Advancements in treating stretch marks across all skin types: a comprehensive review of therapeutic modalities

Abstract

Background:

Striae distensae (SD) (stretch marks) are common dermal scars resulting from rapid skin stretching during puberty, pregnancy, or weight changes and disproportionately affect women. Management remains challenging, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones, due to variable efficacy and the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation with certain therapies.

Objective:

To review current and emerging treatment modalities for SD across all Fitzpatrick skin types, with an emphasis on efficacy, safety, and the role of combination therapies.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed clinical trials, observational studies, and dermatologic reviews evaluating topical, procedural, laser-based, and combination therapies for SD. Treatments were analyzed based on mechanism of action, clinical outcomes, skin type suitability, and reported adverse effects.

Results:

Topical tretinoin demonstrated modest efficacy dependent on concentration and treatment duration. Laser-based therapies, including ablative and nonablative fractional lasers, improved collagen remodeling and stretch mark appearance, with nonablative lasers showing better tolerability in darker skin types. Microneedling and fractional microneedling radiofrequency were effective and cost-efficient options across skin types. Combination therapies, particularly those integrating microneedling, radiofrequency, platelet-rich plasma, or fractional CO₂ lasers, yielded superior outcomes compared with monotherapy, especially for striae alba. Striae rubra generally responded more favorably than striae alba across treatment modalities.

Limitations:

Heterogeneity among studies, including inconsistent outcome measures, variable treatment protocols, and limited long-term follow-up, restricts direct comparison of therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, many studies included small sample sizes and lacked standardized assessment tools such as a uniform visual analog scale and Dermatology Life Quality Index scoring.

Conclusion:

Multiple therapeutic options exist for the management of SD, with treatment selection influenced by striae stage and Fitzpatrick skin type. Combination therapies demonstrate the most promising results, particularly for treatment-resistant striae alba and patients with darker skin tones. Standardization of outcome measures and further high-quality comparative studies are needed to optimize individualized treatment strategies.

What is known about this subject in regard to women and their families?

• Stretch marks (striae distensae) are highly prevalent among women, particularly during pregnancy, puberty, and periods of rapid weight change.

• Striae distensae can negatively affect body image, self-esteem, and overall quality of life in women.

• Women with darker skin tones face additional treatment challenges due to a higher risk of adverse effects such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

• The psychosocial impact of stretch marks may extend beyond the individual, contributing to emotional distress, increased stress, and strained family or interpersonal relationships.

• Existing treatment options vary widely in efficacy and safety, and no single modality has been universally effective across all skin types and stages of striae.

What is new from this article as messages for women and their families?

• This review introduces new insights into the treatment of stretch marks across different skin types in women, including those with darker skin tones.

• Combination therapies, such as fractional microneedling radiofrequency with fractional CO₂ lasers, show promise in enhancing outcomes while mitigating pigmentation-related risks.

• Treatment selection can be more effectively personalized by considering both striae stage (rubra vs alba) and Fitzpatrick skin type, supporting more tailored care.

• Improved therapeutic strategies have the potential to address not only the physical appearance of stretch marks but also their psychological and emotional impact on women.

• By identifying gaps in current research and emphasizing standardized outcome measures, this article supports future advancements that may lead to more consistent, patient-centered care and improved well-being for women and their families.

Introduction

Stretch marks are a prevalent dermatological concern and can affect individuals of various ages. Dermal scars result from stretching of the skin, often due to hormonal changes, growth spurts, or sudden weight shifts. The treatment of stretch marks remains difficult, especially for individuals with darker skin tones, as many available therapies can lead to complications, such as hyperpigmentation. The difficulty in treatment is further compounded by the distinction between striae rubra and striae alba. Striae rubra are typically easier to treat, showing a higher response rate to therapies such as fractional CO₂ laser due to increased blood flow and collagen turnover. In contrast, striae alba, being more mature and fibrotic, require more intensive therapies, such as microneedling, and multiple sessions to achieve noticeable results. This review explores the range of therapeutic options for stretch marks, including topical tretinoin, laser interventions, and combination therapies, such as fractional microneedling radiofrequency (fMRF) with CO₂ lasers, and evaluates their effectiveness and safety across different skin types.

