What really helps against stretch marks?

In HLN, Dr Griet Voet assesses popular remedies for stretch marks. Stretch marks develop when the skin is stretched strongly in a short time, as during pregnancy, growth spurts or weight gain, damaging collagen and elastin. They are harmless, but can make people feel self-conscious.

According to her, home remedies such as oils, retinol creams or microdermabrasion gadgets have little or insufficiently proven effect. A prescription cream with tretinoin mainly works on young, red stretch marks, but not during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Self-tanner can camouflage them; tanning in the sun actually makes them more visible. Stretch marks do not disappear completely, but medical treatments can make them fade. Dr Voet prefers radiofrequency microneedling, possibly combined with PRP, because of the short recovery and the low risk of pigmentation changes.

• Do not expect miracles from oils and creams: the evidence is limited.

• Prescription tretinoin works mainly on fresh, red stretch marks.

• Camouflage them with self-tanner if you like; a suntan makes stretch marks more noticeable.

• For visible results: radiofrequency microneedling at the dermatologist's.

Want to know more? Read about Scars at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.