Stretch Marks: Causes, Types, and Best Treatments

June 24, 2026

By: Lauren Sindel

Stretch marks are a type of scar that forms when the skin stretches rapidly. Discover a clinically proven product to reduce their appearance.

Otherwise known as striae, stretch marks can appear on areas like the stomach, thighs, hips, butt, breasts, and arms, often showing up as red, purple, or white streaks on the skin.

While stretch marks are completely normal, many people want to know how to make them less noticeable. Although they can’t usually be removed completely, the right skincare ingredients and treatments can help fade their appearance over time.

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are visible lines or streaks that form when the skin stretches faster than it can comfortably adapt. They occur when the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers (the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and smooth) become damaged as the skin expands or contracts.

New stretch marks often appear red, pink, purple, or dark brown depending on your skin tone. Over time, they typically fade and become lighter in color, taking on a white or silvery appearance.

Stretch marks can develop anywhere the skin experiences rapid change, but they’re most commonly found on the stomach, thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts, and arms. While they’re a form of scarring, stretch marks are completely harmless and incredibly common among people of all ages and body types.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing stretch marks, including:

Weight Changes

Whether you’re gaining or losing weight, significant fluctuations can put stress on the skin and contribute to stretch mark formation.

Muscle Growth

Rapid increases in muscle size, particularly from strength training or bodybuilding, can cause stretch marks to appear on the arms, shoulders, chest, and thighs.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones play a role in skin elasticity. Changes in hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions can make the skin more susceptible to stretch marks.

Pregnancy

As the body changes to accommodate a growing baby, the skin around the stomach, breasts, and hips can stretch quickly, making stretch marks more likely to form. Stretch marks on breasts and belly are very common.

Puberty

Growth spurts during adolescence can cause rapid changes in height and body shape, leading to stretch marks on the body.

Genetics

Some people are simply more prone to developing stretch marks than others. If they run in your family, you may be more likely to experience them as well.

While it’s not always possible to prevent stretch marks, keeping skin hydrated and supporting its elasticity with a consistent body care routine may help reduce their appearance over time.

Types of Stretch Marks

Not all stretch marks look the same, and their appearance often depends on how new they are and how your skin has healed over time.

• Red, Purple, or Pink Stretch Marks. These are usually newer stretch marks. At this stage, the skin is still actively healing, which is why they appear more pigmented and sometimes slightly raised or itchy. Because they’re newer, they tend to respond better to skincare and targeted treatments.
• White or Silver Stretch Marks. These are older stretch marks that have fully matured. Over time, the color fades and the texture becomes flatter and more scar-like. While they’re more stubborn, consistent use of hydrating and skin-supporting ingredients can still help improve their appearance.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can’t usually be removed completely but the right skincare routine can help improve their color, texture, and overall appearance over time. The key is choosing ingredients that support collagen, hydration, and skin elasticity.

1. Use a Clinically Proven Stretch Mark Product

Easy Tiger Stretch Mark Eraser

Stretch Mark Serum With Bakuchiol & Urea

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96% of users said their stretch marks looked faded after a month of using this serum.

One of the most effective ways to address stretch marks without spending a fortune on in-office treatments is with a clinically proven serum like Truly Easy Tiger Stretch Mark Eraser. 

Unlike traditional retinol treatments, Easy Tiger uses bakuchiol—a plant-based alternative that helps support collagen and elastin without the irritation commonly associated with retinoids. The formula is also retinol-free and designed to be safe for pregnancy and postpartum use.

In addition to bakuchiol, Easy Tiger contains urea, a powerful humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. Keeping skin hydrated can improve the appearance of rough, uneven texture often associated with stretch marks.

2. Prioritize Hydration

Hydrated skin tends to look smoother, softer, and plumper. While moisturizers won’t erase stretch marks, they can help improve skin texture and support overall skin health.

Look for creams and lotions that contain hydrating ingredients such as Urea, Squalane, Shea butter, Glycerin, and Hyaluronic Acid for stretch marks.

3. Stay Consistent

When it comes to stretch marks, consistency matters more than intensity. Visible improvements often take weeks or months rather than days.

For best results, apply your stretch mark treatment daily. Follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration. Protect exposed skin with SPF during the day. Most importantly, stick with your routine for at least 4-8 weeks before evaluating results.

The earlier you start treating stretch marks, the better. Newer red or purple stretch marks typically respond more readily to skincare than older white or silver ones.

Are Professional Treatments for Stretch Marks Worth it?

Professional treatments can help improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially older or more textured ones, but they’re not a quick fix.

Common options include microneedling, laser therapy, radiofrequency treatments, and chemical peels. These procedures work by stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture from deeper layers of the skin.

While they can be effective, there are a few downsides to consider. Treatments are often expensive, require multiple sessions to see visible results, and may involve mild discomfort or downtime. Results also vary depending on skin type and the age of the stretch marks.

For most people, professional treatments work best as a complement to a consistent at-home routine rather than a standalone solution.

How to Prevent Stretch Marks

Here are some of the best ways to prevent stretch marks.

• Keep Skin Hydrated: Well-moisturized skin is more flexible and may be better able to handle stretching.
• Maintain Steady Weight Changes: Rapid fluctuations in weight can increase the likelihood of stretch marks forming.
• Support Skin From Within: A balanced diet rich in nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, protein, and healthy fats can help support healthy skin structure.
• Use Targeted Treatments Consistently: Daily moisturizing and targeted treatments can help keep skin soft, smooth, and supported over time.

Read our guide on how to prevent stretch marks from working out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

When it comes to stretch marks, many people unintentionally slow their progress by making a few common mistakes:

• Expecting instant results from skincare
• Only moisturizing occasionally instead of consistently
• Over-exfoliating the skin, causing irritation
• Switching products too quickly before seeing results
• Ignoring early-stage (red/pink) stretch marks
• Skipping SPF on exposed areas

Consistency is more important than using multiple strong treatments at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Stretch Marks Go Away Completely?

Stretch marks usually don’t disappear entirely, but their appearance can improve significantly over time with consistent care.

How Long Does it Take to Fade Stretch Marks?

Most people see gradual improvement within 8–12 weeks, but deeper or older stretch marks may take longer.

Does Retinol Help Stretch Marks?

Yes, retinol may help improve skin texture and support collagen production, especially for newer stretch marks.

Are Stretch Marks Permanent?

They are considered permanent scars, but they often fade and become less noticeable over time.

Can Pregnancy Stretch Marks Be Treated?

Yes, many pregnancy-safe ingredients like bakuchiol and urea can help improve their appearance.

What is the Best Ingredient for Stretch Marks?

Commonly recommended ingredients include bakuchiol, urea, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin C.

Do Body Oils Help Stretch Marks?

They can help improve hydration and skin softness, which may make stretch marks less visible.

Can Exercise Reduce Stretch Marks?

Exercise can’t remove stretch marks, but improving muscle tone may change how they appear on the skin.

Stretch marks are common and while they can't be removed completely, you can significantly reduce their appearance with targeted skincare products like Truly Easy Tiger Cellulite Serum. The most important thing is staying consistent so you can see visible results.

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