Chances are, even before you became pregnant, you heard — and may be worried — about stretch marks.
Whether it was your mom telling you about the ones you “caused” or a celebrity proudly showing off theirs on Instagram, stretch marks have become nearly synonymous with pregnancy and childbirth, just like morning sickness and dirty diapers.
But as famous as they are, they’re also kind of a mystery to most of us. Why do some people get them more than others? If you got them, is it because you did something wrong? And is it true that you can fix them?
We’re here to answer all those questions.
Stretch marks, known as “striae gravidarum” in pregnancy, are basically a type of scar.
They look like indented streaks on your skin. They can be pink, red, black, blue, or purple. It all depends on:
- how and why they appear
- where they are on your body
- how old they are
Sometimes, when stretch marks first appear, they can feel slightly raised, but eventually they’ll just feel like slight depressions in your skin.
When they first show up, they might also be itchy.
As their name implies, stretch marks develop as your skin stretches quickly. This stretching actually tears the supportive structures in the middle or bottom layers of your skin, creating the scar.
Stretch marks usually happen during growth spurts, rapid weight gain, or, of course, pregnancy. In fact, around 80% of pregnant people develop stretch marks by the third trimester.
Usually, they’ll appear on your:
- belly
- buttocks
- breasts
- thighs
Still, not everyone gets stretch marks, and not everyone gets them to the same degree.
Cortisone, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, can reduce your skin’s elasticity, increasing the likelihood of stretch marks. This is why you may also develop stretch marks more frequently if you use corticosteroids or have certain conditions, such as Cushing syndrome or Marfan syndrome.
You are also more likely to get stretch marks if you’re younger or if you gain weight too quickly. Hormone levels during pregnancy can also play a role.
Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent. You may never be able to get rid of them completely.
It can be a hard thing to accept that your body has changed forever, even if the change occurred due to something as amazing as childbirth.
But here’s some good news: Most stretch marks will fade naturally on their own after your baby is born. Not only that, but you can make them even less noticeable with different treatments.
In general, treating early stretch marks is more effective than treating older ones. So, if you can, try to start your treatment early.
Not every treatment will work the same for everyone. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk with your dermatologist or doctor. They can discuss the different options with you and help you figure out what might work best for you and your skin.
Here are a few options that you might look into:
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are cosmetic procedures to exfoliate your skin. A doctor, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon can perform it.
Glycolic acid peels stimulate collagen production in your skin. 2026 research found that this type of peel can be effective in treating stretch marks.
Laser therapy
Laser therapies are medical treatments that use specific wavelengths of light to lessen:
- pain
- swelling
- scarring
Numerous studies have suggested that laser therapy can reduce the appearance of stretch marks by increasing collagen production, restoring elastin fibers, and thickening the epidermal layer.
However, before talking with your doctor or dermatologist, you should know that laser therapy can be expensive and will likely require repeated treatments before you see results.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that dermatologists use to improve skin tone and texture. It’s been used to treat:
- sun damage
- age spots
- acne scars
- wrinkles
- other skin-related conditions
Microdermabrasion may be relatively effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a skin care method that’s believed to help reduce wrinkles and scars.
It uses fine needles to puncture the skin. As these tiny injuries heal, they can rejuvenate skin. It’s usually done over a series of four to six sessions.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) states that microneedling treatment for stretch marks varies depending on the age of the scars.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency is a noninvasive procedure that uses radiofrequency waves to heat deeper skin layers in an attempt to:
- activate your body’s natural wound healing process
- stimulate the production of collagen
- tighten your skin
A 2026 study states that fractional microneedling radiofrequency is a promising treatment alongside microneedling with fewer risks of issues with pigmentation, and can promote the production of collagen and elastic fibers in the skin. However, some people may find the treatment painful.
If you’re interested in trying radiofrequency, talk with your dermatologist to see whether they recommend it.
Topical gels or creams with hyaluronic acid
Research suggests that applying hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks may make them less noticeable.
The AAD states that using hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica (a medicinal herb often used in traditional medicine), and daily massages helped reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Prescription creams with Tretinoin
The AAD suggests that creams containing Tretinoin can improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially when used early and every day.
Tretinoin is a retinoid that helps speed up skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production.
Only your dermatologist can prescribe a tretinoin cream. However, you can’t use retinoids at all if you’re still pregnant because they can lead to birth defects.
You should also avoid them if you’re nursing because it can absorb into your breast milk.
Creams with cocoa butter or vitamin E
This is pretty popular advice. Almost all creams you can buy over the counter at the drugstore contain one or both of these ingredients.
No large-scale study has yet shown that these ingredients actually help lessen your chances of getting stretch marks or minimize them once you already have them.
That said, it certainly won’t hurt if you want to try creams with these ingredients. They’re safe to use during pregnancy, and they can help keep your skin moisturized — which also helps with the itchiness!
Olive oil or almond oil
As with cocoa butter or vitamin E, there are no studies to show that these work. In fact, the AAD also states that researchers found no evidence that stretch marks fade with the use of olive oil, almond oil, cocoa butter, or vitamin E.
Still, if you want to try it, it won’t do any harm — and some people have said it made them feel better.
It depends! Everyone’s body heals differently, so it’s important to try to be patient.
Recovery will also depend on how severe your stretch marks were to begin with and what treatment option you decide to try.
Not every treatment option will work as well for you as it does for others. If you’re concerned, though, talk with your doctor.
There are various ways to improve and fade the appearance of stretch marks, but not to remove them completely.
Bio-Oil may help improve the appearance of stretch marks, but not eliminate them completely.
Stretch marks can fade over time, but the rate varies from person to person.
Having a baby is a big deal. Remember: Your body just went through a lot, bringing your little one into the world. Those stretch marks are a testament to what you went through — and you have no reason to be ashamed of them.