It’s no secret that our skin changes over time, and as much as we try to keep it smooth and spotless, our bodies love to remind us we’re aging in the form of stretch marks and cellulite. There’s nothing wrong with it, though — in fact, practically everyone experiences it at some point in their life.
While we’re all about embracing your natural beauty, if you’re sick of the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, there are beauty treatments that can help you kiss them goodbye. We spoke with dermatologists who shared everything you need to know to reduce the look of stretch marks and cellulite — from their go-to products to ingredients that actually work.
Keep scrolling to find the best expert-recommended and editor-tested skin care products and tools from Mederma, Palmer's and more — starting at only $6. We also rounded out the list with a few more affordable picks to add to your shopping cart ASAP as well.
Most budget-friendly lotion$undefined$8.99
What’s the difference between cellulite and stretch marks?
- Stretch marks: “A type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly,” explains board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi. Due to the “abrupt” change, they may appear purplish or red at first, but even out to appear lighter colored as the skin heals over time.
- Cellulite: “Refers to a dimpled, lumpy appearance of the skin that occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin,” Penzi says, noting that they typically appear on the thighs, buttocks, hips and abdomen.
What causes cellulite and stretch marks?
According to board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engleman, cellulite is very common, especially among women.
“In fact, 93% of women have it!” Engleman tells Shop TODAY. “Cellulite is genetic, so while weight can influence the presence of it, even the thinnest women can have it. Since cellulite is fat, excess fat can contribute to the appearance of cellulite. Increasing muscle tone and exercising can minimize cellulite.”
Much like cellulite, stretch marks also naturally occur when the body expands faster than the skin is growing, which results in the scars that you see.
“Depressed or raised scars happen when the body is mending damage in the deep layers of the skin,” Engleman says. “The new collagen created to replace the damage can have a different texture, which results in a raised or indented scar. Stretch marks are formed from rapid weight gain when the skin is stretched too quickly. Many experience this when their bodies are growing during puberty.”
The best dermatologist-recommended and editor-tested products for stretch marks and cellulite
If you’re not looking to add another cream to your beauty regime, then Engleman suggests trying the dry brushing method. This trick is quick and easy to incorporate into your beauty regime, especially if you’re targeting cellulite.
“Dry brushing is a technique that’s been around for centuries,” Engleman explains. “It uses a stiff-bristled brush with gentle pressure on dry skin. By brushing upwards towards the heart, focusing on cellulite-prone areas to stimulate the lymphatic system, it exfoliates the skin, boosts circulation and elasticity. Therefore, it can reduce the appearance of cellulite.”
When considering other treatments for stretch marks and cellulite, both Engelman and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson advise looking for products with caffeine and retinol. These active ingredients give your skin a boost of antioxidants that support skin health and stimulate blood circulation.
Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology, recommends this classic cocoa butter lotion from Palmer's. "This treatment for stretch marks contains antioxidants like vitamin E to protect skin from free radicals and argan oil, coconut oil and almond oil to keep skin smooth and hydrated," he explains.
Remaining a widely popular item amongst TikTok’s beauty community, Bio-Oil is a favorite of Engleman who used it throughout her pregnancy to prevent stretch marks. It’s packed with vitamins and natural oils including vitamin E, lavender oil, vitamin A, sunflower oil and more to help nourish and soothe skin.
“I love Bio-Oil,” Engleman says. “Studies show that usage helps prevent stretch marks and that it helps with the appearance of scarring (for those who are seeing stretch marks).”
"Along with shea butter, this cream contains Vanistryl, a proprietary ingredient thought to target multiple factors involved in the development of stretch marks," notes Camp. For best results, apply morning and night, says the brand.
Skin begins to sag and lose its firmness over time, but the right treatment can help lift skin and more. Robinson loves using this for stretch marks because of its healing properties.
“[It] includes a silicone, dimethicone, as well as hyaluronic acid, which all help encourage healing while plumping the skin to instantly improve appearance,” Robinson says.
"A few months ago, I noticed that the tops of both of my thighs had skin indentations on them," shares Shop TODAY editor Rebecca Brown. "After doing tons of research, I learned it was from leaning against the edge of my sink when applying makeup, and from leaning against the ledge of my son's changing table. I started using this oil on my legs to target this indentation and cellulite on my thighs, and it's made such a difference. I start with dry brushing (which you don't have to do), then just use about two drops of this oil on each leg and massage it upwards. You can also use a gua sha to help distribute the oil."
This splurge-worthy cream is just what you need to help say goodbye to stretch marks. "A unique blend of plant-based ingredients in this product, like centella asiatica and organic green banana extracts, promotes skin firmness and elasticity," suggests Camp.
More products to help with stretch marks and cellulite
You may know Summer Fridays as the brand behind your favorite lip balm, but did you know they also make a belly balm? This product hopes to promote elasticity where it’s applied, with a goal of achieving supple, smooth skin.
Reviewers love the “buttery” texture, and the fact that a little goes a long way, with one bottle lasting one reviewer seven months.
Marketed as a daily moisturizer, this skin restore cream from EltaMD also promises to improve the texture and tone of your skin.
With ingredients that “strengthen and maintain” your skins’ protective barrier, reviewers note that their skin feels more hydrated after use and the lotion doesn’t leave it feeling greasy.
For a lotion that tackles both stretch marks and scarring that may occur during or after pregnancy, reviewers rave about this option from StretcHeal.
Most of them saw little to no stretch marks with regular use throughout their pregnancy, while others used it to reduce C-section scars after giving birth. “I was skeptical at first because it is a lot of money but it’s the best decision I could’ve made,” says one reviewer.
Frequently asked questions
Oils, lotions and balms with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, centella (a sensitive-skin friendly plant) and retinoids are ideal for preventing or reducing the appearance of stretch marks, according to Penzi.
For pregnant people, Penzi recommends a handful of oils, including almond, argan and jojoba. She also recommends hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, cocoa and shea butter as well as centella asiatica.
Penzi advises against products with fragrances, as those are usually common irritants for sensitive skin, triggering reactions.
She also warns against using products with harsh chemicals and alcohol-based ingredients, as they can further dry out the skin or make the stretch marks and cellulite look worse.
For those who are expecting, Penzi shares a few ingredients they should be avoiding:
Retinoids: “Although risk of birth defects from topical retinoid use is considered very low, it’s generally recommended to avoid them during pregnancy as a precaution,” she says. Hydroquinone: This ingredient is typically used to brighten the skin, or is a “skin-lightening agent’’ as Penzi calls it. If you want brighter skin, she recommends using vitamin C or azelaic acid products instead, as she says there isn’t as large of a risk to the child.
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How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We curated this list of products based on the ingredients to look for and avoid shared by experts. Plus, the experts shared a few of their personal favorites.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on stretch marks and cellulite. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Lauren Penzi is a board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan and Plainview, New York.
- Dr. Dendy Engleman is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She has previously spoken to Shop TODAY about body care basics, her favorite beauty finds from around the world and winter skin care essentials.
- Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder and president of Modern Dermatology based in Westport, Connecticut.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
