Are stretch marks actually preventable?

Author: Myrtis Streich DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, November 16, 2025

You can't do anything that guarantees that you won't develop stretch marks. But a combination of hydration, diet and exercise can help reduce your risk.

Are stretch marks genetic or preventable?

Stretch marks may be a harmless side effect of pregnancy, but they're a source of frustration for many new moms. They most commonly appear on the abdomen and breasts but can also pop up on the thighs, buttocks and upper arms. Unfortunately, stretch marks that appear during pregnancy are primarily hereditary.

Does anything actually reduce stretch marks?

Many creams, ointments and other products claim to prevent or treat stretch marks. These include products made of cocoa butter, vitamin E and glycolic acid. They aren't harmful, but they probably won't help much either. Stretch marks usually fade over time and don't need self-care or home therapy.

Is there a way to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy?

How to “Prevent” Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
  1. Use lotion or cream daily to keep your skin moisturized. ...
  2. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, which may help keep your skin soft and less prone to stretch marks.
  3. Avoid caffeine during pregnancy, which can increase your risk of developing stretch marks.

How do celebrities not get stretch marks when pregnant?

Bio-Oil Skin Care Oil

Kim Kardashian and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (aka Duchess Kate) are both fans of Bio-Oil for keeping skin soft and stretch mark-free during pregnancy.

Can You Prevent Stretch Marks? A Dermatologist Explains Causes & Treatments | Dr. Sam Ellis

How to avoid a big belly during pregnancy?

Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy weight in pregnancy.
  1. Plan for healthy eating and exercise. ...
  2. Start the day right with breakfast. ...
  3. Eat to keep your blood sugar levels stable in pregnancy. ...
  4. Ask family and friends for support. ...
  5. Be mindful of your eating. ...
  6. Find a distraction. ...
  7. Find an exercise buddy.

Do so stretch marks go away if you lose weight?

Do stretch marks go away when you lose weight? In general, stretch marks from weight loss fade or disappear completely on their own. Sometimes rapid weight loss can actually cause stretch marks because of excess skin weighing down on the healthy skin.

Can you 100% get rid of stretch marks?

In general, treating stretch marks is difficult. Treatment improves the appearance of stretch marks, but they may not go away completely. Addressing your stretch marks when they first appear yields the best results. Older, deep stretch marks may be more challenging to treat.

How do celebrities get rid of stretch marks?

Radiofrequency Treatments

Allure reports that RF treatments use energy to heat the skin's deeper layers, stimulating collagen and elastin production. This process tightens the skin and reduces the appearance of stretch marks by improving skin elasticity and texture.

Are pregnancy stretch marks unavoidable?

Gaining a healthy amount of weight while pregnant may lessen stretch marks by preventing overstretched skin. Staying hydrated, as it helps keep your skin stay soft. Soft skin is somewhat less likely to develop stretch marks than dry skin. Checking your vitamin D levels.

Does moisturizing help prevent stretch marks?

Staying hydrated helps skin retain its elasticity, an important element in preventing skin from becoming stretched too thin. Moisturize. There's no magic cream that can absolutely prevent stretch marks, but keeping skin supple may make a person less susceptible to developing stretch marks.

Who is most prone to stretch marks?

Anyone can develop stretch marks, but some factors increase your likelihood of getting them, including:
  • Being female.
  • Having a personal or family history of stretch marks.
  • Being pregnant, especially if you're young.
  • Rapid growth in adolescence.
  • Rapidly gaining or losing weight.
  • Using corticosteroids.

Do teenage stretch marks go away?

Stretch marks usually fade over time but may not disappear completely. Many creams and lotions claim to prevent, reduce or remove stretch marks. But there's very little evidence these work. There are some treatments that may help make stretch marks look better, but they will not get rid of them.

Does vitamin C work on stretch marks?

Ascorbic acid also stimulates collagen production in the dermis by increasing fibroblast proliferation. It therefore seems likely that ascorbic acid can improve the atrophic appearance of stretch marks.

How can I remove a stretch mark naturally?

Can stretch marks be removed at home?
  1. Method 1: Massage. One of the most effective ways to combat skin imperfections at home is through massage. ...
  2. Method 2: Exercise. ...
  3. Method 3: Nutrition. ...
  4. Method 4: Using creams and oils. ...
  5. Method 5: Using aloe vera. ...
  6. Method 6: Exfoliation. ...
  7. Method 7: Masking. ...
  8. Method 8: Regular skin care.

How do celebrities not have stretch marks after pregnancy?

Exercise. One way to decrease the visibility of excess skin after pregnancy is to strengthen the muscle below it. In the case of the abdomen, strengthening your core through regular exercise can help to build the stomach muscles out and tighten the skin above as a result.

Can vaseline remove stretch marks?

Can Vaseline remove stretch marks? While Vaseline can help to moisturise the skin and improve its overall appearance, it is unlikely to completely remove stretch marks. Using Vaseline in combination with other treatments can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time.

What are purple stretch marks?

Development of a stretch mark

The skin is stretched as a consequence of underlying tissue expansion. There is an inflammatory reaction in the skin that is responsible for the characteristic red or purple colour. The inflammation eventually fades and is replaced by scar tissue.

Why do some fat people not have stretch marks?

Genetics. Similar to cellulite, genetics seem to play a big role in determining your risk for stretch marks.

Can you tattoo over stretch marks?

Stretch marks are caused by the rapid stretching of the skin and most often occur on the stomach, arms, and thighs. These body parts are also popular tattoo spots. Since stretch marks create texture and color pigmentation on the skin, you might wonder, can you tattoo over stretch marks? The short answer is yes!

Can tiger balm get rid of stretch marks?

Stretchmarks: Tiger Balm's ability to increase blood flow is thought by some to help improve the appearance of stretch marks, but this is not supported by research.

What trimester do you gain the most weight?

First trimester: 1-4.5 pounds. Second trimester: 1-2 pounds per week. Third trimester: 1-2 pounds per week.

At what month do you get a baby bump?

Typically, your bump becomes noticeable during your second trimester. Between 16-20 weeks, your body will start showing your baby's growth. For some women, their bump may not be noticeable until the end of the second trimester and even into the third trimester. The second trimester starts in the fourth month.

Can pregnancy belly go away?

Even if you're losing weight steadily, it can take many months to get rid of the "pregnancy pouch," and sometimes it never goes away entirely. The "C-section pooch," a term that refers to the belly hanging over a C-section scar, might also be there to stay, though it will typically shrink as your body heals.

Previous article
What is the gunk on pimple patches?
Next article
Does lactic acid remove tan?