How to Fade Stretch Marks Effectively
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a common skin concern caused by rapid stretching of the skin due to growth, weight fluctuations, or hormonal changes such as pregnancy. They appear as linear streaks, often red, purple, or white, and commonly affect the abdomen, thighs, hips, breasts, and upper arms. While completely removing stretch marks is difficult, at The Cosmetic Suite we offer powerful treatments to dramatically fade and smooth their appearance.
Top Treatment for Stretch Marks: Secret PRO
Secret PRO is an innovative skin rejuvenation treatment that delivers visible results for stretch marks by combining two of the most effective skin-renewal technologies: CO2 laser resurfacing and radiofrequency microneedling. This dual approach targets both the surface and deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen, remodel tissue, and smooth textural irregularities.
How It Works:
- CO2 Fractional Ablation resurfaces the top layers of skin using precise laser energy to remove damaged cells and trigger natural regeneration.
- Radiofrequency Microneedling penetrates deeper into the skin using tiny needles and heat energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production where stretch marks form.
Why It Works for Stretch Marks:
This powerful combination tackles both surface irregularities and the structural breakdown beneath the skin that causes stretch marks, resulting in visibly smoother, firmer, and more even-toned skin.
- Treats: Stretch marks (new and mature), scars, uneven skin texture, crepey skin
- Results: Visible improvement with continued results over time as new collagen develops
- RF microneedling is suited to all skin types and tones
Other Recommended Treatment: Excel V+
While Excel V+ is often used for vascular issues, it can also be highly effective in reducing redness and pigment in early or red stretch marks, especially when combined with other resurfacing treatments. It targets colour irregularities by using precise laser wavelengths to break down pigmentation, helping stretch marks blend more naturally into surrounding skin.
The Best Skincare for Stretch Marks
Clinical Skin Retinol + Peptide Refining Serum
A retinol-based serum is one of the most effective at-home solutions to support the treatment of stretch marks. This formulation combines pure retinol, Bakuchiol, and targeted peptides to refine, smooth, and rejuvenate the skin’s surface and structure.
- Stimulates cell turnover and collagen renewal
- Reduces uneven texture, pigmentation, and fine lines
- Bakuchiol offers a gentler alternative to traditional retinol
- Contains niacinamide and allantoin for added calm and hydration
Use at night and follow with SPF daily on sun exposed sites. Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
We Also Recommend:
Prescription strength topical Tretinoin: 0.05% can be used nightly to the affected areas, ensuring SPF is applied each morning if the area is to be exposed to the sun
Clinical Skin Retinol + AOX Renewal Cream: A next-generation retinol cream powered by antioxidants to refine texture, boost radiance, and support healthy collagen renewal.
- Combines gentle retinol with Vitamins C & E, Resveratrol, and Green Tea
- Deeply hydrates with Squalane and Sodium Hyaluronate
- Visibly smooths fine lines, evens tone, and improves resilience
Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream: A revolutionary overnight treatment that blends retinoid and lactic acid to resurface skin with minimal irritation.
- Visibly reduces fine lines, texture irregularities, and uneven tone
- Hydrates while promoting skin renewal for a brighter, smoother complexion
- Ideal for sensitive skin or first-time retinoid users
Frequently Asked Questions
Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly, damaging the collagen and elastin beneath. This results in scar-like streaks, often due to puberty, pregnancy, weight changes, or muscle growth.
While stretch marks may not fully disappear, Secret PRO significantly reduces their visibility, improving skin texture, tone, and firmness. Many patients see a 70–90% improvement after a series of treatments.
Remarkable results can be seen after just one session of Secret PRO. To determine how many sessions you will need, we recommend booking in for a personalised Procedure Consultation.
You may experience redness, swelling, and light flaking for a few days after treatment. Most patients resume normal activities within 3–5 days. Typically CO2 Laser treatments require more downtime, often patients need 5-10 days for the skin to heal and start to rejuvenate.