Does retinol work on old stretch marks?

Author: Malika Lowe  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

While retinol won't completely remove old stretch marks, it can still improve their texture and make them less noticeable. Remember to use retinol carefully, especially on sensitive areas like your stomach, and always protect your skin from the sun.

What is the best treatment for old stretch marks?

Ideally, if you want to care for older stretch marks the place to start is with topical creams. But if that doesn't have the desired impact, Chemical Peeling, Microdermabrasion, FMR and Laser are options.

Can you be too old to use retinol?

the weakened skin withers and loses its firmness. But all ages can reap the rewards of retinol. it's never too late to start your retinol journey, and it's definitely not too early to start either Go for it !

Can I use tretinoin on old stretch marks?

Dr. Shende says that the impact tretinoin may have on stretch marks present for several years may be limited. The structural alterations in the skin associated with older stretch marks, such as collagen restructuring and scar maturation, may exhibit reduced responsiveness to tretinoin treatment.

How do you cover up old stretch marks?

Some treatments and home remedies can fade or hide stretch marks:
  1. Body makeup and self-tanner: These products can help hide stretch marks. ...
  2. Tretinoin: Creams with tretinoin (Retin-A) contain retinoid, a compound related to Vitamin A.

HOW TO USE TRETINOIN TO TREAT STRETCH MARKS.STRETCH MARKS REMOVAL

Does retinol get rid of stretch marks?

It works by boosting collagen production and speeding up cell turnover, which helps to blend the stretch marks into the surrounding skin. While retinol won't completely remove old stretch marks, it can still improve their texture and make them less noticeable.

Can you lighten old stretch marks?

Treatment can make them fade, but they may never completely disappear. The following treatments are among those available to help improve the appearance and texture of stretch marks. None has been proved to be more consistently successful than the others. Retinoid cream.

How do celebrities remove 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.

How do you exfoliate old stretch marks?

There are different methods of exfoliating stretch marks. You can exfoliate it using a brush, exfoliating soap, loofah, or applying a chemical exfoliant lotion and microdermabrasion treatment.

Is retinol damaging long term?

It's unlikely you'll experience retinol side effects long-term. However, retinol can leave your skin more vulnerable to sun damage, so it's important to apply sunscreen daily. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

When is it too late to start using tretinoin?

Retinoids increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, which helps with acne and mild fine lines and wrinkles. It is best to start young (as young as in your 20s) and continue using, although it's never too late to start!

Why does my skin look older after retinol?

Going overboard on the potent ingredient (known to cause irritation and dryness at high concentrations) can dry out your skin and make your wrinkles look more noticeable, says Rebecca Kazin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. Avoid this side ...

Does collagen help with old stretch marks?

Collagen is a powerful anti-ageing tool that can help to reduce the occurrence of stretch marks and improve the appearance of existing marks - here's how. Collagen powder for stretch marks may feel like a buzz term, but the verdict is in: this super ingredient is a powerful way to keep stretch marks at bay.

What is the best retinol cream for stretch marks?

Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

If you're looking for a non-greasy lotion that does the most, Paula's Choice goes to work on hyperpigmentation and improves skin firmness—all while minimizing the appearance of stretch marks, both new and old.

Does tretinoin fade old stretch marks?

There are some treatments that may help make stretch marks look better, but they will not get rid of them. They include: retinoid (often called tretinoin) creams or hyaluronic acid – these may help if used on new stretch marks, but you should not use retinoid creams if you're pregnant as they may harm your baby.

Can retinol improve old scars?

Retinol is also found in many acne scar treatment products because it promotes new skin cell growth and helps even out skin texture and skin tone — all of which can help reduce the appearance of newer, red acne scars and older scars.

Are retinol and tretinoin the same?

Retinol is naturally derived from vitamin A, while tretinoin is a synthetic form. Tretinoin is significantly stronger than retinol. Tretinoin requires a prescription, while retinol compounds are typically over the counter. Typical skin shedding during early use of retinol is less pronounced than tretinoin.

Does retinol work on white stretch marks?

Topical retinoid creams, which come from vitamin A, may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. These creams tend to be most effective for red stretch marks. The effects may be less drastic on white stretch marks, or there may be no observable difference at all.

Can old stretch marks be removed?

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 models get flat belly after pregnancy?

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

The most effective way to tackle inelastic, sagging skin on the abdomen is through a tummy tuck. This popular surgery works to remove excess skin and tighten up any muscle separation caused by the expansion of the abdomen.

Does mederma work on old stretch marks?

Mederma stretch marks therapy combines botanical ingredients in a nourishing formula that hydrates skin to help prevent stretch marks and is clinically shown to improve the appearance of existing stretch marks.

Why are my stretch marks turning red again?

Well, red stretch marks have several possible causes ! It can break down following very significant weight gain or loss but also following a sudden hormonal imbalance , such as during pregnancy or adolescence. As is often the case when it comes to skin and health, genetics also come into play.

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