Stretch mark treatments: how to reduce their appearance

Like many people, you may be prone to stretch marks: around 70% of women and 40% of men are affected. While some find them easy to live with, for others they can be a real source of insecurity. Wondering how to get rid of them or, more realistically, how to make them less noticeable? Start by finding out what causes them, then explore the different options: creams, oils, aloe vera gel, plant butters, scrubs, massage, at-home devices and aesthetic medicine techniques.

What causes stretch marks?

stretch marks are skin lesions caused by the rupture of the elastic fibres in the dermis. These collagen and elastin fibres break when the skin undergoes sudden, intense stretching. The most common circumstances in which stretch marks appear are as follows.

1- Puberty

Ah, adolescence! A time that can be challenging to navigate, given all the changes it brings — starting with physical ones: growth spurts and morphological shifts driven by sex hormones. Growth stretch marks, which affect both girls and boys, are caused by sudden skin distension as bones grow at a particularly rapid pace. These stretch marks typically appear on the back and limbs (calves, arms). Add to this the stretch marks triggered by morphological changes — particularly in girls who, once their periods begin, suddenly develop a fuller chest, wider hips and thighs.

2- Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stretch marks. It brings about intense physical changes in a woman’s body. The belly grows rounder month by month, placing considerable tension on the skin. Add hormonal fluctuations (oestrogen, progesterone, and cortisol) into the mix, and the result is clear: one in two pregnant women will develop fine lines across the skin of their abdomen. Pregnancy stretch marks typically appear in the final trimester, though some women notice them as early as the first few months, while others develop them postpartum. Worth noting: the belly is the most commonly affected area, but other parts of the body can also be prone, such as the breasts (which increase in volume), the thighs, hips and buttocks.

3- Weight

Rapid and significant weight fluctuations take a toll on the quality of the dermis. Subjected to sudden distension — especially when repeated, as with yo-yo dieting — the skin loses its firmness. During significant weight gain, the tension on the skin can become extreme and the elastic network may give way. The same applies during drastic dieting and major weight loss: skin that was previously under tension suddenly relaxes. The connective tissue, normally elastic, can rupture. The result: stretch marks.

4- Cortisol, the stress hormone

Cortisol is a hormone naturally produced by the body, involved in the synthesis of nutrients essential to its proper functioning. Produced by the adrenal cortex, cortisol — known as the “stress hormone” — plays a role in the body’s response to short-term stress by releasing sugar from the body’s reserves. However, its production can sometimes become dysregulated, leading to abnormally high blood cortisol levels. This occurs:

• In late pregnancy: a “normal” phenomenon in the female body, which can nonetheless cause significant stretch marks.
• In situations of chronic stress: cortisol production is abnormally elevated under the effect of sustained, intense stress. One consequence is skin deterioration, including dryness, itching, roughness, and the possible development of stretch marks.
• In the context of certain conditions, such as Cushing’s Syndrome: one of the hallmarks of this condition is the appearance of wide, purple stretch marks on the abdomen, back, chest and buttocks.

Elevated cortisol can have damaging effects on the body: muscle loss, weight gain, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and skin fragility, with the development of stretch marks.

5- Medication

Certain medications have adverse effects on the quality of the dermis. This is particularly true of cortisone-based treatments which, as the name suggests, influence blood cortisol levels. When taken long-term (as is the case for patients with chronic inflammation), they can trigger the appearance of stretch marks. Hormonal treatments (contraceptive pill, HRT) are also possible contributing factors to the development of stretch marks.

6- Muscle hypertrophy

Rapid and significant muscle gain can also cause stretch marks. Why? Simply because the skin undergoes considerable stretching and its elastic network may give way under the pressure of this distension. Elite athletes — particularly those who engage in muscle-building activities such as bodybuilding — are prone to stretch marks on the shoulders, arms, pectorals and back muscles. Stretch marks linked to muscle hypertrophy particularly affect men, whose “natural” muscle mass is greater than that of women.

Can you get rid of stretch marks?

