The short answer
Stretch marks can’t be erased completely, but they often fade on their own and their appearance can be improved. Red (new) stretch marks and white (older) stretch marks respond differently, so the right option depends on which stage you’re in. Treatments such as restorative needling and camouflage pigment aim to improve texture and colour rather than make the skin look as if it had never been marked.
If you have stretch marks and want them gone, the most useful thing we can tell you first is also the least comfortable: they can’t be erased completely. No cream, device or procedure has been shown to make stretch marks disappear. What can change is how they look and feel, and that is a meaningful difference for many people.
What stretch marks actually are
Stretch marks (known clinically as striae) are fine lines that form when the deeper layer of the skin, the dermis, is stretched faster than it can adapt. The collagen and elastin that give skin its structure are disrupted, and the surface of the skin follows. They are common and harmless, but many people find them bothersome.
They are most often linked with pregnancy, growth spurts in adolescence, rapid weight change, muscle gain, and the use of corticosteroids. Genetics also play a large part, which is why two people with the same life events can have very different skin.
Red stretch marks vs white stretch marks
Stretch marks change over time, and the stage you are at shapes what is sensible to try.
| Stage | What it looks like | What’s happening |
|---|---|---|
| Red or purple (striae rubrae) | Pink, red or purple lines; may be slightly raised or itchy | Early and active, with visible blood vessels and inflammation in the tissue |
| White or silver (striae albae) | Pale, flat, sometimes slightly indented lines | Mature, with scar-like tissue and reduced pigment |
Red stretch marks usually fade with time on their own. White stretch marks are more settled and tend to be the ones people seek help with years later, because they stay noticeable, especially against tanned skin.
So what can improve the appearance of stretch marks?
The honest summary of the research is that many options are tried, none is proven to work reliably for everyone, and results vary. Options that are commonly discussed include moisturisers and topical retinoids, chemical peels, laser treatments and skin needling. If you want to understand why topical products in particular fall short, we explain it in why creams and balms don’t work for stretch marks.
At SEPEMA we approach stretch marks from two directions, depending on what your skin shows at assessment:
- Restorative needling to encourage the skin to remodel from within, aiming to improve texture and the look of the mark. You can read how this differs from beauty-salon microneedling in restorative needling vs microneedling.
- Camouflage pigment for white stretch marks, where the issue is mainly colour. Pigment is matched to your skin to reduce the contrast between the mark and the skin around it. See camouflaging white scars and hypopigmented skin.
Some people benefit from one approach, some from a sequence of both. That decision is made at consultation, after looking at your skin, not before.
What “improvement” realistically means
When people ask whether stretch marks can be treated, they usually picture the marks vanishing. A more accurate picture is a mark that is softer in texture, less contrasted in colour, and less likely to catch your eye. The skin will still be your skin, with its history. Anyone who promises complete removal, or guarantees a percentage improvement, is promising more than the evidence supports.
Factors that influence the outcome include how old the marks are, where on the body they sit, your skin type and tone, how your skin heals, and how closely aftercare is followed.
Should you wait or act?
If your stretch marks are new, red and recent, waiting is reasonable. Many fade noticeably without intervention, and it is usually sensible to let the early inflammatory stage settle. If they have been stable and white for a long time, they are unlikely to change on their own, so that is when a conversation about options makes most sense.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before using any active skincare product or having any procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Can stretch marks be removed completely?
No treatment is known to remove stretch marks completely. They are changes within the deeper layer of the skin, so the realistic goal is to improve their texture, colour and visibility rather than to erase them.
Do stretch marks go away on their own?
Stretch marks often fade over time, with or without treatment. New ones are typically pink, red or purple and gradually become paler, flatter and less noticeable, though they rarely disappear altogether.
Is it better to treat red or white stretch marks?
Red stretch marks are still active and inflamed, while white ones are mature. Approaches differ between the two stages, which is why an assessment of your skin comes before any treatment plan.
Are results from stretch mark treatment guaranteed?
No. Evidence for any stretch mark treatment is limited and individual results vary with skin type, age of the marks, location and how the skin heals. A consultation should give you a realistic picture of what is achievable.
Further reading
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Results and timelines vary between individuals, and suitability is assessed at consultation. If you have a medical condition or are unsure about a change in your skin, speak with your doctor.