Stretch Marks in Pregnancy: Do Creams Work, and What Is Safe to Use?
Stretch marks in pregnancy are very common: the NHS says they affect around 8 in 10 pregnant women. No cream or oil has been proven to prevent them, and a Cochrane review found no high-quality evidence for any product. Moisturising still eases tight, itchy skin, and most marks fade to pale, silvery lines after birth. One exception to watch for: itchy palms or soles are not a stretch-mark itch, so call your doctor.
What are stretch marks in pregnancy, and when do they start?
Doctors call them striae gravidarum. They form when the middle layer of skin is stretched and breaks in places, usually on the tummy, thighs or breasts (NHS). New marks can be pink, red, purple or brown, depending on your skin colour, and may feel raised and itchy (AAD). They usually appear in the late second or early third trimester, but in one study 43% of women had them before 24 weeks (Farahnik and colleagues, 2017).
Why do some mums get them and others don’t?
Mostly things you cannot control. A review of 28 studies found the strongest risk factors were a younger age, your own or your family’s history of stretch marks, a higher weight before pregnancy and before delivery, and a bigger baby (Farahnik and colleagues). The NHS adds that gaining more weight than average raises your chances, but warns against eating less to lose weight while pregnant. Our guides to weight gain in pregnancy and staying fit during pregnancy can help you keep things steady.
Can any cream or oil prevent stretch marks?
Not reliably. A Cochrane review of six trials with 800 women found that women using creams with active ingredients got stretch marks at a similar rate to those using a plain cream or nothing. The authors found no high-quality evidence to support any topical product.
- Centella and hyaluronic acid look the most promising, but the evidence is limited for centella and weak for hyaluronic acid (Korgavkar and Wang, 2015). The positive trials used branded creams mixed with other ingredients and massaged in, so the massage may explain some of the effect (Farahnik). A 2026 review calls the benefit modest and not statistically significant (Davis and colleagues).
- Cocoa butter did no better than a dummy lotion in trials of 175 mums in Lebanon (Osman, 2008) and 300 in Jamaica (Buchanan, 2010).
- Olive oil made no significant difference in a trial of 100 first-time mums (Soltanipoor, 2012).
- Bio-Oil’s two studies were reported only on the company’s website, without full results (Ud-Din and colleagues, 2016).
Is it still worth moisturising your bump?
Yes, for comfort. A heavy moisturiser may keep your skin soft, though it will not get rid of stretch marks (ACOG). For itching, the NHS suggests an unperfumed moisturiser used regularly, patting instead of scratching, and loose cotton clothes. Some mums also enjoy a prenatal massage from 16 to 36 weeks. Ours uses a water-soluble oil with grapefruit seed extract that adds moisture. Think of it as rest and comfort, not a way to stop stretch marks.
Do stretch marks go away after birth?
They fade but rarely disappear. Over months to years, red or purple marks turn pale or silvery, flatter and slightly sunken (Farahnik; AAD). The NHS says they may not disappear completely. Treatment works best on newer, redder marks.
What treatments help after pregnancy, and are they OK while breastfeeding?
None will remove stretch marks, but some can make them less noticeable (AAD). Wait until after birth: treating stretch marks in pregnancy is not recommended (Trivedi and colleagues, 2017).
Tretinoin cream (prescription)
May make early marks less noticeable with nightly use over months (AAD). Never in pregnancy. While breastfeeding, it is considered low risk because little is absorbed (LactMed), but keep it off the nipple area and your baby’s skin.
Laser
Non-ablative fractional lasers improved marks by 50 to 75% in studies, mostly of non-pregnancy marks (Farahnik). On darker skin, ablative lasers carry more risk of dark patches (Chaudhury, 2026). Breastfeeding research is thin, but lasers are thought to be low concern (Trivedi).
Microneedling
Several studies found it improved stretch marks across skin types (Farahnik; Chaudhury). There is very little research on cosmetic procedures while breastfeeding, so check with your doctor first.
Radiofrequency
The AAD lists it among procedures that can make marks less noticeable. Our Proionic Womb Wellness Therapy is a postnatal radiofrequency programme that aims to improve the look of caesarean scars and stretch marks. It is not for pregnancy, and is described as certified safe for breastfeeding mums.
Which skincare ingredients should you avoid while pregnant?
