Stretch marks are not simply skin stretched due to weight gain; they are a type of atrophic scar where the collagen fibers in the dermis tear under physical stress. Many people diligently apply expensive stretch mark creams during pregnancy only to find stretch marks on their abdomen. From a medical perspective, creams cannot adequately prevent stretch marks. This is because applying cream to an already torn dermis externally will not reattach it.
First, let's look at why creams cannot prevent them
Stretch marks are similar to leather tearing from the inside. Applying something to the surface will not reattach the torn dermis, so surface management clearly has its limitations. Therefore, a medical approach is necessary.
It is difficult to reverse atrophic scars where the dermis has already torn, using only external creams.
Stretch mark creams are moisturizers, not treatments
No cream has been confirmed to show excellent efficacy in preventing and removing stretch marks. A study published in a leading obstetrics and gynecology journal compared pregnant women, with one group using stretch mark cream and the other a control group with no active ingredients, and found no significant difference between the two groups.
- The actual function of stretch mark creams is moisturization.
- Moisturizing itself is meaningful because dry skin is more prone to tearing or scarring.
- Similar moisturizing effects can be expected from Vaseline or general body lotion, even if they are not expensive creams.
Red stretch marks are the golden time
Do not miss the timing by only applying stretch mark creams. When stretch marks are red, it is a sign that blood vessels are still active and the scar has not fully hardened, indicating an early stage.
At this time, by reducing the enlarged blood vessels with a vascular laser and inducing dermal regeneration, it may be possible to partially prevent the stretch marks from becoming white and sunken, and to improve them closer to normal skin. Therefore, the red stretch mark stage is the golden time.
Do not give up on white stretch marks either
Many people give up on white stretch marks, believing they cannot be treated, but this is not true. Dr. Lee Sang-joo's own research, published in an international academic journal, confirmed that even in old, already white stretch marks, fractional laser treatment can regenerate collagen, improving the texture and color of the stretch marks.
Yonsei Star Dermatology uses this principle to combine the Pinhole Technique, which creates microscopic holes in the white stretch mark area to fill and raise it, with regenerative treatments. The focus is on improving even the notoriously difficult white stretch marks to make them less noticeable.
We recommend scientific treatment over concealment
While one might think stretch marks can simply be covered with clothes, they become emotional scars that diminish confidence whenever swimwear is worn or exposure is necessary. It is not uncommon for people with stretch marks on their calves to avoid skirts and only wear pants.
Rather than wasting time and money on creams with uncertain efficacy, we recommend choosing scientific treatments supported by data and research.
Results may vary by individual, and accurate diagnosis and treatment are determined after consultation.
Written by Lee Sang-joo (Yonsei Star Dermatology) · Medical Staff Introduction · Last reviewed 2026-06-04