It’s often the first question people ask. A stretch mark is where the elastic fibres in the dermis have broken. No cream, oil or device can make it disappear. Even aesthetic medicine techniques don’t actually ‘remove’ stretch marks. Instead, they aim to make them look less visible, as we’ll see further on.

The realistic goal is to help them fade and to look after your skin every day. Newer stretch marks, which are still pink or purplish, call for gentle, nourishing care. Older, white stretch marks tend to be more pronounced and harder to fade. Either way, consistency matters more than how much product you apply.

Stretch marks: anti-stretch mark creams

When it comes to caring for your stretch marks, several options are available, starting with creams, such as those in our stretch mark care range. To choose the right anti-stretch mark cream, it’s important to consider its key properties:

• It should bring suppleness to fragile skin.
• It should nourish the skin and help it feel comfortable.
• If the stretch marks are still new (and therefore coloured, ranging from pink to red to purple), a good cream should have a soothing effect.
• It should moisturise the skin well, to limit skin dryness, which makes the cracked look of stretch marks more pronounced.

It’s also important to look closely at the ingredients of an anti-stretch mark cream before committing to it.

• Creams rich in allantoin, hyaluronic acid and glycerin help keep skin hydrated, as these ingredients work like ‘water magnets’. They help limit dryness and cracking, which are sometimes accompanied by itching.
• Panthenol (provitamin B5), proline, glycolic acid and silicon are also common ingredients in anti-stretch mark creams, chosen for skin softness and suppleness.
• Certain natural actives, such as (but not limited to) bisabolol (found in wild chamomile), asiaticoside (derived from plants like tiger grass), hypericin (St John’s wort) or faradiol (calendula), are often chosen for their soothing feel on newer stretch marks.

If you are pregnant, your anti-stretch mark cream must not contain any ingredients that could be harmful to your baby (as some components can be). Our Stretch Mark Cream, for example, is suitable for everyone, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it is free from sensitising ingredients. Enriched with natural plant oils and botanical extracts, it respects the skin’s hydrolipidic film and nourishes it day after day.

Stretch marks: anti-stretch mark oils

1- Natural plant oils

There’s something for everyone: if you prefer oils to creamy textures, you’re in luck! The choice is wide, as many natural plant oils are popular for caring for skin marked by stretch marks, whether old or recent. Among them:

• sweet almond oil, a skincare staple, used to care for dry skin on a daily basis.
• jojoba oil, which contains gadoleic acid and is often used on skin marked by scars or stretch marks.
• macadamia oil, rich in vitamin E, which nourishes and softens the skin.
• Argan oil, a classic for nourishing the skin and keeping it supple.

2- Oil macerates

Certain oil macerates are also popular for caring for stretch marks. An oil macerate is made by steeping a plant (a flower, herb or even a vegetable!) in oil for 20 to 30 days, so that the plant’s active compounds infuse into the oil. Among the oil macerates used for stretch marks are borage oil, carrot oil (rich in vitamin A) and rosehip oil.

3- Plant oil blends

Finally, blends of natural plant oils let you enjoy the benefits of several oils in a single application. That’s exactly what our Stretch Mark Prevention Oil offers, combining avocado, sunflower, jojoba, sesame and olive oils in one formula! Easy to apply, it absorbs quickly into the skin. It nourishes the skin and helps protect it from dryness.

4- Essential oils

Certain EOs are traditionally used in stretch mark care. These include spike lavender, verbenone rosemary, rosewood, labdanum cistus and rose geranium. A word of caution, however: essential oils are not without risk and are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Before using them, consult a doctor and/or pharmacist, who will be able to guide you.

Stretch marks: other skincare options

Among the other natural stretch mark treatments, it’s worth highlighting:

1- Aloe Vera gel

A natural moisturiser, the gel found in the leaves of Aloe Vera — that large succulent native to warm regions — is appreciated for its fresh feel and light texture, particularly on skin affected by stretch marks.

2- Plant butters

These are fatty substances with properties similar to those of plant oils. They nourish the skin, soften it and protect it from dryness. Butters such as shea butter (nourishing and protective), cocoa butter (emollient) or mango butter (ideal for dry skin!) are a lovely way to care for your skin, whatever type of stretch marks you have.

