What should you know about kojic acid for stretch marks?

Stretch marks, also called striae, form when the deeper support layers of skin are stretched and remodelled. Early marks may look pink, red or purple; older marks often become lighter and subtly indented. Kojic acid acts on pigment production, so it may be more relevant to colour than to the lines, width or surface texture.

A cream cannot be expected to restore lost elasticity. The choice of treatment depends on the mark's age, colour, location, skin tone and your tolerance for downtime. Several procedures may be discussed, including [Microneedling](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/microneedling/) or [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/).

If you try kojic acid, apply it only to intact skin and follow the product directions. Patch test first, moisturise regularly and protect exposed areas from the sun. Avoid applying it immediately after shaving, waxing or a procedure, when the skin may be more reactive.

Do not scrub stretch marks or combine several strong products in an attempt to speed change. A dermatologist can compare options such as [RF Microneedling](/treatments/laser-and-energy/rf-microneedling/) and [Carboxytherapy](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/carboxytherapy/) with your goals and skin characteristics.

Seek advice for intense irritation, blistering, swelling or a spreading rash after application. Arrange an assessment if marks appear suddenly with other body changes, or if a patch is painful, bleeding or behaving differently from the surrounding stretch marks.

Ask whether colour or texture is your main concern, which procedure fits the mark's stage, what recovery involves and how your skin tone affects the risk of temporary colour change.