Whether you’re in the midst of pregnancy or your child is going through growth spurts and you want to help, we’ve rounded up the six best treatments for stretch marks. But before we get into the best stretch mark treatments, it’s important that you understand what’s actually going on with your skin - and set your expectations accordingly.
Stretch marks happen anytime the skin is pushed past where it can bounce back. This is quite literally a tear in the dermis, a deeper layer within the skin. Some stretch marks can be diminished. Others are more permanent scars - still possible to fade them, but maybe not all the way. This is why starting your treatment as soon as possible is the best advice we have to offer.
So, without any further ado, let’s dig into the best treatments for stretch marks!
Key Takeaways
- Centella Asiatica and hyaluronic acid are the two ingredients you want to look for in any stretch mark serum.
- Prescription retinoids (like tretinoin) can work as well, but they’re not safe while pregnant.
- Professional treatments like laser therapy, microneedling, and PRP injections all show promise.
- Start with the best stretch mark cream and only consider more intensive treatments if needed.
- 8 Sheep Organics makes the #1 stretch mark products for pregnant women in particular.
- Timing matters. Red/purple stretch marks respond to treatment better than older white ones.
6 Best Treatments For Stretch Marks According to Dermatologists and Clinical Studies
We didn’t just round up the top recommendations from Amazon. Our list of the best stretch mark treatments was formed through hours of digging through PubMed and peer-reviewed dermatology journals, along with interviews with board-certified dermatologists.
So, you can trust that you’re choosing the best treatment for stretch marks if you see it on this list. We’ve listed these in the order in which you should try them - meaning, start with the least intensive option and only try more intensive treatments if your stretch marks don’t respond.
1. 8 Sheep Organics (Hyaluronic Acid + Centella Asiatica)
This is the best belly oil for pregnancy by far because it includes the two ingredients the AAD itself has endorsed as effective for stretch mark reduction and prevention:
- Centella asiatica: Stimulates fibroblasts (the cells that make connective tissue) and rebuilds the structure of the skin through collagen synthesis. It’s among the strongest ingredients for stretch marks according to clinical trials.1
- Triple-weighted hyaluronic acid: Can stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen production, all while pushing hydration deep into the layers of skin that need it most as it’s stretched to its limit.2
What’s not in the product is just as important, though, especially if you’re seeking out the best treatment for stretch marks during pregnancy. There’s no nasty stuff, and it’s handmade in small batches here in the USA. It’s one of the best ways to nourish your growing belly, but it can also help with stretch marks on the hips, thighs, breasts, arms, and more.
Part of what makes it the best stretch mark treatment to start with is the risk-free 3-month satisfaction guarantee. There isn’t another treatment on this list that offers any sort of guarantee - so why would you not try this first?
2. Bio-Oil (Vitamin A + E)
This is among the most well-known over-the-counter stretch mark products on the market. It’s made up of a mineral oil base with vitamins A & E, with plant extracts as well. It’s easy to get your hands on and fairly affordable.
It works, too - at least, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science. Patients who used a blend like Bio-Oil’s saw a 20% self-assessed improvement in stretch mark appearance over an 8-week span.1 For what it’s worth, though, the placebo group saw a 6% improvement - so it’s not as dramatic a difference as it appears to be at first glance.
We have a separate comparison of Bio-Oil vs Mederma in our blog if you want to learn more. But the key takeaway, and why Bio-Oil may not necessarily be the best treatment for stretch marks, is that it doesn’t penetrate very deep. Mineral-oil formulas are notorious for just sitting on the skin’s surface rather than getting into the layers that need support (the dermis).
3. Prescription Retinoids (Such as Tretinoin)
The next step up from a stretch mark cream or serum you can buy online is a prescription from your dermatologist. By this point, you should have given 8 Sheep Organics or Bio-Oil a full 90-days and decided it was not making any measurable difference.
Tretinoin is backed by clinical data showing it works wonders for stretch mark removal, but it’s not pregnancy-safe. That’s a really important caveat. It also has some harsh side effects during the adjustment phase, including peeling and irritation.
That being said, a 1996 study showed that 80% of patients using tretinoin daily for six months saw definite or marked improvements. Stretch marks shrank by 14% in length and 8% in width.3
This is one of the best stretch mark treatments, according to Dr. Greet Yadav - a board-certified dermatologist in Toronto. “While retinoids won't 'erase' stretch marks, they have the ability to stimulate collagen production and cellular turnover, which will make stretch marks look better faster than they would if you hadn't treated them.”4
4. Laser Therapy
A lot of people struggling with stretch marks find that topical treatment is more than enough to fade appearance to a satisfactory level. However, some people wait too long to start treatment and the stretch marks become unsightly white scars that don’t respond to topical treatment.
