Tanning in sunlight doesn’t reduce the appearance of stretch marks. In fact, tanning actually makes your stretch marks stand out more because these marks don’t tan well. Additionally, tanning is bad for your skin. [4] X Research source

Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin and may help with elasticity. Vitamin A/Retinoid: Retinoids, which come from vitamin A, can improve your skin’s texture and hydration. However, don’t use them while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Centella: Studies show that centella helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and may help stop them from growing. Additionally, it may stimulate cell production and fibroblasts, which produce collagen. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Stretch mark creams start at around $10-15, though they often cost in the $30 to $50 price range.

Apply more gel as needed to cover your stretch marks and the skin around them. Cover the entire area of your body that’s affected by the stretch marks so they’re less likely to spread. If you buy your aloe vera gel from the store, check the bottle to make sure it contains only aloe vera gel. A product that has a lot of filler ingredients might not work as well.

Like with aloe, add more oil as needed to treat both your stretch marks and the skin around them.

Exfoliate your skin once every week or 2. You can make a sugar scrub at home with products you likely already have in your kitchen. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, exfoliation might be too harsh for your skin.

Some brands of body makeup are waterproof, so you may be able to wear it to places like the beach or the pool.

Retinoids are effective for fading stretch marks, but they won’t totally get rid of them. You shouldn’t use these creams while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. In that case, your doctor can help you pick the best option for you. The price of retinoids and tretinoin depends on your insurance coverage. You may be able to get it for as low as $25, but it could cost upwards of $100.

Laser and light therapy are very effective for fading stretch marks, though the marks won’t go away completely. Laser and light therapy are non-invasive and painless, but you’ll likely need several treatments. Laser and light therapy cost around $50 to $150 a session. You’ll likely need around 20 sessions, so you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000.

You could experience side effects from dermabrasion, including swelling, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or milia, which are tiny white bumps. Dermabrasion typically costs around $1,800 per session.

A full course of treatment can take up to six months. In general, microneedling usually costs between $200 and $700 per session. You’ll likely need around 6 sessions, so expect to spend around $1,200 to $4,200.

With daily treatments, radiofrequency therapy could improve the look of stretch marks in as little as one week. [20] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Radiofrequency therapy ranges in cost between $100 and $1,000.

You could also use this BMI calculator to estimate your ideal weight.

If you don’t like the taste of water, try adding fruit slices or flavoring to the water.

Always check with your doctor before you begin a new exercise program.