The big one is the retinoid family: retinol, tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene. ACOG says topical retinoids are generally avoided in pregnancy and that some shop products contain them, so read labels. See our guides to ingredients to avoid in pregnancy skincare and prenatal hormonal changes on your skin. Our pregnancy-safe facials use no retinoids, and if you are unsure about a product you use at home, bring it in and we will review it for you, free of charge.
Bump cream ingredient checker
Pick an ingredient from your product’s label to see what the guidance says about pregnancy, and what the research says about stretch marks.
When is an itchy bump a reason to see a doctor?
Mild itching as your skin stretches is normal. Get help promptly if:
- your palms or soles itch, or the itch is worse at night or keeps you awake. The NHS says to get urgent medical help, as this can be obstetric cholestasis (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy), a liver condition. It usually starts in the third trimester, often with no rash, and can raise the risk of early birth (ACOG). Call your gynae or your hospital’s delivery suite the same day.
- you have a new rash, lump or swelling, or the itch affects your daily life (NHS). A painful or blistering rash needs a doctor too.
- itchy red bumps or hives start on your tummy and spread. This may be PUPPP, which often starts around stretch marks and can be treated (ACOG; Davis).
- blisters appear on your tummy. Pemphigoid gestationis is rare but needs close monitoring (ACOG).
Frequently asked questions
Can you prevent stretch marks in pregnancy?
Not reliably. A Cochrane review of six trials with 800 women found no high-quality evidence that any cream or oil prevents them. Your genes, your age and your baby’s size matter more. Keeping your weight gain steady may help, as the NHS says gaining more than average makes them more likely.
When do stretch marks start in pregnancy?
It varies. They are usually reported in the late second or early third trimester, but one study found 43% of women had them before 24 weeks. The first sign may be itchy skin on your tummy, thighs or breasts.
Do pregnancy stretch marks go away after birth?
They fade but rarely disappear. Over months to years, red or purple marks turn pale or silvery and flatter. The NHS says they usually become less noticeable but probably will not go away completely.
Is Bio-Oil or cocoa butter worth it?
Not for prevention. Two randomised trials found cocoa butter did no better than a dummy cream, and Bio-Oil’s own studies were reported only on the company website, without full results. If you enjoy using one, it can keep your skin comfortable, but check oil blends for retinol or retinyl on the label. A plain unperfumed cream does the same job.
Which stretch mark creams are safe in pregnancy?
Plain moisturisers, cocoa butter, olive oil, hyaluronic acid and centella creams are generally considered fine. Avoid anything with retinol, tretinoin or other retinoids, and read labels, as ACOG warns that some shop products contain them. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I have laser for stretch marks while breastfeeding?
Possibly, but ask your doctor first. A review of cosmetic procedures found very few studies in breastfeeding mums, though lasers are thought to be low concern because little is absorbed into the body. Laser is not recommended during pregnancy.
Sources
- NHS. Stretch marks in pregnancy, Stretch marks and Itching in pregnancy.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Stretch marks: why they appear and how to get rid of them and Is any acne treatment safe to use during pregnancy?
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Skin conditions during pregnancy.
- Brennan M, Young G, Devane D. Topical preparations for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012.
- Korgavkar K, Wang F. Stretch marks during pregnancy: a review of topical prevention. British Journal of Dermatology, 2015.
- Farahnik B, Park K, Kroumpouzos G, Murase J. Striae gravidarum: risk factors, prevention, and management. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 2017.
- Ud-Din S, McGeorge D, Bayat A. Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2016.
- Davis M and colleagues. Narrative review of skin and pregnancy: dermatologic manifestations and medication management during pregnancy. Dermatology and Therapy, 2026.
- Osman H and colleagues. Cocoa butter lotion for prevention of striae gravidarum: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial. BJOG, 2008.
- Buchanan K, Fletcher HM, Reid M. Prevention of striae gravidarum with cocoa butter cream. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2010.
- Soltanipoor F and colleagues. The effect of olive oil on prevention of striae gravidarum: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2012.
- Trivedi MK, Kroumpouzos G, Murase JE. A review of the safety of cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and lactation. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 2017.
- Chaudhury H and colleagues. Advancements in treating stretch marks across all skin types: a comprehensive review of therapeutic modalities. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 2026.
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Tretinoin. US National Library of Medicine.
This article is general information, not medical advice, and cannot diagnose any condition. If your skin is very itchy, especially on your palms or soles, or you have a new rash, please see your doctor. Published 13/11/2026.