Stretch marks during pregnancy: can they really be prevented? Oils, creams and the evidence

Stretch marks are among the most common skin changes during pregnancy. They can appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs or buttocks, sometimes over just a few weeks. Because they can look very noticeable at first, many expectant mothers look for an oil, cream or routine that can prevent them. That is understandable, but the scientific answer is less straightforward than many marketing claims suggest: no product applied to the skin has so far been shown reliably to prevent pregnancy stretch marks.

Moisturising the skin can still feel pleasant, reduce dryness and tightness, and make gentle massage more comfortable. It can therefore have a genuine place in a wellbeing routine, as long as it is not presented as a guarantee against stretch marks. The most useful approach is to separate three questions: what improves skin comfort, what is associated with a higher likelihood of developing stretch marks, and what has actually been tested for prevention or treatment.

This guide reviews the evidence available in September 2026. It explains why some people develop many stretch marks while others develop very few, what is known about oils and creams, which ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy, how to care for your skin without unrealistic promises, and which options you may wish to discuss after birth if the marks continue to bother you.

The short answer: can stretch marks really be prevented during pregnancy?

At present, no cream, oil, plant butter or topical preparation has a sufficiently robust evidence base to be recommended as a guaranteed or standard method of preventing pregnancy stretch marks. The Cochrane review on this subject included six trials involving 800 women and found no reliable evidence of a preventive benefit from the preparations studied, including olive oil, cocoa butter and products containing vitamin E, hyaluronic acid or other ingredients. A more recent systematic review published in 2026, covering four randomised trials with 671 pregnant women, did find a favourable signal for coconut oil. However, the authors highlighted substantial heterogeneity, the impossibility of performing a meta-analysis and the need for larger, better-designed and better-blinded trials before this can support a clinical recommendation.

This does not mean that moisturising your skin is pointless. A simple cream or a well-tolerated oil can improve comfort, reduce dryness and make massage more pleasant. The important distinction is the goal: moisturising is not the same thing as preventing stretch marks.

Risk depends on several factors that are not fully modifiable, including maternal age, family history, skin characteristics, weight before pregnancy, weight change during pregnancy, the baby's birth weight, and probably genetic and hormonal influences. There is therefore no universal routine capable of guaranteeing “no stretch marks”.

What exactly is a stretch mark?

A stretch mark, or stria, is a change within the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. At first it is often red, pink or purple; this is generally described as a recent or early stretch mark. Over time it usually becomes paler, sometimes pearly or white. The marks can fade significantly after pregnancy without necessarily disappearing completely.

Pregnancy combines several factors that may favour their development: rapid enlargement of the abdomen and breasts, changes in mechanical tension on the skin and hormonal changes. The skin does not literally “tear” in the same way as fabric ripping. The process involves more complex changes in the structure of the dermis and its supporting fibres.

The abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs and buttocks are the most commonly affected areas. The number, width and colour of stretch marks vary greatly between individuals and can even differ between pregnancies in the same woman.

When do they most often appear?

Pregnancy stretch marks commonly develop during the second half of pregnancy as body changes accelerate, with a particularly high frequency in the third trimester. They can, however, appear earlier.

There is no specific week after which an expectant mother is guaranteed not to develop them. Skin that remains unmarked at seven months can still change later. Conversely, stretch marks that appear early do not necessarily continue to spread extensively.

Their appearance is not evidence that you failed to moisturise your skin properly or “missed” the right prevention window. This matters because the guilt encouraged by some marketing messages is not supported by the evidence.

Why do some women develop many stretch marks while others develop almost none?

Research has identified several factors associated with risk. A review focused on pregnancy stretch marks found that commonly reported factors included younger maternal age, a family history of stretch marks, higher weight before or at the end of pregnancy, and a higher infant birth weight.

These associations do not allow an exact prediction for an individual pregnancy. They mainly show that the condition cannot be explained by one cosmetic habit. Two women can use the same cream every day and have completely different outcomes because their skin characteristics and pregnancies are different.

The role of genetics and personal history

Having a mother or sister who developed stretch marks during pregnancy appears to increase the likelihood of developing them. Likewise, having had stretch marks during puberty, a rapid growth phase or a change in weight may suggest an individual predisposition.

This background cannot be changed with an oil. Knowing that can help set realistic expectations.

