Reducing stretch marks in pregnancy

Stretch marks are changes in the deeper layers of skin that can show through as lines while the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, or other areas expand. Fresh marks may look red, purple, pink, brown, or darker than surrounding skin. Their colour and texture can change gradually after pregnancy. These marks are a normal response for many people and are not caused by poor hygiene.

A product cannot change the rate at which pregnancy-related skin stretching occurs. Friction, dryness, and itching can make the area feel worse, so comfort and barrier care are useful goals even when appearance cannot be controlled.

Choose a fragrance-free moisturiser, apply it regularly to dry areas, and wash with lukewarm water rather than very hot water. Keep nails short, press or cool an itchy area instead of scratching, and wear soft breathable fabrics. Use sunscreen on exposed skin to reduce darkening and contrast. Before using a retinoid, peel, essential oil, herbal product, or concentrated active, ask your maternity clinician or pharmacist whether it is suitable.

If marks remain a concern after pregnancy, a dermatologist can compare their colour, depth, and texture before discussing Microneedling, Fractional Laser Treatment, RF Microneedling, or Carboxytherapy. Treatment may improve texture or contrast without making the area identical to unmarked skin.

Contact your maternity team for intense generalised itching, itching that is prominent on the palms or soles, or itch accompanied by yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, or pale stools. Arrange a skin review for pain, heat, pus, blisters, rapidly spreading redness, or a rash that looks unlike simple lines. These features need assessment for causes other than stretch marks.

Ask which ingredients are appropriate at your stage of pregnancy, whether a new itch needs testing, and what moisturising routine fits your skin. For later cosmetic care, ask when treatment can start, how many appointments may be needed, how your skin tone affects settings, and what recovery looks like.