Elara guides
Stretch marks, honestly
The honest truth — and how to be kind to your skin and yourself.
Updated · Sources
Stretch marks are one of pregnancy's most talked-about, least controllable changes. Here's the honest version: they're extremely common, they're not a sign you did anything wrong, and no cream reliably prevents them. What you can do is care for your skin and, just as much, be gentle with how you feel about it.
What they actually are
As skin stretches quickly, the collagen and elastin in its middle layer can tear slightly, showing through as streaks — often on the bump, breasts, hips or thighs. Whether you get them is mostly down to genetics and how fast the skin stretches, not how much cream you used. They usually start pink, red or purple and fade to silvery lines over the months after birth.
What helps (a little)
- Moisturising keeps skin comfortable and less itchy as it stretches — it won't guarantee prevention, but it feels good.
- Staying hydrated and eating well supports skin health generally.
- Gradual, steady weight gain stretches skin less abruptly than rapid gain.
- After birth, some find retinoid creams or in-clinic treatments fade marks — but save retinoids until you're no longer pregnant or breastfeeding.
The part no cream fixes
Lots of mothers wear their marks as a map of something extraordinary their body did. You don't have to love them — but you also don't have to fight a losing battle against your own genetics. Either feeling is allowed.
Sources & editorial process
Written by the Elara editorial team from the sources above. This page has not been reviewed by an independent clinician. Read how we write and update health pages. Last updated .
Medical disclaimer: this page is general education, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are worried about yourself or your baby, contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away. In an emergency call your local emergency number.