If you have stretch marks, you’re in good company, along with some of the world’s most beautiful women—Ashley Graham, Chrissy Teigen, and Rihanna are just a few of the celebrities who have been open about posting theirs on social media. It’s a good reminder that the scars are completely normal (and often hereditary) developments during pregnancy or growth spurts.
That being said, so many factors are already out of your control during pregnancy that it’s understandable to want to avoid any additional changes to your body, if possible. That’s led to a rise in skin-care ingredients, such as castor oil, olive oil, and coconut oil, that have been said to help improve their appearance. Here, we’re spotlighting how coconut oil in particular can help with stretch marks—and how to make the most of it.
Does coconut oil for stretch marks work?
Coconut oil works—to an extent. “Topical treatments, including coconut oil, cannot prevent or completely remove stretch marks,” says Dr. Rodney. “However, coconut oil can help the skin stay hydrated and promote healing, which can decrease the chances of stretch marks.”
The impressive properties of coconut oil contribute to its efficacy. Not only does it have powerful antioxidant and wound-healing properties—thanks to a high content of fatty acids—but coconut oil helps with other skin conditions, such as dry skin and eczema, per a study in the International Journal of Dermatology. Coconut oil can also boost elasticity, stimulate collagen production, and promote cellular turnover. Still, some factors, like genetics, can make pregnancy stretch marks inevitable whether you use coconut oil or not.
How to use coconut oil for stretch marks
While you can DIY a home remedy by pairing coconut oil with pantry ingredients like lemon juice, turmeric, or aloe vera gel, going solo minimizes the risk of side effects. “The best option is to use virgin, organic coconut oil, which does not contain any additives,” says Dr. Rodney. Just slather on roughly a tablespoon of coconut oil, adding more as needed to cover the affected area(s).
It’s also helpful to use it proactively, says Westport, Connecticut dermatologist Dr. Deanne Robinson. “Coconut oil can help keep the skin nourished and hydrated, making it more elastic and resilient to the stretching that can lead to stretch marks.” While it won’t make stretch marks disappear once they’ve appeared, those inherent hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties keep skin “more supple and plump, which may help to camouflage existing stretch marks,” she says.
We asked both derms and real moms to share the products they used throughout pregnancy and after giving birth to prevent and get rid of stretch marks. Below are their tried-and-true recommendations, including coconut oil and beyond.
The best products for stretch marks
Differin Adapalene ($14.22)
“Mild stretch marks may benefit from a product containing retinol and other hydrating ingredients; retinol helps speed up skin cell turnover, and you will see results on mild stretch marks. This contains adapalene, a retinoid) helping fade mild stretch marks if used consistently over several months.” —Dr. Rodney
Bio-Oil ($17.99)
“I first got pregnant with my daughter at the age of 18. My mother’s side of the family had a history of stretch marks and thin skin, so I just knew I would have them, even though I slathered myself in cocoa butter. It took about seven months for the stretch marks to start showing, and when they did, they sure came [on] fierce. They started right around the mons area and went all the way up past my belly button. My stretch marks were wide, deep, and long.
My skin after birth was very saggy, and I definitely had muscle loss. Having my youth on my side, working out, eating healthy, and using stretch mark cream—nothing seemed to help with the marks. When I was 26, I had my second child, and that birth extended the stretch marks above my belly button about an inch or so.
In 2019, I decided to have a thigh lift, because even though my stomach was ruined in my eyes, the thing I missed most was wearing shorts. My inner thighs also had saggy skin and stretch marks, like my stomach. While researching the surgery, I came across Bio-Oil and ordered a bottle. I started using it as soon as I could following my surgery. To my surprise, this oil has not only helped with the appearance of stretch marks on my legs but also the scar from my thigh lift! I recently had a tummy tuck in February 2020, which got rid of some stretch marks, but I still have a lot, so I’ll be using Bio-Oil on my tummy once my doctor clears me to do so.” —Donna, 38
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks ($5.49)
“My boobs were enormous by the end of the first trimester and started developing stretch marks. I used Palmer’s Cocoa Butter all throughout my pregnancy, and I loved it because it wasn’t sticky. It worked too—I’m currently stretch-mark-free!” —Morgan, 30
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy ($33.89)
“This is another deep moisturizing treatment that can reduce and prevent stretch marks. It also contains hyaluronic acid to improve hydration.” —Dr. Rodney
Glow Organics Belly Butter ($24.99)
“I got pregnant with my first child shortly after my 29th birthday. My pregnancy was really easy on my body for the most part, though I had some stretch marks show up around my hips and lower stomach. I used two products throughout my pregnancy: the first was a thick belly butter from Glow Organics made of shea and cocoa butter, which I used on my stomach, sides, and underarms. The second was a lavender oil by Pelindaba Lavender that I wish I had found sooner. It’s a great, lightly scented oil that absorbs into the skin well, and it was also soothing when I was feeling stressed or anxious during this new experience. After birth, I only had a few stretch marks on my lower belly, [which] have since lightened and almost disappeared. I believe that these two products helped my skin adapt through the changes it experienced during pregnancy.” —Hannah, 30
Dr. Bronner’s Whole Kernel Organic Virgin Coconut Oil ($11.99)
“I got pregnant with my first when I was 26 and am now halfway through my second pregnancy. I didn’t get any stretch marks with my first and don’t have any so far with my second. I am, however, gaining more weight this time and definitely have more cellulite. Ugh! I always rub coconut oil on my belly when I’m itchy from my skin stretching. I love that it’s natural, and I think it’s helping keep me free of marks.” —Ally, 30
Jason Natural Vitamin E Skin Oil ($6.20)
“I’m petite, 5’1” and typically 113–115 pounds. I’ve had three pregnancies, and I gained the most weight with my first—close to 40 pounds—and developed huge breasts (I’m talking a solid G cup) during pregnancy and nursing. Most of my stretch marks on my chest and tummy came from my first baby. I made my own [stretch mark treatments]: a natural oil blend of high-quality vitamin E, avocado oil, almond oil, grapeseed, rosehip, sea buckthorn with jasmine, frankincense, geranium essential oil and a homemade body butter with African shea butter, palm oil, coconut oil, and an essential oil blend. I used them daily before bed or after a shower around my chest, belly, sides, and thighs. I loved how smooth my skin felt, how it smelled, and how hydrated it stayed. I don’t think the serum/lotion helped to prevent stretch marks, because I’ve heard they’re hereditary. However, I do think they prevented itching and excessive dryness, like many women experience.” —Casie, 36
Amar Botanica Anti-Stretch Mark Cream ($60)
“I’m currently 31 weeks along, but I’ve been pregnant twice in one year. It’s been a mind f*ck. I gained all my weight in my butt but don’t have any stretch marks yet because I use this after every shower. I love the almond and cherry blossom scent.” —Allyson, 29