3- Scrubs

Gentle scrubs are the perfect first step in any skincare routine. They clear away dead skin cells and smooth skin texture, so your skin is better prepared for its cream or oil. They should be used a maximum of 2–3 times per week: beyond that, the skin becomes over-stimulated and you get the opposite of the desired effect. You can make a DIY scrub using fine sugar and a natural plant oil, or opt for a cosmetic exfoliant from our stretch mark care range, such as our Stretch Mark Scrub, gentle on the skin and specially formulated for skin marked by stretch marks.

4- Massage

Massaging your stretch marks is a great way to work in your cream or oil, and to give your skin a regular moment of care. Among the best-known massage techniques are Jacquet pinches, which involve pinching the skin between the thumb and index finger using the fingertips, in small, vigorous movements. Dry brushing is another option: a massage performed on dry skin using a specific brush made from natural fibres (sisal, horsehair, loofah, tampico). This gentle body brushing leaves skin feeling pleasantly soft. The recommended frequency is a daily 10-minute massage, always brushing towards the heart.

5- Devices

It is now possible to buy small devices to use on your stretch marks at home. Domestic anti-stretch mark devices primarily use two techniques: microdermabrasion or light therapy (LED). These devices are generally used for a range of skin concerns: acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation spots, redness and stretch marks. Their price typically ranges between €100 and €300. If you opt for an anti-stretch mark device, make sure to research it thoroughly beforehand, follow the instructions carefully (and consider discussing it with your doctor first), and test the device on a small area of skin (such as a discreet stretch mark) before using it more widely on your body.

Stretch mark treatment: medical alternatives

Finally, no discussion of stretch marks would be complete without mentioning the techniques developed by aesthetic medicine. These do not aim to “remove” stretch marks (which would mean removing skin itself), but rather to:

1- Stimulate collagen production

• Plasma injections: injections that stimulate the subcutaneous cells responsible for producing elastic fibres.
• Carboxytherapy: injections of sterile carbon dioxide gas, aimed at boosting microcirculation and cell renewal.
• Laser: there are various types of laser techniques. Some create artificial inflammation to stimulate collagen production, while others coagulate the blood responsible for the colouration of stretch marks.
• Micro-needling: a technique that involves creating micro-perforations in the dermis to encourage microcirculation and the skin’s regenerative process.
• Radiofrequency: a method that heats the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, giving the skin a plumper look.
• LED lamp: a non-invasive technique that, like radiofrequency, uses the heat generated by LED emissions to boost the production of elastic fibres.

2- Smoothing the epidermis

• Peeling and dermabrasion: peeling is a superficial and deep exfoliation technique used to smooth the indented appearance of existing stretch marks while stimulating the skin at a deeper level.
• Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery: a surgical procedure that removes the skin affected by stretch marks. It is only performed when the quantity of excess skin and its quality are deemed suitable.

Please note that these procedures, even when minimally or non-invasive, are not without risk. Any aesthetic medicine treatment requires careful consideration and may cause unwanted side effects.

Frequently asked questions

What can you do about stretch marks?

There are several options. Anti-stretch mark creams and oils nourish the skin and keep it supple. You can also use aloe vera gel or plant butters, and add gentle scrubs and massage to your routine. Aesthetic medicine techniques (laser, micro-needling, peels…) are another possibility. They require careful thought and advice from a healthcare professional.

How can you fade stretch marks?

Apply a suitable cream or oil every day and use a gentle scrub no more than 2 to 3 times a week. You can also add massage, such as Jacquet pinches or dry brushing.

How can you stop getting stretch marks?

It isn’t always possible to avoid them. They mainly appear when the skin is stretched suddenly and intensely: during puberty, pregnancy, rapid weight changes or muscle gain. Keeping your skin moisturised and nourished every day is still a good habit. If you are pregnant or taking medication, ask your doctor for advice.

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Useful categories: Stretch Mark Care, Stretch Mark Solutions.