Stretch Marks on Black Skin: How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

By Online African Shop Team · Updated October 2026

Stretch marks are one of the most common skin changes there is. They can show up on your thighs, hips, butt, stomach or breasts after a growth spurt, a pregnancy or a change in weight. If you are wondering how to get rid of stretch marks, this guide walks you through what dermatologists say actually helps, what doesn't have good evidence, and how to care for your skin in a way that works for deeper skin tones.

Quick answer: Stretch marks are a type of scar, so no cream can fully erase them. Dermatologists say treatment works best on new marks: prescription tretinoin and hyaluronic acid can make early marks less noticeable. Older marks may soften with in-office treatments like microneedling or lasers. Cocoa butter and oils keep skin soft but have not been shown to fade marks.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks (doctors call them striae) are lines in the skin that form when your skin stretches or shrinks quickly. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains that this sudden change causes the collagen and elastin that support your skin to break. Cleveland Clinic describes them as discolored, slightly sunken, scar-like lines.

They are very common and not a sign that anything is wrong with you. Common causes include:

• Growth spurts during puberty
• Pregnancy
• Gaining or losing weight quickly
• Building muscle fast, for example through weightlifting
• Long-term use of corticosteroid medicines, like prednisone
• Your genes, since stretch marks often run in families

The most common places are the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, lower back and butt.

Stretch marks on Black skin: why they look darker or lighter

The color of a stretch mark depends on how old it is and on your skin tone. The AAD notes that early stretch marks can look red, purple, pink, reddish-brown or dark brown, depending on your skin color. On deeper skin, new marks often look dark brown or purple rather than red. They may feel slightly raised or itchy at first.

Over time, the color fades and the marks sink a little below the surface. On brown and Black skin, older marks often end up lighter than the skin around them, which is why many people describe them as white or silvery stretch marks.

Fresh vs old stretch marks

Knowing which kind you have matters, because the AAD says treatment works best on early stretch marks and seems to have little effect on mature ones.

	Fresh (new) stretch marks	Old (mature) stretch marks
Color on deeper skin	Dark brown, purple or reddish-brown	Lighter than your skin, white or silvery
Texture	Can be slightly raised or itchy	Flat or slightly sunken
What may help most	Prescription tretinoin, hyaluronic acid, early dermatologist visit	In-office treatments like microneedling, lasers or radiofrequency
Realistic goal	Marks that look less noticeable	Softer texture and color, not full removal

How to get rid of stretch marks: what dermatologists say works

Let's be honest first. Both the AAD and Cleveland Clinic explain that stretch marks are a form of scarring, and the AAD says that like any scar, they are permanent. So when people search for how to remove stretch marks permanently, the true answer is that treatment can make them less noticeable, not make them vanish. Here is what has the best support.

1. Retinoids for early marks

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid cream. The AAD reports that in one study, people who applied it every night for 24 weeks had less noticeable early stretch marks. A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist calls tretinoin the only topical product shown to truly help. Over-the-counter retinol may help fade early marks too, but it is milder. Retinoids can dry and irritate skin, and irritation on deeper skin can leave dark patches, so start slowly and follow your doctor's directions.

2. Hyaluronic acid

The AAD also points to studies where hyaluronic acid applied to early stretch marks made them less noticeable. Like retinoids, it seems to work best on newer marks.

3. In-office treatments

For older marks, dermatologists may use laser therapy, microneedling, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, radiofrequency or ultrasound, and they often combine more than one. These can be costly and are usually not covered by insurance.

If you have darker skin, ask about your options before you book. Cleveland Clinic notes that laser treatments may cause discoloration in people with darker skin tones. Microneedling for stretch marks is often a better fit: Cleveland Clinic says it does not carry the same discoloration risk as procedures that use heat, light or lasers, which makes it a good choice for darker skin. The AAD adds that at-home microneedling tools are gentler and give less noticeable results, and that a home device that pierces the skin could lead to infection or scarring. See a board-certified dermatologist who has experience treating skin of color.

4. Cover them up if you want to

The AAD notes that self-tanner can help camouflage stretch marks for a while. This can work well for lighter, older marks on brown skin. Of course, you never have to hide them at all.

