If you have stretch marks, you are not alone. Some of the world's most stunning women, such as Ashley Graham, Chrissy Teigen, and Rihanna, have openly shared theirs on social media. It serves as a great reminder that these marks are entirely normal (and often hereditary) occurrences during pregnancy or growth spurts.
That said, numerous factors are beyond your control during pregnancy, making it understandable if you wish to avoid any additional bodily changes, if possible. This has led to an increase in the popularity of skincare ingredients like castor oil, olive oil, and coconut oil, which are claimed to enhance their appearance. Here, we are highlighting how coconut oil, in particular, can assist with stretch marks and how to make the most of it.
Does coconut oil for stretch marks work?
Coconut oil has some effect. "Topical treatments, including coconut oil, cannot prevent or completely eliminate stretch marks," says Dr. Rodney. "However, coconut oil can help keep the skin moisturized and facilitate healing, which can reduce the likelihood of stretch marks."
The remarkable qualities of coconut oil contribute to its effectiveness. Not only does it possess potent antioxidant and wound-healing properties due to a high content of fatty acids, but coconut oil also aids in other skin conditions, such as dry skin and eczema, as per a study in the International Journal of Dermatology. Coconut oil can also enhance elasticity, stimulate collagen production, and promote cellular turnover. Nevertheless, certain factors, like genetics, can make pregnancy stretch marks unavoidable regardless of whether you use coconut oil or not.
How to use coconut oil for stretch marks
While you can create a homemade remedy by combining coconut oil with pantry ingredients like lemon juice, turmeric, or aloe vera gel, using pure coconut oil minimizes the risk of side effects. "The preferred option is to use virgin, organic coconut oil that contains no additives," says Dr. Rodney. Simply apply approximately a tablespoon of coconut oil, adding more as needed to cover the affected areas.
It is also beneficial to use it proactively, as stated by Westport, Connecticut dermatologist Dr. Deanne Robinson. "Coconut oil can help maintain the skin's nourishment and moisture, making it more elastic and resilient to the stretching that can cause stretch marks." While it won't make stretch marks vanish once they have appeared, its inherent hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties keep the skin "more supple and plump, which may help conceal existing stretch marks," she remarks.
We asked both dermatologists and real moms to share the products they used throughout pregnancy and after giving birth to prevent and get rid of stretch marks. Below are their tried and tested recommendations, including coconut oil and others.
The best products for stretch marks
Differin Adapalene ($14.22)
"Mild stretch marks might benefit from a product containing retinol and other hydrating ingredients; retinol helps accelerate skin cell turnover, and you will notice results on mild stretch marks. This contains adapalene, a retinoid, which helps fade mild stretch marks if used consistently over several months." —Dr. Rodney
Bio-Oil ($17.99)
"I first became pregnant with my daughter at the age of 18. My mother's side of the family had a history of stretch marks and thin skin, so I knew I would have them, even though I smeared myself with cocoa butter. It took approximately seven months for the stretch marks to start showing, and when they did, they were quite intense. They began right around the mons area and extended all the way past my belly button. My stretch marks were wide, deep, and long.
My skin after giving birth was very flabby, and I definitely had muscle loss. With my youth on my side, exercising, eating healthily, and using stretch mark cream - nothing seemed to help with the marks. When I was 26, I had my second child, and that birth extended the stretch marks above my belly button by about an inch or so.
In 2019, I decided to have a thigh lift, because even though my stomach was ruined in my eyes, the thing I missed most was wearing shorts. My inner thighs also had sagging skin and stretch marks, like my stomach. While researching the surgery, I came across Bio-Oil and ordered a bottle. I started using it as soon as I could after my surgery. To my astonishment, this oil has not only helped with the appearance of stretch marks on my legs but also the scar from my thigh lift! I recently had a tummy tuck in February 2024, which got rid of some stretch marks, but I still have a lot, so I'll be using Bio-Oil on my tummy once my doctor gives me the go-ahead." —Donna, 38
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks ($5.49)
"My breasts were extremely large by the end of the first trimester and started developing stretch marks. I used Palmer's Cocoa Butter throughout my pregnancy, and I adored it because it wasn't sticky. It worked - I'm currently free of stretch marks!" —Morgan, 30
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy ($33.89)
"This is another deep moisturizing treatment that can reduce and prevent stretch marks. It also contains hyaluronic acid to enhance hydration." —Dr. Rodney
Glow Organics Belly Butter ($24.99)
"I got pregnant with my first child shortly after my 29th birthday. My pregnancy was relatively easy on my body for the most part, although I had some stretch marks appear around my hips and lower stomach. I used two products throughout my pregnancy: the first was a thick belly butter from Glow Organics made of shea and cocoa butter, which I applied on my stomach, sides, and underarms. The second was a lavender oil by Pelindaba Lavender that I wish I had discovered earlier. It's a wonderful, lightly scented oil that absorbs well into the skin, and it was also calming when I was feeling stressed or anxious during this new experience. After giving birth, I only had a few stretch marks on my lower belly, which have since lightened and almost disappeared. I believe that these two products helped my skin adapt to the changes it underwent during pregnancy." —Hannah, 30
Dr. Bronner's Whole Kernel Organic Virgin Coconut Oil ($11.99)
"I got pregnant with my first when I was 26 and am now halfway through my second pregnancy. I didn't get any stretch marks with my first and haven't had any so far with my second. I am, however, gaining more weight this time and definitely have more cellulite. Ugh! I always apply coconut oil on my belly when it itches due to my skin stretching. I love that it's natural, and I think it's helping me stay mark-free." —Ally, 30
Jason Natural Vitamin E Skin Oil ($6.20)
"I'm petite, 5'1" and typically weigh 113–115 pounds. I've had three pregnancies, and I gained the most weight with my first - close to 40 pounds - and developed huge breasts (I'm talking a solid G cup) during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most of my stretch marks on my chest and tummy came from my first baby. I made my own [stretch mark treatments]: a natural oil blend of high-quality vitamin E, avocado oil, almond oil, grapeseed, rosehip, sea buckthorn with jasmine, frankincense, geranium essential oil and a homemade body butter with African shea butter, palm oil, coconut oil, and an essential oil blend. I used them daily before bed or after a shower on my chest, belly, sides, and thighs. I loved how smooth my skin felt, how it smelled, and how hydrated it remained. I don't think the serum/lotion helped prevent stretch marks, because I've heard they're hereditary. However, I do think they prevented itching and excessive dryness, like many women experience." —Casie, 36
Amar Botanica Anti-Stretch Mark Cream ($60)
"I'm currently 31 weeks pregnant, but I've been pregnant twice in one year. It's been quite a shock. I gained all my weight in my butt but don't have any stretch marks yet because I use this after every shower. I love the almond and cherry blossom scent." —Allyson, 29