The role of weight gain

A large or rapid change in weight may increase mechanical stress on the skin. That does not mean you should try to gain as little weight as possible. Weight gain during pregnancy serves physiological needs and should be considered according to pre-pregnancy body size, how the pregnancy is progressing and the advice of the professional following you.

The NHS also advises against restricting food intake in an attempt to lose weight during pregnancy to avoid stretch marks. A varied diet appropriate for pregnancy is far more important than an aesthetic target.

Anti-stretch-mark oils: what do studies actually show?

Oils are popular because they spread easily, reduce the sensation of dry skin and can make massage pleasant. Common choices include sweet almond oil, olive oil, mixed plant oils and products enriched with vitamin E.

The difficulty is that perceived comfort and preventive effectiveness are two different questions. An oil can make the surface of the skin feel softer and still fail to prevent the deeper dermal changes involved in stretch-mark formation.

The Cochrane review did not show reliable prevention with the topical products studied. The trials were small and heterogeneous, which also means they cannot completely rule out a modest effect from a particular preparation. The accurate conclusion is therefore: there is no high-quality evidence allowing us to recommend an oil as an effective method of prevention.

What about cocoa butter?

Cocoa butter is one of the oldest and most widely used remedies. Its emollient properties can be pleasant on dry skin. However, there is no strong evidence that it prevents stretch marks. It has been evaluated in trials included in systematic reviews without a clear preventive benefit.

If you like its texture and tolerate it well, you can use it as a moisturiser or massage product. The only mistake would be to treat it as insurance against stretch marks.

Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and centella: promising or proven?

Several ingredients are frequently highlighted in specialist products. Some have useful moisturising properties or plausible biological mechanisms. A plausible mechanism, however, is not the same as clinical proof.

Preparations containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E or plant extracts have been studied. Results are too limited or too inconsistent to support a reliable preventive claim. The overall certainty of evidence remains low.

It is therefore reasonable to choose a product according to tolerance, texture, fragrance preferences and cost rather than because it promises complete prevention.

Does daily massage make a difference?

Some older studies suggested that regular massage combined with a topical preparation might help, but it is difficult to separate the effect of massage from the effect of the product and from differences in baseline risk between participants. Reviews do not allow us to conclude that massage prevents stretch marks.

Gentle massage can nevertheless be an enjoyable ritual. It can help distribute moisturiser evenly and may make it easier to notice irritation, dryness or other skin changes. It should not be painful or aggressive.

Does drinking a lot of water prevent stretch marks?

Adequate hydration is important for general health, but there is no evidence that drinking more water than your body requires prevents stretch marks. Advice such as “drink three litres a day to keep the skin elastic” is not a specific evidence-based recommendation for stretch-mark prevention.

Drink regularly according to thirst and the advice of your healthcare team, taking into account heat, activity and your health situation. General hydration should not become an excessive cosmetic strategy.

Should you change your diet to protect your skin?

A balanced diet supports the nutritional needs of pregnancy and skin health, but no food has been shown to prevent stretch marks. Claims around collagen, particular vitamins or “skin-repairing” foods often go much further than the evidence.

Do not take supplements solely to prevent stretch marks without discussing them with the professional following your pregnancy. Some supplements may provide unnecessary doses, interact with other products or contain ingredients that are not appropriate during pregnancy.

For general guidance on movement and body changes during pregnancy, you can also read our guide to physical activity during pregnancy. The aim is health and comfort, not aesthetic control of the body.

Can you use any cream during pregnancy?

No. A product being sold as a cosmetic does not mean every active ingredient is desirable during pregnancy. The most important issue here concerns retinoids.

The European Medicines Agency states that topical retinoids such as tretinoin or adapalene should not be used during pregnancy or by women planning a pregnancy. Although absorption through the skin is low, they are contraindicated as a precaution.

This is particularly relevant because tretinoin is sometimes discussed as a possible treatment for recent stretch marks outside pregnancy. General dermatology advice must therefore not be transferred automatically to someone who is pregnant.

If you are unsure about a serum, anti-ageing cream, prescription treatment or product containing multiple active ingredients, show the ingredient list to your doctor, midwife or pharmacist.