What doesn't have good evidence

Cocoa butter for stretch marks is probably the most famous home remedy. Cleveland Clinic says plainly that cocoa butter has not been shown to prevent stretch marks or reduce their appearance, and that in studies it worked no better than a placebo. The same article says olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil and shea butter don't work on stretch marks either. The AAD lists almond oil, cocoa butter and vitamin E as home remedies that have not worked in studies.

That does not make these products useless. They are great moisturizers. They just are not stretch mark treatments, and any stretch marks cream that promises to erase marks is promising more than the science shows.

Moisturizing for comfort and smoother-looking skin

New stretch marks can feel tight and itchy, especially on the thighs, hips and butt. A rich body butter or oil can make that skin feel soft and comfortable and help it look smoother and more even. Cleveland Clinic also suggests keeping skin well moisturized as a general step.

1. Moisturize right after your shower, while skin is still a little damp.
2. Warm a small amount of butter between your palms until it melts.
3. Massage it into your hips, thighs, butt and stomach with gentle, circular strokes.
4. Seal in moisture with a few drops of oil on very dry spots.
5. Repeat daily. Consistency matters more than any single product.

To be clear, these are moisturizers for soft, comfortable, healthy-looking skin. They will not remove stretch marks.

Tips for deeper skin tones

• Be gentle. Scrubbing hard, harsh peels or picking can irritate skin, and irritation on darker skin can leave dark spots that take months to fade.
• Patch test new products on a small area for a few days before using them all over.
• Choose your provider carefully. Ask how often they treat skin like yours, and which devices they use for darker skin.
• Go slow with retinoids. Start a few nights a week and moisturize well.
• Use sunscreen on exposed marks. It helps keep the surrounding skin tone even.

Pregnancy and stretch marks

Pregnancy is one of the most common times to get stretch marks, and Cleveland Clinic notes they are more likely in pregnancy for Black, Hispanic, East Asian and South Asian people. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, skip retinoids. The AAD warns that some products contain ingredients, such as retinol, that can harm your baby, and Cleveland Clinic says retinoids are not safe during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor before starting any stretch mark treatment. Plain moisturizers for comfort are a simple choice in the meantime.

Gaining weight? Go slow to help limit new marks

Because rapid weight gain is a common cause of stretch marks, gaining slowly and steadily gives your skin more time to adjust. Cleveland Clinic says a combination of hydration, diet and exercise can help reduce your risk. If you are working on gaining weight or building curves, a steady plan is kinder to your skin than a crash approach. Our weight gain meal plan and our guide on how to gain weight can help you build a routine. Strength training for your glutes and thighs is great too, just remember that very fast muscle growth can also cause stretch marks.

FAQ

Do stretch marks go away?

They usually fade over time, but they don't fully go away on their own. The AAD describes them as permanent, like other scars. Treatment can make them less noticeable, especially when started early.

Can you get rid of stretch marks on your thighs?

Stretch marks on thighs respond to the same treatments as anywhere else. Prescription tretinoin may help new marks, and microneedling or other in-office treatments may soften older ones. Moisturizing keeps the skin comfortable.

Does cocoa butter help stretch marks?

Not according to the research. Cleveland Clinic says cocoa butter worked no better than a placebo in studies. It is still a good moisturizer for dry skin.

Why are my stretch marks white?

White stretch marks are older, mature marks. As they age, they lose their early color and become flatter or slightly sunken. On brown and Black skin they often look lighter than the skin around them.

What is the best cream for stretch marks?

The cream with the best evidence is prescription tretinoin, and it works mainly on early marks. Hyaluronic acid has some support too. Over-the-counter stretch marks creams vary, and no one product helps everyone.

Is microneedling good for stretch marks on dark skin?

It can be a good option. Cleveland Clinic notes it doesn't carry the discoloration risk of heat, light or laser procedures, which makes it well suited to darker skin. Have it done by a dermatologist rather than at home.

Keep reading

Sources

• Source: American Academy of Dermatology, Stretch marks: Why they appear and how to get rid of them
• Source: Cleveland Clinic, Stretch Marks: What are they, Causes and Treatments
• Source: Cleveland Clinic, Cocoa Butter Won't Help Stretch Marks, but These Options Can
• Source: Cleveland Clinic, Microneedling: What It Is, Uses, Benefits and Results
• Source: American Academy of Dermatology, Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Stretch marks that appear suddenly without an obvious cause, or alongside other symptoms, can be linked to medical conditions, so check with your doctor. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or using prescription skin treatments, talk with your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist before trying something new.