In these cases, you can try laser therapy. There are two types with ample research behind them:
- Fractional CO2 laser
- Pulsed dye laser
They work, there’s no question about that. One study found that nearly half of patients saw between a 51-75% improvement with fractional CO2 laser on white stretch marks.4 A separate study found that fractional CO2 laser therapy worked as well as microneedling.5
So what’s the catch? Cost. The typical laser therapy session can run you between $200 to well over $1,000 PER TREATMENT. Most patients need 3-6 sessions. Insurance won’t cover any sort of cosmetic procedure. And again, there’s no guarantee of results.
5. Microneedling
Microneedling is the best stretch mark treatment if nothing you’ve tried thus far has worked and you’re at your wits end. It’s a viable option when marks turn white and topicals don’t do anything.
The process involves creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin via tiny needles (the name tells you pretty much everything you need to know). This triggers your body’s own natural collagen and elastin repair response.
A recent analysis of 11 separate clinical studies found that microneedling did yield significant improvements in the appearance of stretch marks, both on its own and in conjunction with complementary therapies.6
It’s quite painful, but it might be worth the discomfort to finally diminish the appearance of troublesome stretch marks. It’s expensive, too, which is why we put it towards the bottom of our list as a last-ditch effort. Expect to spend as much as $700 per session, and you’ll need 4-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. It’s a long-term treatment regimen.
Oh - and don’t waste your time with at-home dermarollers. Those can’t reach the dermis where stretch marks actually live. Professional treatments use needles with 1.5-2.5 mm depth.
6. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment
PRP is an emerging stretch mark treatment that uses your own blood to try and encourage better skin remodeling. That’s why it’s the last option to try - it’s still fairly new, and we don’t have a ton of insight into how well it works.
A provider will draw a sample of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. Then, the plasma is injected right into the stretch marks themselves. The idea is that the growth factors in PRP stimulate collagen remodeling from within.
The one study we have to go on did show promising results, which is why we’re even entertaining the idea. Four PRP sessions improved the appearance of stretch marks, and researchers saw higher fibronectin content in the skin (which just means an actual structural repair took place, rather than a surface-level change).7
Like all the other professional treatments, though, it’s not cheap. Sessions cost $500-$1,000 each. Most experts advocate for a minimum of 4-8 sessions. Those same experts suggest waiting until after childbirth as well.
Timing is Everything With Stretch Mark Treatment
There isn’t exactly a one-size-fits-all answer regarding the best treatment for stretch marks. It depends on the state of your stretch marks. The earlier you begin treatment, the less intensive it has to be - at least, that’s what most experts say.
Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist, says prevention is everything. “I encourage massage with emollients that help promote circulation and potentially minimize the chance of stretch marks.”9
However, stretch marks can still form despite the best prevention protocol. The early signs of stretch marks often include textural changes, itchiness, and then slight red lines. These are still very treatable with topicals such as centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid.
But the collagen damage has matured by the time those marks turn a silvery white color. A really good stretch mark cream can still help fade their appearance, but there’s a narrower window for full removal. Laser and microneedling treatments may be your only option.
Consistency can’t be overlooked, either. The best treatment for stretch marks is daily application of a proven product such as 8 Sheep Organics True Belly Serum. Start now and give it a full 90 days before you judge results.
Frequently asked questions
Can you 100% get rid of stretch marks?
Unfortunately no. The best stretch mark treatment is more a means of fading and softening their appearance to the point that they’re almost invisible. However, the damage may still be there.
What is the most effective product for stretch marks?
The best treatment for stretch marks is centella asiatica and triple-weighted hyaluronic acid as far as topical products go. This is what makes 8 Sheep Organics the #1 treatment to start with.
What do dermatologists recommend for stretch marks?
If topical products don’t work, your next options include laser resurfacing, microneedling, and PRP.
References
- 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. PubMed
- 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. PubMed
- Kang S, et al. "Topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) improves early stretch marks." Archives of Dermatology. 1996;132(5):519-526. PubMed
- Elsaie ML, et al. "Striae distensae (stretch marks) and different modalities of therapy: an update." Dermatologic Surgery/Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2013. PubMed
- 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):e15212. PubMed
- Sun Q, Jia H, Huang R. "A systematic review and meta-analysis of microneedle treatment for striae distensae." Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2024. PubMed
- 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. PubMed
- 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. PubMed
- The Healthy. "How Dermatologists Treat and Prevent Stretch Marks." The Healthy
