Not Likely to Help: Exfoliating

Ads for exfoliating treatments may claim that they make stretch marks less noticeable. Scrubs, buffs, and microdermabrasion (this removes the top layer of skin with a tool) can make your skin smoother. But there’s no proof that any of these treatments actually help -- and some dermatologists think microdermabrasion may make stretch marks worse.





rubbing moisturizer on belly

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Not Likely to Help: Most Lotions and Creams

Many skin products claim to fade stretch marks. But there’s little evidence that over-the-counter products can fix the torn elastic fibers that cause them. And experts don’t know if rubbing oils or cocoa butter products will prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, either. They may make your stretching skin less itchy, though, which can make you more comfortable