Stretch marks may be common, but it’s 2025, and no one’s settling for them in 2025. From high-tech lasers to skin-regenerating microneedling, this year’s top treatments are rewriting the rules of skin repair.
In this guide, we bust outdated myths and reveal the Top 5 most effective treatments for fading stretch marks, backed by science, proven in practice, and designed to deliver real results. Whether you’re postpartum, post-weight loss, or just want to feel confident in your skin again, here’s everything you need to know!
What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are a type of scar that forms on the skin when it stretches or shrinks quickly. These abrupt changes cause elastin and collagen, two proteins that support skin structure, to rupture. When this skin heals, stretch marks appear.
When stretch marks first appear, they may appear red, purple, reddish-brown or dark brown, depending on the individual’s skin colour. Early stretch marks may feel slightly elevated and sometimes even itchy.
Over time, the colour of the stretch marks and narrow bands sinks beneath the skin, and you will feel the mature stretch mark as a slight depression.
What are some common causes of Stretch Marks?
Some common scenarios that give rise to stretch marks include:
- Changes during pregnancy: Stretching of the skin due to the growing baby and hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause stretch marks.
- Puberty: Quick growth spurts are common during teenage years and can cause stretch marks.
- Changes in weight: Rapid gain or loss in weight can stretch or deflate the skin, causing stretch marks.
- Bodybuilding: Rapid muscle gain among bodybuilders stresses the skin’s elasticity and may stretch it to cause marks.
- Genetics: Some people may be prone to stretch marks due to their genetic makeup. Your genes also influence how prone you are to developing stretch marks.
Understanding the causative or trigger factors of stretch marks can help prevent further skin damage and assist in choosing effective treatments.
Stretch Mark Myths –Debunked
Despite the number of products on the market, most fail to address the real issue—damage to the dermis, the skin's middle layer. Topical creams and oils, while soothing, rarely penetrate deep enough to stimulate proper repair.
Myths you should stop believing:
Fact: Oils may improve hydration but not collagen remodelling.
Fact: Exfoliation helps with skin tone but does nothing for the depth of the scar.
Fact: Only targeted resurfacing lasers with specific wavelengths have been shown to reduce stretch marks effectively.
If you are unhappy with your stretch marks, consult an expert dermatologist.
Top Five Effective Stretch Mark Treatments in 2025
With social media flooded with miracle cures and DIY hacks, it's easy to fall for quick fixes that don’t deliver.
Here’s a quick breakdown of five of the best and most effective stretch mark treatments in 2025, cutting through the hype and spotlighting what actually works.
What is it?
This powerful laser treatment creates microscopic injuries in the skin to trigger the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that help smooth and thicken the skin.
How does it affect stretch marks?
Next-gen fractional lasers are more precise and customisable, allowing deeper treatment with minimal downtime. At Hortman Clinics, Dubai, Nicole uses devices suitable for most skin tones and can target even older, stubborn stretch marks.
What is it?
Microneedling (collagen induction therapy) uses ultra-fine needles to create micro-injuries that stimulate natural skin regeneration and collagen formation. It breaks down existing fibrous tissue and promotes new collagen production for smoother, firmer and renewed skin.
How does it affect stretch marks?
Microneedling reduces stretch marks by triggering the skin's natural wound-healing process. This stimulates collagen and elastin production, two key proteins responsible for skin strength, elasticity, and repair.
When paired with advanced serums containing growth factors and peptides, microneedling offers enhanced results for newer or moderate stretch marks. It also makes the skin firmer, even-toned, and visibly smoother.
What is it?
Morpheus8 is a minimally invasive device that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to remodel skin at a deeper level. It tightens, tones, and rebuilds collagen in one session.
How does it affect stretch marks?
Morpheus8 is an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It does so by stimulating collagen production and remodelling skin structure.
The result? Tightened lax skin, fading stretch marks, and improved texture all in one go. When administered by an experienced practitioner, it is also safe for darker skin tones.
What is it?
PRP, also known as the “vampire facial” technique, uses your own blood’s growth factors to heal and rejuvenate the skin. It is ideal for early-stage red or purple stretch marks.
How does it affect stretch marks?
PRP is effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks using several mechanisms:
- Increased production of collagen and elastin: An increase in these skin fibres improves its elasticity and structural integrity, reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
- Enhanced angiogenesis: Growth factors present in PRP stimulate the formation of new blood vessels. This improves blood supply to the affected areas. This helps in the skin’s repair process and supports healthy tissue healing.
- Improved wound healing: PRP accelerates the body’s repair mechanism of microtears that give rise to stretch marks. PRP growth factors have been shown to hasten healing and improve remodelling, thereby reducing stretch marks.
When combined with microneedling or laser treatments, PRP dramatically boosts collagen production and tissue repair. It is a natural, low-risk solution perfect for those preferring regenerative aesthetics.
Unlike trend-driven approaches, our skin experts at Hortman Clinics Dubai focus on what truly works. Through personalised consultations, we offer deep insights into your skin health and the underlying causes of your stretch marks. Treatments are carefully tailored and supported by customised skincare plans for optimal results.
What is it?
Customised skincare with growth factors and retinoids helps reduce stretch marks by enhancing skin regeneration at the cellular level. This helps restore elasticity, boosts collagen, and improves skin tone over time.
How does it affect stretch marks?
Retinoids and topical growth factors accelerate skin cell turnover and improve collagen density over time.
Prescription-grade, clinic-formulated skincare regimens curated by experienced professionals replace generic over-the-counter creams. These formulations are personalised to your stretch mark type and skin sensitivity.
What is it?
Custom skincare with growth factors and retinoids reduces stretch marks by improving skin regeneration at the cellular level. This helps restore elasticity, boost collagen and improve skin tone over time.
How does it affect stretch marks?
Retinoids and topical growth factors accelerate skin cell turnover and improve collagen density over time.
Prescription-grade, clinic-formulated skincare regimens curated by professionals like Nicole replace generic over-the-counter creams. These formulations are personalised to your stretch mark type and skin sensitivity.
Takeaway
Stretch mark treatments in 2025 are more advanced, less invasive, and highly customisable, ensuring precision and effectiveness. The secret to success lies in expert diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan that considers your skin tone, type of stretch marks, maturity, overall skin health, and personal goals.
Book your consultation with our dermatologist at Hortman Clinics, Dubai’s leading aesthetic clinic and begin your journey to smoother, firmer, and more confident skin.
HORTMAN CLINICS NEWS
Related News
We are here for you. Always.
Everything we do is tailored to your needs, this is why we take our time to take care of you and answer all your questions.