Hello, I am Dr. Lee Sang-ju, a board-certified dermatologist. Many people believe that simply applying stretch mark cream will make stretch marks disappear, but in reality, there are many questions and concerns about its effectiveness. As a dermatologist who has treated and researched stretch marks for 20 years, I will clearly answer various questions related to the actual effectiveness of stretch mark creams.
Stretch Marks: Not Just a Skin Problem, But a 'Scar'
Stretch marks are like scars on our body. The skin is composed of the outer epidermis and the underlying dermis. Stretch marks are a type of scar that occurs when the dermal layer, which is deeper than the epidermis, tears, causing the affected area to sink. Due to this characteristic, it is difficult to achieve fundamental effects with simply applied ointments.
Can Stretch Mark Creams Really Eliminate Stretch Marks?
To put it simply, stretch mark creams alone cannot completely eliminate existing stretch marks. Stretch mark creams are classified as cosmetics, and their main ingredient is a moisturizer that keeps the skin surface hydrated. Since cosmetic ingredients have difficulty penetrating deep into the skin to affect the dermal layer, there are limitations in improving stretch marks, which are scars.
However, in the case of early stretch marks that appear slightly red, simply focusing on moisturizing can help prevent the stretch marks from worsening and alleviate symptoms. This helps reduce the formation of stretch marks, but it does not eliminate stretch marks that have already formed. The effectiveness of stretch mark creams can be considered very limited.
Functional Cosmetics Only 'Help' Alleviate Stretch Marks
Since 2017, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has expanded the cosmetics category, allowing the use of phrases such as "helps alleviate red lines in stretch marks" in advertisements. However, the important point here is that it 'helps' with 'alleviation,' not 'treatment.'
Functional cosmetics are a category somewhere between general cosmetics, whose main purpose is skin hydration or cleansing, and medicines whose actual effects have been verified. They are not ineffective, but their effectiveness is definitely lower than that of medicines.
Therefore, if you use stretch mark cream, you can expect some effect in slowing the progression or alleviating the severity if you apply it when early red stretch marks appear, rather than when they have already turned white.
Don't Be Fooled by Exaggerated Advertisements
Recently, many social media advertisements claim that existing stretch marks can be eliminated with stretch mark cream. However, this constitutes overstated or exaggerated advertising. Dermatologists are subject to sanctions from the Korean Medical Association if they advertise cosmetics, specific medicines, or procedures, so they do not engage in such advertising. If you see the phrase "recommended by a dermatologist," it is advisable to check it carefully once more.
Stretch Mark Cream vs. Oil: Which Formulation is More Effective?
Many people are concerned about whether cream or oil is better for preventing stretch marks. However, the two formulations are merely differences in texture, such as feel and spreadability, and I have not seen any research results indicating that one is significantly superior to the other in terms of stretch mark prevention. It is important to choose what suits your personal preference and use it consistently.
For Stretch Mark Treatment, Consider Medicated Ointments and Professional Procedures
If you want to fundamentally improve existing stretch marks, you should consider medicated ointments or professional dermatological procedures.
Medicated Ointments Recommended by Dermatologists
Among ointments classified as medicines, not cosmetics, there are ingredients that can help improve stretch marks. The most representative ingredient is tretinoin-containing ointment (e.g., Stieva-A). The active ingredient in this ointment, retinoid, penetrates deep into the skin, stimulates fibroblasts that produce collagen, and promotes new collagen production, which can help improve stretch marks.
Precautions:
- Pregnant women should never use it. It should be used after childbirth and when breastfeeding has ended.
- Tretinoin ointment can be highly irritating. It should be used in the appropriate dosage, and excessive application can actually cause skin problems, so it must be used under the guidance of a specialist.
Procedures for Fundamental Stretch Mark Improvement
Even medicated ointments may have limited effectiveness compared to laser treatments. If you want to effectively improve existing stretch marks, professional dermatological treatments such as laser treatments or radiofrequency treatments are necessary. These procedures aim for fundamental skin improvement by inducing collagen regeneration in the stretch mark area.
Since stretch marks are scars that are difficult to disappear naturally once they form, it is important to respond early and, if necessary, consult a dermatologist to establish an appropriate treatment plan.