Strech Marks

Can Stretch Marks Fade or Go Away

Date Reviewed 13.09.2021

5 min read

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Home Advice Can Stretch Marks Fade or Go Away

Whether your stretch marks are from puberty, pregnancy or a drastic weight change, they’ll most likely never completely disappear. But they can fade with time, especially when properly cared for. When it comes to caring for your skin to reduce stretch marks, the sooner you start, the better the results. So check out what you can do, starting today!

Stretch marks may fade over time
They’re not likely to disappear completely.
Improve the appearance of your stretch marks using creams and oils.

Contents:

Why do I have stretch marks?
How do stretch marks change over time?
How can I care for my stretch marks?

Why do I have stretch marks?

Stretch marks are rippled streaks – called striae by the medical profession – that most commonly appear on the stomach, breasts, buttocks, thighs, and upper arms. They can appear on both men and women.

They typically develop when the skin is stretched too fast and the underlying connective tissue is torn. While pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stretch marks,^[1,2] over 25% of sufferers are men (HRA internal report). You may also notice stretch marks from puberty as your body rapidly changes shape.

Stretch Marks: Causes, Treatment, Prevention

Strech Marks

How do stretch marks change over time?

The appearance of stretch marks depends on the skin type and colour as well as on the age of the mark. On pale skin, fresh stretch marks can appear red, pink or purplish-blue, and the skin may appear very thin or slightly raised and might be itchy. Older stretch marks appear more scar-like, silvery or white, thinner and rather indented. On darker skin, stretch marks usually appear whitish or darker than the surrounding skin.

Old Stretch Marks

New Stretch Marks

If you are wondering whether your stretch marks might ever go away, unfortunately, the answer is no. Stretch marks do not typically completely disappear, but don’t give up just yet! They do usually fade with time, and, when properly cared for, their appearance can be visibly reduced.

How can I care for stretch marks?

The best approach to stretch marks is to keep your skin well hydrated. Skin that is moisturized and supple has more elasticity and can rebound better. Several cosmetic options can help make stretch marks less visible^[3]. The most common stretch mark care products are over-the-counter topical creams or oils.

Our product for stretch marks combines dimethicone, onion extract (Cepalin®), hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica extract for a unique triple benefit formula.^[4] This special formula has been proven to increase the moisture content of your skin, thereby improving its softness and texture as well as the appearance of stretch marks^[4,5].

Mederma® Stretch Marks (Cream)

Visibly reduces appearance of stretch marks
Unique triple benefit formula
Nourishing and hydrating

Buy today

If a topical product is still not enough, you may consult your dermatologist to discuss more drastic solutions, such as laser, radio and ultrasound therapy^[3].

Summary

Generally, stretch marks may fade over time but they’re not likely to disappear completely. You can help improve the appearance of your stretch marks using topical creams and oils. Over-the-counter products can help add moisture to your skin and encourage the production of collagen, to smooth and fade your stretch marks.

References

Wang F, Calderone K, Do TT, et al. Severe disruption and disorganization of dermal collagen fibrils in early striae gravidarum, 2018: 35.
Chang ALS, Agredano YZ, Kimball AB. Risk factors associated with striae gravidarum. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2004: 51. 881–885.
Sarnoff DS. Therapeutic update on the treatment of striae distensae. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2015: 14. 11-12.
Draelos ZD, Gold MH, Kaur M, et al. Evaluation of an onion extract, Centella asiatica, and hyaluronic acid cream in the appearance of striae rubra. Skinmed, 2010: 8. 80–86.
Draelos ZD, Baumann L, Fleischer AB, et al. A New Proprietary Onion Extract Gel Improves the Appearance of New Scars, 2012: 5. 7.

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Reviewed by

Cécile Artus-Arduise

Head of Medical Affairs at HRA Pharma

Cécile has worked with HRA for over 3 years and has been working in pharmaceuticals since 2011. She studied at the Paris-Sud University attaining a Doctorate in Biology/Biological Sciences.

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