A simple, realistic skincare routine during pregnancy

If you enjoy caring for your skin, the routine can stay very simple:

1. Cleanse gently without stripping the skin, using a mild product if needed.
2. Apply a well-tolerated moisturiser or oil once or twice a day if your skin feels dry, tight or itchy.
3. Massage gently if you find it relaxing, without trying to “break down” or deeply loosen the skin.
4. Avoid active ingredients that are contraindicated during pregnancy, particularly retinoids.
5. Choose comfortable clothing that does not rub excessively over sensitive areas.
6. Do not keep adding products if the skin becomes red, irritated or itchy.

If your clothes become uncomfortable as your body changes, our guide to choosing maternity clothes and sizes can help you adapt gradually without replacing your entire wardrobe at once.

Common claims versus the evidence

Claim	What the evidence allows us to say
“An oil prevents stretch marks”	This has not been reliably demonstrated in available trials.
“Cocoa butter is proven”	It moisturises, but preventive effectiveness has not been demonstrated.
“You need to drink huge amounts of water”	Normal hydration matters, but extra water has not been shown to prevent stretch marks.
“If I get them, I did not moisturise enough”	False. Risk depends substantially on individual factors that cannot be controlled.
“They will stay red forever”	No. They usually fade over time.
“A cream can erase them completely”	No treatment guarantees complete disappearance.
“Tretinoin can be used while pregnant”	No. Topical retinoids are contraindicated during pregnancy.

What if stretch marks appear anyway?

The first thing to know is that they naturally change over time. Recent red or purple marks tend to become progressively lighter after birth. This can take several months.

You do not need to start a series of expensive treatments immediately. A personal photograph taken under similar lighting can even help you notice natural improvement that may be hard to see from day to day.

If they continue to bother you significantly, a dermatologist can discuss options once the pregnancy is over. Recent systematic reviews show that many approaches have been studied, including topical treatments, lasers, energy-based devices, microneedling and combinations, but results vary and no method guarantees complete removal.

Why are post-pregnancy treatments so difficult to compare?

Recent and older stretch marks do not respond in exactly the same way. Studies also use very different parameters: type of laser, number of sessions, skin tone, age of the stretch marks, body area and outcome measures. That is one reason the literature can make a treatment look as though it “works” while the real size of the benefit is difficult to generalise.

A 2024 systematic review identified a large number of treatment approaches and concluded that this diversity itself reflects the absence of one universally effective solution. Outcomes depend on the type of stretch mark and the treatment used.

After birth, if you are breastfeeding, mention this before any dermatological treatment. Some medicines or procedures may require additional precautions.

Stretch marks and body image: an aspect worth taking seriously

Stretch marks are medically benign, but that does not mean everyone finds them easy to accept. Some people see them as a normal body change; others find them very difficult to look at. Both reactions are valid.

The problem arises when aesthetic pressure turns a very common feature of pregnancy into a supposedly preventable “failure”. The available evidence points in the opposite direction: even a very consistent skincare routine cannot guarantee prevention.

A responsible brand should therefore avoid statements such as “zero stretch marks”, “guaranteed unmarked skin” or “prevents the skin from cracking”. Those claims are not supported by current evidence.

Is itching on the abdomen always caused by stretch marks?

No. Skin that is stretching or dry can itch, but itching during pregnancy should not automatically be blamed on stretch marks. Contact irritation, eczema and certain pregnancy-related skin conditions can also cause itching.

Very intense, widespread or night-time itching, particularly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, deserves prompt medical advice because it may have another cause and require assessment. Likewise, a significant rash, blisters, pain or signs of infection are not typical features of an ordinary stretch mark.

When should you seek medical advice?

Typical stretch marks do not require urgent medical care. Ask for advice if:

• the lesions are painful, very inflamed or accompanied by an unusual rash;
• itching is severe or widespread;
• the marks appear very suddenly in a context that does not seem related to normal pregnancy changes;
• you are using or have used a dermatological treatment containing a retinoid during pregnancy;
• the psychological impact is significant and you would like support or a dermatological opinion.

Do you need a cosmetic labelled “for pregnancy”?

Not necessarily. The word “pregnancy” on a package is not proof of effectiveness. For simple moisturising, a straightforward, well-tolerated product that is compatible with pregnancy can be enough. What matters most is the ingredient list, how your skin reacts and the absence of contraindicated active ingredients.

Fragrance can make a routine more enjoyable, but some skin becomes more reactive during pregnancy. If you are sensitive to fragrance or prone to eczema, a simple fragrance-free formula may be preferable.

