The difference between cellulite and stretch marks | What causes them? | Ingredients to look for | Ingredients to avoid | Derm-recommended products | More options | How we chose | Meet the experts
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.
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.”
Ingredients to look for
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.
Ingredients to avoid
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.
Dermatologist-recommended products for stretch marks and cellulite
EcoTools Dry Body Brush
- Has become an integral part of reviewers' daily routines
- A "must-have" product for getting rid of dry, peeling skin
- Bristles are a bit rough
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.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
- Results are visible within the same week
- A little goes a long way; lasts a long time
- Those with sensitive skin experienced irritations and reactions
- Has a scent that some might find overwhelming
Sizes: 2-6.7 oz | Key Ingredients: Vitamin A oil, vitamin E, chamomile, sunflower and lavender oils
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).”
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
- Skin feels softer after use
- Most reviewers are repeat buyers; used for multiple pregnancies
- Has a smell that some might find overwhelming
- Leaves a cast or residue on skin
Size: 5.29 oz | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
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.
SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate
- Users saw a difference almost immediately with consistent use
- Works well in tandem with other SkinCeutical products
- Have to use multiple times a day
- Some reviewers didn't see many results
Size: 5 oz | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
As much as you may wish you could instantly zap away signs of aging, the closest solution would be a treatment that remedies this over time. For stretch marks and cellulite, this concentrate includes ingredients that can help tighten and smooth skin leaving it with a younger appearance.
“The concentrate includes tripeptide and hydrolyzed rice protein, which helps the skin texture and tone,” Robinson says. “It also includes vitamin E, a nourishing antioxidant.”
More products to help with stretch marks and cellulite
Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly Balm
- Lasts a long time
- Reviewers are repeat buyers
- Packaging and delivery issues
- Reviewers had average results
Size: 5 oz | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, avocado oil
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.
EltaMD Skin Restore Body Cream
- Notice an "immediate change"
- Good for sensitive skin
- Delivery and packaging issues
- Has a sterile smell
Size: 8 oz | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramide
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.
StretcHeal Stretch Mark and Scar Treatment Lotion
- Reduces C-section scarring
- Reviewers are repeat buyers
- Smaller size
- Reviewers say results are slow
Size: 6 oz | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter, cocoa butter
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.
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 look for and avoid shared by experts. Plus, the experts shared a few of their personal favorites.
Meet the experts
- 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.