Stretch marks are those red, blue and purple streaks that appear on the skin after it has been overstretched. They often develop after weight gain, weight loss and during pregnancy, and although they are normal--and typically go away on their own--they can be annoying. Luckily, some topical creams can reduce their appearance more quickly.
Step 1
Apply thick moisturizer to the skin surrounding the stretch marks after you shower each day, when the skin is still moist. Hydrated skin is more supple and firm and able to repair itself, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Step 2
Use over-the-counter stretch mark creams containing retinyl palmitate. Retinyl palmitate is a derivative of vitamin A. After it is absorbed into the skin, some retinyl palmitate converts into retinol and ultimately retinoic acid (Retin-A), according to SmartSkinCare.com.
According to a study published in 1996 in the "Archives of Dermatology," retinoic acid reduces the appearance of stretch marks in 80 percent of patients.
Step 3
Ask your doctor for a retinoic acid (Retin-A) prescription. These creams are more potent and effective than over-the-counter creams, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizing cream
- Over-the-counter creams containing retinyl palmitate
- Prescription retinoic acid cream