Our guide to everyday pollutants and cosmetics during pregnancy can also help you avoid unnecessary product overload without turning everyday life into an anxiety-provoking checklist.

Can you start in the first trimester?

You can moisturise whenever you like if it makes your skin feel more comfortable. Starting very early, however, does not guarantee better prevention. Trials included in reviews started treatment at different points in pregnancy without identifying a reliably effective preventive strategy.

The useful principle is therefore not “start as early as possible to be safe”, but rather “use a simple product if I need it, without giving it powers it has not been shown to have”.

FAQ: stretch marks during pregnancy

Does every pregnant woman get stretch marks?

No. They are very common but not universal. Risk varies substantially with individual predisposition and the course of the pregnancy.

Is sweet almond oil effective?

It can be pleasant as an emollient or massage oil, but available evidence does not allow us to say that it prevents stretch marks.

Is cocoa butter better than an ordinary moisturiser?

There is no strong evidence that it prevents stretch marks better. Choose primarily according to comfort and tolerance.

Should I massage very firmly?

No. Aggressive massage has no demonstrated benefit and may irritate the skin. If you massage, keep it gentle.

Does drinking collagen work?

There is not enough evidence to recommend collagen supplements for preventing pregnancy stretch marks. Ask for advice before taking any supplement during pregnancy.

Does gaining less weight prevent stretch marks?

Greater weight gain may be associated with risk, but you should not restrict your diet deliberately to avoid stretch marks. Weight should be followed according to the health needs of the pregnancy.

Do stretch marks disappear after birth?

They often fade substantially with time, but they may remain visible as lighter lines.

Can I use retinol while pregnant?

Topical retinoids are contraindicated during pregnancy. If you are unsure whether a product contains retinol or another vitamin A derivative, ask a healthcare professional.

Can a dermatologist treat them after birth?

Yes. Several options can be discussed depending on the type and age of the marks, your skin tone, whether you are breastfeeding and your expectations. Results vary and no technique guarantees complete removal.

Are red stretch marks easier to treat?

Some treatments appear to work differently on recent stretch marks than on older ones, but treatment should be individualised by a professional.

Are stretch marks dangerous for the baby?

No. Stretch marks themselves are a benign skin change and do not affect the baby.

Why does my abdomen itch even though I have hardly any stretch marks?

Dryness and stretching can cause itching independently of stretch marks. Severe or unusual itching should still be reported to the professional following your pregnancy.

Key points

Pregnancy stretch marks are common and are strongly influenced by individual factors that cannot be fully controlled. Available evidence does not support a guarantee of prevention with an oil, cream, cocoa butter or other product applied to the skin.

Moisturising can still be useful for comfort, especially if the skin feels dry or tight. The realistic goal is to care for your skin rather than to impose a guaranteed cosmetic result. Avoid products containing retinoids during pregnancy and ask for advice if you are uncertain about an active ingredient.

After birth, stretch marks often fade gradually. If they remain very bothersome, a dermatologist can discuss available treatments while explaining clearly their potential benefits, limitations and precautions.

Sources and references

1. Cochrane, Brennan M, Young G, Devane D. “Topical preparations for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy”, updated 2022. View source.
2. NHS. “Stretch marks in pregnancy”, accessed September 2026. View source.
3. Farahnik B et al. “Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management”, International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 2017. View source.
4. Al-Himdani S et al. “Striae distensae: a comprehensive review and evidence-based evaluation of prophylaxis and treatment”, British Journal of Dermatology, 2014. View source.
5. Zhu CK et al. “A Systematic Review on Treatment Outcomes of Striae”, Dermatologic Surgery, 2024. View source.
6. European Medicines Agency. “Updated measures for pregnancy prevention during retinoid use”. View source.
7. Güner Emül T, Kaplan Serin E. “Effect of Aromatherapy Oil Applications on Striae Gravidarum: A Systematic Review”, Skin Research and Technology, 2026;32(4):e70354. Four randomised trials, 671 participants; a favourable signal for coconut oil was reported, but evidence remains insufficient for a clinical recommendation. View source.

General information: this article does not replace medical, dermatological or pharmaceutical advice. If you have severe itching, an unusual rash, a current dermatological treatment or any doubt about a product during pregnancy, ask the healthcare professional following you.