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A collage of stretch mark creams, including picks from Hatch, Burt’s Bees, and Peter Thomas Roth on a grey background

Byrdie

In This Article

Byrdie

Stretch marks are totally normal for everyone.

They indicate a breakdown in the elasticity of the skin as it stretches, explains New York-based dermatologistDr.

Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., FAAD.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks

PHOTO: Amazon

The big caveat totreating stretch marksis that no magical lotion or potion will erase them.

We also took a few products for a spin over several weeks.

Byrdie Tip

Board-certified dermatologistDr.

Burt’s Bees Mama Belly Butter with Shea Butter and Vitamin E

PHOTO: Amazon

Hadley Kingrecommends using a stretch mark creambeforeyou get them as a preventative measure.

Together, these ingredients help increase elasticity in your skin to help ward off new stretch marks.

We love that the ingredients are 99 percent natural.

Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy

PHOTO: Amazon

Reviewers rave about how well it wards off dry, itchy skin, as well as pregnancy-induced stretch marks.

But it doesnt stop there.

It doesnt smell particularly wonderful.

Mutha Body Butter

PHOTO: Violet Grey

We love that it’s just as safe and effective to use post-pregnancy, too.

But FYI, because it’s a retinoid, this is definitely a no-go if youre currently pregnant.

For that, youll need a product like Bio-Oil, a fan favorite thats been around since the ’80s.

Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter

PHOTO: Walmart

We love that the product feels nourishing and hydrating but doesnt leave a residue behind.

Not only are they mess-free, but they work on both new and older stretch marks.

They can take some time to work though.

Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment

PHOTO: Amazon

Plus, anti-inflammatory sunflower and lavender oils help calm and soothe the skin.

The easy-to-use dropper makes tool a breeze and it dries quickly so you might get dressed right after.

Just remember, noticeable results will take time.

Peter Thomas Roth Pro-Strength Stretch Mark Cream

PHOTO: Amazon

Enter this retinol treatment from Paula’s Choice.

However, the retinol makes this one a no-go if you’re expecting.

Oakley AM, Patel BC.

Mustela Stretch Marks Cream

PHOTO: Amazon

[Updated 2023 Aug 7].

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Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

PHOTO: Target

Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436005/

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Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

PHOTO: Ulta

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Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel

PHOTO: Amazon

Published 2021 May 24. doi:10.3390/polym13111711

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Maelys B-Flat Belly Firming Cream

PHOTO: Amazon

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Published 2022 Feb 8. doi:10.3390/ijerph19031873

Jeong S, Yoon S, Kim S, et al.

Anti-Wrinkle Benefits of Peptides Complex Stimulating Skin Basement Membrane Proteins Expression.Int J Mol Sci.

Anese Cream Dream

PHOTO: Amazon

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Published 2019 Dec 20. doi:10.3390/ijms21010073

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Hatch Maternity Belly Oil

PHOTO: Amazon

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Antioxidant and Skin Anti-Aging Effects of Marigold Methanol Extract.Toxicol Res.

Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

PHOTO: Dermstore

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Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care.Pediatr Dermatol.

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