Gorgeous skin doesn’t begin above the neck, it includes the entire body. That’s why we have plenty of body washes, creams and treatments to keep us hydrated and blemish-free. Body acne and cellulite are common skin issues, but there’s one that almost all of us have in common: stretch marks. Yes, even Chrissy Teigen and Victoria’s Secret models have them. In fact. it’s estimated that somewhere between 80 and 90 percent of us have stretch marks and the lines can pop up on anyone, including men.
Rachel Winard, founder of Soapwalla, explains that stretch marks occur when skin grows so rapidly that the body isn’t able to support the stretching skin. This explains why stretch marks are common during pregnancy, weight fluctuations and teenage growth spurts. While they can potentially show up anywhere, stretch marks generally appear as red, white or silvery striated lines on the chest, belly, legs, bum, thighs and arms.
Thanks to body positive Instagrammers and Photoshop-free campaigns, it’s become easier than ever to embrace our stretchies. And while we wholeheartedly co-sign the #LoveYourLines #BoPo attitude, sometimes we just want the tiger stripes to go away — or at least make themselves less obvious. The truth is, we can’t get rid of stretch marks completely, but there are products and treatments that can help make them look less visible. There are laser therapy treatments and cosmetic procedures, but there are also stretch mark-reducing products that can help fade those lines.
To help get rid of stretch marks at home, Winard suggests looking for products with ingredients that are naturally collagen-producing and high in vitamins C, E and antioxidants. Shea butter, jojoba, baobab oil, meadowfoam oil and rosehip seed oil are effective because they help keep skin smooth and supple and promote healthy cell growth, thus reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Ready to fade those lines? We’ve rounded up some of the best stretch mark-reducing products to try now.
15 Products That Will Get Rid of Stretch Marks
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Clarins
Love and leave those lines with this stretch mark minimizer. It makes marks less obvious while it moisturizes and smooths skin and improves elasticity. The formula is suitable for all skin types and addresses lines caused by puberty, pregnancy and weight changes.
Clarins Stretch Mark Minimizer, $56 at Nordstrom
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StriVectin
This versatile product will streamline beauty routines because it targets both wrinkles on the face and stretch marks on the body. It rebuilds skin layers and is clinically proven to reduce the look of lines in two to eight weeks.
StriVectin Travel Size SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks, $15 at Ulta
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Weleda
Make the most of massage oil by selecting one that improves the look of stretch marks. Apply the oil to bellies, hips, boobs, bums or anywhere else with stretch mark scars. The sweet almond oil base is rich in essential fatty acids that hydrate and keep skin smooth and elastic. The natural formula is also safe to be applied to pregnant bellies.
Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil, $17.69 at Target
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Alba1913
Open up the jar and start rubbing this lightweight body cream over any uneven areas. The formula may not leave behind any greasy residue, but it's potent enough to visibly reduce existing stretch marks and help prevent new ones from forming. Plus, the wildberry formula leaves skin with a long-lasting scent that smells as good as a smoothie bowl thanks to notes of goji berry and acai.
Alba1913 Galenic Stretch Mark Rub, $36 at Alba1913
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Palmer's
Palmer's Cocoa Butter has many fans thanks to its rich and creamy formula. And there is even a version specially designed for stretch marks. This dermatologist-tested formula contains coconut, argan oil, almond oil, vitamin E and elastin to fade lines all over the body. Use the nongreasy butter to keep pregnancy stretch marks at bay and to help get rid of stretch marks caused by weight fluctuations.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks, $5.39 at Target
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Soapwalla
Expectant moms will love this stretch mark treatment that's formulated with pregnancy-safe oils. The formula is enriched with rosehip seed, apricot kernel, black currant seed and jojoba oils to hydrate and help fade lines. The formula also soothes itchy skin. Even those who aren't pregnant will love the oil for the way it works on old and new scar tissue.
Soapwalla Resilience Pregnant Belly Oil, $32 at Soapwalla
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Bio-Oil
Tackle a host of skin care issues with this multipurpose oil. It helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, parched skin and wrinkles. The effective formula utilizes PurCellin Oil, which is high in antioxidants and promotes cellular generation. Apply it from head to toe and it quickly absorbs into skin, leaving a healthy glow.
Bio-Oil Specialist Skincare, $8.99 at Target
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Perricone MD
Anti-aging lotions aren't just for the face. This body lotion has a proprietary formula that helps firm and smooth loose, dimpled skin, so stretch marks and cellulite are less noticeable. It may be effective, but it's still gentle enough for sensitive skin. Fans of Cold Plasma for the face will want to add this to their regular body care routines ASAP.
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Anti-Aging Body Lotion, $110 at Sephora
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Mustela
Don't just treat stretch marks, prevent them from ever happening with this rich oil. The formula is specially designed for expecting and new moms (but it's effective enough for everyone). Avocado, baobab, musk rose, pomegranate oils and natural origin Lupeol help hydrate skin and minimize stretching to prevent silvery stripes. FYI: The formula is hypoallergenic and safe for those who are breastfeeding.
Mustela Stretch Marks Prevention Oil, $30 at Mustela
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Dr. Jart+
Why use any old body cream when it's possible to use one that combines a moisturizing lotion with an anti-stretch mark treatment? It's effective enough that it quenches extremely dry, chapped and cracked skin. The dual mixing system delivers potent active ingredients, then it forms a protective veil over skin to keep it moisturized. And it does all of this while strengthening skin and improving the look of stretch marks.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Body Cream, $28 at Sephora
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Tata Harper
Redefine curves and contours with this splurge-worthy body balm. The 100 percent natural formula mixes different butters to provide mega hydration and fade the look of stretch marks and scars. The rich balm formula has enough moisture to smooth scaly elbows and knees, but it's lightweight enough that it can be applied to the rest of the body. Go on, slather it on.
Tata Harper Redefining Body Balm, $120 at Tata Harper
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Derma E
Stretch marks are actually a type of scar, just like burns. This panthenol-rich treatment targets both along with sunburns, calluses and other skin hardenings. The nonoily formula utilizes herbal ingredients that break down scar tissue and help encourage healthy tissue growth. The treatment is suitable for old and new scars and it can be applied multiple times a day. Don't worry because it won't stain clothes.
Derma E Scar Gel With Allantoin, Allicin and Panthenol, $19.99 at Ulta
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Burt's Bees
Help stop lines from ever starting with this 99 percent natural belly butter. It's made with conditioning vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba butter to keep skin supple. What's more, it's formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS and petrolatum for a gentle-but-effective treatment.
Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter, $12.99 at Ulta
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Mederma
Wondering how to get rid of stretch marks? Indulge in a bit of therapy with this treatment. In addition to reducing the appearance of silvery stripes, the nourishing cream fades discoloration and improves the appearance of other scars. We can thank hyaluronic acid, cepalin and centella asiatica plant extract for that. With continued use, skin's texture and tone will be softer.
Mederma Stretch Mark Therapy, $34.99 at Target
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Natura Bissé
Vitamin C is a hero ingredient in skin care products thanks to the way it fights free radicals and increases collagen production. This gel is packed with the good stuff to lift and smooth skin. It's especially effective on areas of sagging, such as breasts, but can be applied anywhere for a more contoured appearance and to fade the look of stretch marks.
Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Body Lift, $94 at Space.NK
