# How can I get rid of stretch marks?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-rid-of-stretch-marks/127239>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [September 6, 2002, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-rid-of-stretch-marks/127239 "2002-09-06T04:49:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Wearia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/13edae/32.png) [@Wearia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wearia)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-rid-of-stretch-marks/127239/1 "2002-09-06T04:49:34Z")

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The title says it all. A bunch recently appeared along my back. I got a check up and the docter said that they would fade a bit in time. Thats just not good enough. Anyone have any method to get rid of these things?

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**Author:** ![rsa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/839c29/32.png) [@rsa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsa)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-rid-of-stretch-marks/127239/2 "2002-09-06T05:10:21Z")

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You might try micro-dermabrasion. I believe that helps as long as they’re not too severe. You could ask a dermatologist or check with clinics and independents who also do micro-dermabrasion.

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**Author:** ![rsa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/839c29/32.png) [@rsa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsa)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-rid-of-stretch-marks/127239/3 "2002-09-06T05:17:22Z")

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Just wanted to add that I’m pretty sure that creams and whatnot that are marketed for stretch marks are a waste of money, but I’m no expert.

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**Author:** ![Babar714](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@Babar714](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babar714)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-rid-of-stretch-marks/127239/4 "2002-09-06T05:45:34Z")

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My mom says Vitamin E capsules, opened up and applied directly to the skin helps. I can’t verify the effectivness, but she has had three children and probably knows what she’s talking about.

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**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-rid-of-stretch-marks/127239/5 "2002-09-06T14:36:03Z")

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I asked my dermatologist this very question and she confirmed that the various topical creams do not work in and of themselves, but that the tissue of the stretch mark might be broken down somewhat by the massaging action of applying the stuff several times a day. She said dermabrasion is currently the best method but it’s nowhere near 100% effective.

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**Author:** ![cichlidiot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f9b8f/32.png) [@cichlidiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cichlidiot)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-rid-of-stretch-marks/127239/6 "2002-09-06T17:41:02Z")

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I had heard that a deficiency in zinc is a cause of stretch marks. I did a quick search, and the most concrete evidence I found were statements saying zinc _may_ help prevent them. I also found a few sites listing foods high in zinc, for people not interested in taking vitamin supplements. It might be something to ask your doctor about.