Originally published May 26, 2010. Updated October 7, 2026, to reflect current guidance on topical and professional treatments for reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Stretch marks are a type of scar that can develop when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly. Pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, puberty, weight training and certain medical conditions can all contribute to their development.
Stretch marks are harmless and often fade over time, but they usually do not disappear completely. If they bother you, several treatments may help make them less noticeable.
Step 1: Treat New Stretch Marks Early
Newer stretch marks tend to respond better to treatment than older ones.
Prescription tretinoin, a topical retinoid, may help make early stretch marks less noticeable by encouraging collagen production. Mayo Clinic notes that tretinoin may improve stretch marks that are less than a few months old.
Tretinoin can irritate the skin and should not be used during pregnancy without medical guidance. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your healthcare provider about safer options.
Step 2: Consider Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid may also help reduce the appearance of newer stretch marks.
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that two large studies found that applying hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks made them less noticeable.
Look for a topical moisturizer or serum containing hyaluronic acid and use it consistently. If results occur, they usually take weeks rather than days.
Step 3: Talk to a Dermatologist About Laser Therapy
Laser and light therapies can help improve the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen or elastin production or by targeting changes in skin color.
Different types of lasers are used depending on the age and color of the stretch marks and your skin tone.
Laser therapy will not completely remove stretch marks, and you may need several treatment sessions.
Because lasers can sometimes change skin pigmentation, see a dermatologist experienced with your skin tone.
Step 4: Consider Microneedling
Microneedling uses very small needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production as the skin heals.
It may help improve the texture and appearance of stretch marks.
Mayo Clinic notes that microneedling has a lower risk of skin-color changes than laser therapy and may therefore be considered first for people with darker skin tones.
Multiple treatments are usually required.
Step 5: Ask About Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive treatment that gently resurfaces the skin’s outer layer.
Dermatologists may use it to make stretch marks less noticeable, although it will not eliminate them completely.
It is much less aggressive than traditional dermabrasion and typically requires less downtime.
Step 6: Discuss Radiofrequency or Other In-Office Treatments
Dermatologists may also use radiofrequency, ultrasound or chemical peels to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Sometimes more than one procedure is combined to achieve a better cosmetic result.
Radiofrequency treatments heat deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production.
If you are considering radiofrequency microneedling, make sure a qualified medical professional performs it. The AAD has highlighted FDA safety concerns involving certain uses of RF microneedling.
Step 7: Moisturize, but Keep Expectations Realistic
Moisturizers can help dry, itchy or tight-feeling skin feel more comfortable, especially during pregnancy.
However, common home remedies such as:
- Cocoa butter
- Olive oil
- Almond oil
- Vitamin E
have not been shown to reliably fade stretch marks.
Mayo Clinic similarly notes that creams, ointments and oils marketed for stretch marks probably will not help much.
Step 8: Give Stretch Marks Time to Fade
Stretch marks naturally change with time.
New marks may be red, pink, purple, reddish-brown, dark brown or blue depending on your skin tone. As they mature, they generally become lighter and less noticeable.
Treatment may speed up or improve that fading, but it is important to have realistic expectations.
Can You Completely Remove Stretch Marks?
Usually, no.
Stretch marks are permanent scars. Treatments can improve their color and texture, but even professional procedures cannot guarantee that they will disappear entirely.
Mayo Clinic also notes that no available treatment has been shown to be consistently more successful than all the others.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
Consider seeing a dermatologist if:
- Your stretch marks bother you significantly
- You want to explore laser treatment or microneedling
- Stretch marks appear suddenly without an obvious reason
- They cover a large area of your body
- You are unsure which treatment is safest for your skin tone
- Over-the-counter products have not helped
Stretch marks that appear suddenly or extensively can occasionally be associated with corticosteroid use or conditions such as Cushing syndrome, so unusual changes are worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
The Bottom Line
If you want to know how to reduce stretch marks, start by setting realistic expectations. Stretch marks usually cannot be erased completely, but they often fade naturally, and several treatments may make them less noticeable.
Newer stretch marks may respond to hyaluronic acid or prescription tretinoin, while professional treatments such as laser therapy, microneedling, microdermabrasion and radiofrequency may help improve older marks.
A dermatologist can help determine which option is most appropriate based on how long you have had the stretch marks, your skin tone and the results you hope to achieve.
