Tretinoin is a retinoid that may improve the appearance of stretch marks. Studies suggest that regular and prolonged use of tretinoin on stretch marks can be beneficial, especially for new or red stretch marks. For visible results, it is best to use at least a 0.05% strength of tretinoin.
In this article, you will find details about how tretinoin (retinoic acid or Retin-A) can be beneficial for stretch marks, various research studies where it was used, and how to use tretinoin in your skincare routine.
Why do we get stretch marks?
The first thing to know is why we get these scars. Normally, as our body grows, the skin stretches accordingly.
However, sometimes this growth is sudden or occurs in a short time (like during pregnancy, sudden weight gain, or growth spurt).
Our skin is not able to accommodate and this leads to tears in collagen and elastic fibers which are present in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin.
Hormones and certain medical conditions can also affect the collagen and elastic fibers and make them more likely to tear. This leads to inflammation, which can further damage the elastic fibers.
This gives the stretch marks a red or erythematous appearance. These red stretch marks (striae rubrae) are new or early stretch marks. These appear as slightly elevated and thickened streaks.
The color of the new stretch marks may vary depending on the skin tone. They can be red, pink, purple, blue, gray, or black.
Over time, the color of stretch marks fades and they can become pale or white and look like a flattened scar. These are called old stretch marks or striae albae.
So, stretch marks are a type of scar that is present in the middle layer of the skin.
To know more about the types and colors of stretch marks, you can read this article.
What is tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative and part of the big group – retinoids. This is the same group that includes retinol, adapalene, tazarotene, etc. Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid and is a very strong ingredient. Retin-A is the brand name for tretinoin.
It’s in the active form so once applied to skin, it will straight get to work by affecting our genes.
Tretinoin may benefit stretch marks in the following ways:
- Tretinoin increases cell turnover, so it gets rid of dead skin cells on the top of the skin faster. This can give a smooth appearance to stretch marks making them less noticeable.
- It can thicken the epidermis or top layer of skin which is thin or atrophic in areas with stretch marks.
- Tretinoin can stimulate the production of collagen in the skin. This can improve the appearance of the stretch marks.
- Tretinoin can lead to the formation of new blood vessels in the dermis which can increase blood flow to the stretch marks.
So, theoretically, Retin-A or tretinoin cream can improve the appearance of stretch marks. But do we have any evidence to support it? Let’s take a look at a few studies where tretinoin was used for stretch marks.
Research data
Below are the research studies in which tretinoin cream (Retin-A) was used for stretch marks.
Study #1
In one study (1996), 0.1% tretinoin cream was compared with a vehicle. One group used tretinoin cream daily for 6 months and the other group used plain vehicle on early stretch marks.
Tretinoin led to significant improvement whereas the group using a plain vehicle saw a worsening of stretch marks.
So, tretinoin can not only improve the appearance of stretch marks but can also prevent their further worsening. Usually once stretch marks start forming, they increase in length and width, tretinoin may prevent this.
Study #2
In a 2001 study, 0.1% of tretinoin cream was applied daily for 3 months. It significantly improved pregnancy-related stretch marks with a 20% reduction in the length of the target lesion.
Study #3
Another study (2014) compared superficial microdermabrasion and topical 0.05% tretinoin cream. In this study, women with early striae or striae rubra were included. They were divided into two groups.
One group received weekly superficial dermabrasion treatments for 16 weeks, while the second group applied 0.05% tretinoin cream daily for the same period. Both groups showed significant improvement in their stretch marks after the treatment, and there was no difference in the outcomes.
Microdermabrasion is an in-office procedure that can be more expensive than tretinoin cream. This study suggests if tretinoin is used regularly, it can give results similar to an in-office procedure (microdermabrasion).
Study #4
In one study (1994), tretinoin cream at 0.025% was applied daily on pregnancy-related stretch marks for 7 months. No significant improvement was seen. This study had a small study sample and included only 11 patients.
So, probably it’s best to stick to at least 0.05% of tretinoin strength to get the benefits.
What do these studies tell us?
- It is best to use 0.05% or higher concentration of Retin-A or tretinoin.
- One has to regularly use tretinoin for a long time to see visible improvement.
- It’s best to start using tretinoin on new stretch marks (which are red, pink, purple, blue, or gray in color) to get good results. Old stretch marks are usually harder to treat as compared to newly formed stretch marks.
Can it get rid of stretch marks?
Tretinoin can improve stretch marks, but it cannot get rid of them. Stretch marks are scars in the dermis or middle layer of skin and are very hard to treat.
How to use
- If you have sensitive skin, start slowly by using tretinoin on alternate days and build up to using it every day.
- Use it consistently.
- The results won’t be overnight, it will take time so be patient. You can take before and after pictures of the stretch marks to track the visible effects of tretinoin.
- Use a good moisturizer to decrease the side effects of tretinoin like dryness, redness, or peeling.
- Apply moisturizer by massaging into the skin.
- Do not expose the area with stretch marks to direct sunlight (always use sunscreen to protect your skin).
Note: Do not use retinoids if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Contact your doctor to discuss your options.
Can retinol help with stretch marks?
Retinol is an over-the-counter strength retinoid that is less potent than tretinoin. So, they work similarly but retinol may take a lot longer to give results.
Over-the-counter available adapalene or Differin is also a good and much stronger alternative.
Summary
Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid that may help improve the appearance of stretch marks and prevent the worsening of new stretch marks.
To get the maximum benefit, one should start using it on new stretch marks and use it consistently. However, it cannot get rid of stretch marks.
Read more:
References
- Rangel O, Arias I, García E, Lopez-Padilla S. Topical tretinoin 0.1% for pregnancy-related abdominal striae: an open-label, multicenter, prospective study. Adv Ther. 2001 Jul-Aug;18(4):181-6. doi: 10.1007/BF02850112. PMID: 11697021.
- Pribanich S, Simpson FG, Held B, Yarbrough CL, White SN. Low-dose tretinoin does not improve striae distensae: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Cutis. 1994 Aug;54(2):121-4. PMID: 7956336.
- Hexsel D, Soirefmann M, Porto MD, Schilling-Souza J, Siega C, Dal’Forno T. Superficial dermabrasion versus topical tretinoin on early striae distensae: a randomized, pilot study. Dermatol Surg. 2014 May;40(5):537-44. doi: 10.1111/dsu.12460. Epub 2014 Feb 26. PMID: 24612027.
- Kang S, Kim KJ, Griffiths CE, Wong TY, Talwar HS, Fisher GJ, Gordon D, Hamilton TA, Ellis CN, Voorhees JJ. Topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) improves early stretch marks. Arch Dermatol. 1996 May;132(5):519-26. PMID: 8624148.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.