12 Best Creams and Oils to Visibly Reduce Stretch Marks

Some call them love lines; others call them tiger stripes. They're both pet names of sorts—a nod to the strength of women and the magnificent things their bodies go through—for stretch marks. Either way, these terms put a positive spin on a bodily change that can leave some people turning away from the mirror.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks, known in the medical community as striae, are scars caused by tears in the collagen and elastin fibers of the dermis layer of the skin, says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in NYC. They are often caused by a variety of factors—puberty in teenagers, rapid weight fluctuations, pregnancy, bodybuilding, and/or genetics, she explains.

"These marks often initially appear as red or purple textured lines on the breasts, arms, hips, thighs, buttocks, flanks, and abdomen," says Green. "Over time, these stretch marks fade and will have a white scar-like appearance."

How to get rid of stretch marks

Stretch marks can be a source of insecurity for many individuals, says Green. But the truth is, there's no shame—these marks are a part of the natural evolution of our bodies. That said, there's also no shame if you fall into the camp of people who want to see these lines softened a bit.

And now, the good news for anyone hoping to lessen the appearance of stretch marks: There are treatments on the market that can help repair (or reduce the appearance of) old stretch marks and even prevent new ones from forming, says Green. "It is recommended that stretch mark treatment starts at the initial onset, as the likelihood of successful treatment is much greater," says Green.

Enter: Our curated selection of the very best stretch mark creams and oils out there. "The most effective over-the-counter stretch mark creams often contain retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils," Green explains. Retinol-based products work by stimulating new collagen production in the skin, while hyaluronic acid can help strengthen the skin and improve the skin’s elasticity, says Green. Finally, natural oils—think coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter—can help prevent stretch marks by supporting fragile skin, protecting elasticity, and resisting all kinds of stretch marks, she says.

It's important to note that creams and oils aren't miracle workers. If you're genetically predisposed to stretch marks, no amount of cream will entirely prevent them from forming. Likewise, old stretch marks never really go away. "There are certain creams that may contain ingredients that help stretch marks fade and/or minimize their appearance, but the only treatments that can permanently get rid of stretch marks are specialized in-office lasers," she says.

Of course, there's no harm in trying creams, oils, and other topicals. When doing so, choose a quality product formulated with ingredients proven to help, massage the product into the affected area, and be consistent. It can take time to see improvement, says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC and a professor of dermatology at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Read on to discover expert-approved stretch mark creams and oils to shop now.