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These products not only smooth and soften but also hydrate to help prevent future lines from forming.
Some call them love lines; others call them tiger stripes. They're both pet names of sorts—a nod to the strength of women and the magnificent things their bodies go through—for stretch marks. Either way, these terms put a positive spin on a bodily change that can leave some people turning away from the mirror.
Stretch marks, known in the medical community as striae, are scars caused by tears in the collagen and elastin fibers of the dermis layer of the skin, says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in NYC. They are often caused by a variety of factors—puberty in teenagers, rapid weight fluctuations, pregnancy, bodybuilding, and/or genetics, she explains.
"These marks often initially appear as red or purple textured lines on the breasts, arms, hips, thighs, buttocks, flanks, and abdomen," says Green. "Over time, these stretch marks fade and will have a white scar-like appearance."
Stretch marks can be a source of insecurity for many individuals, says Green. But the truth is, there's no shame—these marks are a part of the natural evolution of our bodies. That said, there's also no shame if you fall into the camp of people who want to see these lines softened a bit.
And now, the good news for anyone hoping to lessen the appearance of stretch marks: There are treatments on the market that can help repair (or reduce the appearance of) old stretch marks and even prevent new ones from forming, says Green. "It is recommended that stretch mark treatment starts at the initial onset, as the likelihood of successful treatment is much greater," says Green. Enter: Our curated selection of the very best stretch mark creams and oils out there. "The most effective over-the-counter stretch mark creams often contain retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils," Green explains. Retinol-based products work by stimulating new collagen production in the skin, while hyaluronic acid can help strengthen the skin and improve the skin’s elasticity, says Green. Finally, natural oils—think coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter—can help prevent stretch marks by supporting fragile skin, protecting elasticity, and resisting all kinds of stretch marks, she says.
It's important to note that creams and oils aren't miracle workers. If you're genetically predisposed to stretch marks, no amount of cream will entirely prevent them from forming. Likewise, old stretch marks never really go away. "There are certain creams that may contain ingredients that help stretch marks fade and/or minimize their appearance, but the only treatments that can permanently get rid of stretch marks are specialized in-office lasers."
Of course, there's no harm in trying creams, oils, and other topicals. When doing so, choose a quality product formulated with ingredients proven to help, massage the product into the affected area, and be consistent. It can take time to see improvement, says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC and a professor of dermatology at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Read on to discover expert-approved stretch mark creams and oils to shop now.
This product contains deeply moisturizing body butter and natural oils like coconut oil, shea butter, and argan oil. "These ingredients help the skin lock in moisture, while improving elasticity and soothing delicate skin," says Green. It can also be safe for pregnant women, since it doesn't contain any retinol, and can be used all over the body, from your arms to your stomach to your hips and thighs.
If you've ever chatted with anyone about stretch marks—especially in pregnancy—chances are you've heard of this cream. It's highly popular since it's readily available in drugstores, and it doesn't contain any retinol. Still, it contains plenty of skin-smoothing ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E, argan oil, and coconut oil, which visibly improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, says Green.
If you prefer an oil over a cream or lotion, take a note from celebrities like Khloe Kardashian, who swear by this "cult favorite" product. Through a blend of oils and vitamins A and C, Bio-Oil nourishes and moisturizes the skin to minimize the appearance of stretch marks, says Corey L. Hartman, MD, the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
Green calls this product a great choice for "mild stretch marks." It's suitable for all skin types, and works to diminish the appearance of uneven skin tone, improves texture, combats discoloration, and helps restore elasticity for visibly smoother skin, she says.
For those with especially sensitive skin, Garshick recommends this body butter. Formulated with a combination of shea and cocoa butter, it's designed to moisturize and deeply nourish the skin. It also contains a host of antioxidants, alpine rose stem cells, and rosehip and argan oils to help soften and smooth the skin.
As the only over-the-counter retinoid, this cream is a great—and potent option—for treating stretch marks, says Hartman. "It remodels collagen and speeds cell turnover to improve both the texture and tone of the skin," he explains. But note: This product is not safe for pregnant women.
Looking for something with natural ingredients that are safe to use during pregnancy? Look no further than this very hydrating—but not at all oily—lotion by Bushbalm. It contains plant-derived ingredients like coffee seed extract and Brazilian nut oil to make the skin appear smoother, says Tiffany Clay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta.
A topical retinoid, like this drugstore find by La Roche-Posay, is great for regenerating new collagen production to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, says Clay.
This body butter is especially good for those with dry or irritated skin, since it helps hydrate while softening and smoothing, says Garshick. The vegan and gluten-free product is a nice, natural option, too. Its hardest-working ingredients include things like aloe, shea, mango, and cocoa butter to moisturize without leaving the skin feeling greasy.
Another widely-popular product, this intensive cream contains dimethicone—a silicone-based ingredient that helps both soften skin and improve elasticity, as well as hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts, says Shari Sperling, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey.
Safe to use during and after pregnancy, this fragrance- and alcohol-free gel is clinically proven to help pregnant women develop fewer stretch marks throughout the course of their pregnancy, says Clay.
It may be a humble old standby, but it's one that works for a wide range of skin concerns, including stretch marks, says Garshick. "Vaseline works to lock moisture and help reduce dryness of the skin," she explains. As such, it can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and keep the skin on the belly, breast, and hips looking and feeling healthy throughout pregnancy. "By keeping the skin healthy and moisturized, it may reduce the likelihood of stretch marks developing," Garshick adds.