” stretch mark creams on the market, you’re in the right place.
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There’s no such thing as a stretch mark-removing cream. The only way to truly get rid of stretch marks is with a mix of in-office procedures, like laser treatments, micro-needling, or microdermabrasion. That being said, stretch mark creams can keep your skin moisturized, soothed, and more elastic—three things you’ll need for helping stretch marks heal. So to help break down the right formulas, first:
What are stretch marks?
A stretch mark occurs when the collagen and elastin in your dermis (aka the layer of skin just under the surface) tears from stretching and creates a type of scar. At first, stretch marks may appear bright red or purple and have a slightly raised, bumpy feel to them, but in three to six months, they’ll start to blend into your skin tone (or turn white and silvery, regardless of skin tone) and settle into a slightly sunken texture when examined closely.
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks are caused any time your skin stretches too quickly: rapid weight loss/gain, pregnancy, growth spurts in puberty, and intense weight-training regimens. But certain medications, like topical or oral steroids, can also increase your chance of developing stretch marks, because they can temporarily thin the skin and make it more prone to tearing. But your stretch marks can also just be a matter of genetics; if everyone in your family got stretch marks during pregnancy or puberty, you might too.
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While no stretch mark cream can really get rid of stretch marks, the right formulas can definitely help soothe and even fade the ones you already have. So keep scrolling for the best stretch mark creams, along with how to prevent stretch marks, how to permanently remove them, and more.
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Differin Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment
Pro: Can helpsmooth raised stretch marks.
Con: Takes three to six months to see results.
Main ingredients: Adapalene (smoothing retinoid)
Fragrance-free? Yes
Safe for pregnancy? No
The best at-home product to reduce the appearance and texture of your stretch marks at home is a retinoid. Why? Because retinoids speed up cellular turnover and trigger collagen and elastin production, which can help smooth skin texture and fade pigmentation within a few months. Just to start slow: Layer it under moisturizer two nights a week for two weeks, working your way up to every other night.
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Tan-Luxe The Crème Gradual Self-Tanning Face Moisturizer
Pro: Self tanning smell doe not linger.
Con: Only effective for light to medium skin tones and stretch marks.
Main ingredients: DHT (tanning agent), dimethicone (smoothing), glycerin (hydrating)
Fragrance-free? No
Safe for pregnancy? Yes
Tanning actually makes your stretch marks more noticeable, since their pigmentation will stay the same while your skin gets darker. So if you really want to blend stretch marks into your skin, layer on self-tanner instead, like this lightweight gradual-tanning cream. Just massage it over clean, dry skin every day to slowly build up to a medium-toned shade (without the risk of skin cancer).
Buttah Skin CocoShea Revitalizing Cream
Pro: Light weight so suitable for all skin types.
Con: Some testers say the twist lid breaks easily.
Main ingredients: Shea butter, cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil (moisturizers)
Fragrance-free? Yes* (But contains essential oils)
Safe for pregnancy? Yes
Surprisingly, just the act of massaging your skin with an oil or cream could help prevent and soothe stretch marks, according to research. “Studies have shown that taking the time to massage the product into the skin may make it more effective. This cream has a mix of butter and oils that make it easy to massage across your skin. Just rub it in circular motions across your body twice a day for the best results. And don’t worry: It’s not greasy, so you can slip into clothes when you’re done.
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Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Cream for Pregnancy
Pro: Has no scent which pregnant testers appreciate.
Con: Not moisturizing enough for your whole body.
Main ingredients: Shea butter and jojoba esters (moisturizers)
Fragrance-free? Yes
Safe for pregnancy? Yes
If you want to know what actual dermatologists use for their own pregnancy stretch marks, Dr. Idriss slathered on this Mustela cream when she was expecting her little girl. Here’s why: It has avocado peptides, which help hydrate skin to minimize tightness, along with something called galactoarabinan, an ingredient extracted from the Larch tree that can help promote elasticity. Mix both with some moisturizing shea butter and beeswax, and you’ve got a skin-softening stretch-mark cream that’s recommended by Dr. King too.
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Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Pro:Can be used on the face and body.
Con: Takes about 10 minutes to fully absorb.
Main ingredients: Mineral oil, sunflower seed oil (moisturizing); retinyl palmitate (smoothing retinoid)
Fragrance-free? No *(But has a fragrance-free version)
Safe for pregnancy? Yes *(Contains a low level of vitamin A that is very unlikely to harm pregnancy)
The ingredients in Bio-Oil haven’t been proven to fade or prevent stretch marks, but testers (ahem, Khloe Kardashian) swear by it. In a 2018 study, more than half of participants who used Bio-Oil said their scars and stretch marks looked less pronounced. It’s likely because the formula has a little bit of retinyl palmitate, the least irritating form of retinol, to smooth texture and fade a bit of discoloration. Plus, it contains vitamin E, which is rich in fatty acids that keep skin hydrated and plump.
