Anti-stretch-mark care: what to expect

Creams can moisturise and reduce dryness, but established marks often respond only modestly to topical products. Procedures that stimulate collagen may improve texture or colour contrast, although results differ with skin tone, the age of the marks and the chosen method.

Stretch marks, also called striae, form when skin expands or changes faster than its supporting fibres can adapt. They often follow pregnancy, growth, weight change or muscle gain. Some medicines and hormone-related conditions can also make the skin more prone to them.

Newer marks may look red, purple or brown before becoming paler and slightly indented. They are not contagious and do not need treatment unless their appearance or associated irritation bothers you.

Use a plain moisturiser if the area feels dry or itchy, and protect exposed skin from strong sun so surrounding tanning does not increase contrast. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can inflame the surface without repairing deeper fibres.

A dermatologist can assess colour, depth, location and skin type before discussing options such as microneedling, fractional laser treatment, RF microneedling or carboxytherapy. Several sessions may be proposed, and gradual partial improvement is a more realistic goal than complete removal. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, prone to raised scars, using retinoids or have active irritation.

Arrange a medical review if stretch marks appear suddenly without an obvious body change, cover a wide area, or occur alongside easy bruising, muscle weakness or changes after steroid medicine. Seek advice before treating skin that is painful, infected, broken or affected by an active rash.

After a procedure, contact the treating clinic for worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, blistering or a new dark or pale patch that concerns you.

Ask which change is realistic for your particular marks, whether your skin tone alters the risk of pigment change, how the skin will look during recovery, and which products should be paused beforehand. It is also useful to discuss how improvement will be judged and what aftercare reduces irritation.