Materials and methods

A literature review was conducted by searching databases such as PubMed using keywords related to stretch marks and their treatment. Relevant studies, including clinical trials and observational research, were selected to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the different treatment modalities for striae distensae (SD). A comprehensive patient selection process is essential to optimize treatment outcomes for stretch marks. Key inclusion criteria include Fitzpatrick skin type, the stage of SD (rubra or alba), age, and previous treatment history. The Fitzpatrick skin type is particularly important, as individuals with darker skin (types IV-VI) are at higher risk for hyperpigmentation, which may influence treatment modality choice. Additionally, patients with striae alba may require more aggressive or combination therapies due to the fibrotic nature of the tissue, whereas striae rubra tend to respond better to less intensive treatments.

Results

The treatment landscape for stretch marks of various skin types encompasses a range of modalities, each with distinct advantages. Topical tretinoin offers a noninvasive option to stimulate collagen synthesis and improve stretch-mark appearance on any skin type, albeit with potential side effects such as erythema and irritation. Chemical peels are another noninvasive option that increases collagen production; however, a darker skin type can cause dyspigmentation.

Lasers, including both ablative and nonablative types, provide significant improvements in collagen production and skin texture, although ablative lasers carry a higher risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), particularly in darker skin tone. In contrast, nonablative lasers offer similar benefits in terms of collagen remodeling and skin rejuvenation, while being better tolerated on colored skin. These lasers typically cause less damage to the epidermis, reducing the risk of pigmentation changes while still enhancing the skin texture and appearance. Striae rubra tend to respond better to ablative lasers (like fractional CO₂ lasers) due to their increased vascularity and collagen synthesis. However, striae alba, with their mature fibrotic nature, may require additional treatments such as microneedling or combination therapies to break down the fibrosis and stimulate collagen regeneration. While ablative lasers carry a higher risk of PIH in darker skin tones, nonablative lasers are a better option for individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, offering similar benefits with a reduced risk of pigmentation complications.

Microneedling has also proven to be an effective and cost-efficient treatment option, delivering notable results in collagen stimulation and skin texture enhancement, even in thicker skin areas, making it an appealing choice for a wide range of patients. Combination therapies, such as fMRF with a CO₂ laser or platelet-rich plasma (PRP), show promising synergistic effects in enhancing treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. A comprehensive treatment selection algorithm for stretch marks categorizes modalities based on both SD stage (striae rubra and striae alba) and Fitzpatrick skin type, with recommended treatments including tretinoin, microneedling, ablative lasers, and chemical peels, among others (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1.

Algorithm for the selection of stretch mark treatment based on striae stage (rubra vs. alba) and Fitzpatrick skin type.

Discussion

Tretinoin

Topical tretinoin, widely recognized for its ability to reverse the effects of photoaging, offers several skin benefits, including reducing actinic keratoses, stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid production, and evening out skin tone by dispersing melanin granules. These promising effects have led researchers to explore their potential in the treatment of stretch marks.

One study demonstrated that applying tretinoin 0.1% cream daily for 12 weeks improved pregnancy-related stretch marks, reducing their length by 20%.¹ Another study compared tretinoin 0.1% with an herbal extract cream. Both showed equal effectiveness, though the herbal extract caused fewer side effects, highlighting a trade-off between efficacy and tolerability. Further research is required to establish the effectiveness of herbal extracts for treating SD.² In a comparison of superficial dermabrasion and tretinoin 0.05% cream, both treatments improved stretch-mark appearance, though no significant difference was found. While these studies have confirmed the effectiveness of 0.1% and 0.05% tretinoin, a double-blind study by Pribanich et al.³ found that tretinoin 0.025% cream produced no improvement, suggesting that the strength of topical tretinoin plays a role in achieving efficacy.

In addition to topical application, researchers have compared tretinoin with other treatments. In a study evaluating intralesional injections of PRP versus tretinoin 0.05% cream, PRP demonstrated superior outcomes with clinical improvement and satisfaction rates of 86.6% and 89.9%, compared with 60% improvement and satisfaction in the tretinoin group. Both treatments increased collagen and elastic fiber production; however, PRP resulted in higher patient satisfaction.⁴ Similarly, when tretinoin 0.1% was compared with fMRF combined with fractional CO₂ (FrCO₂) laser, the results highlighted the limitations of tretinoin. While tretinoin failed to significantly reduce the length or width of the striae alba, the combination of fMRF and FrCO₂ lasers effectively decreased their width. Both treatments increased collagen levels, although the combination therapy led to a more substantial improvement.⁵

While topical tretinoin (0.05% and 0.1%) has proven effective in improving the appearance of stretch marks and stimulating collagen production, its side effects, such as erythema and pruritus, may make alternative treatments more appealing. However, these side effects can often be mitigated with proper moisturization using over-the-counter topical creams.

Lasers

Lasers used to treat stretch marks can be categorized into ablative and nonablative treatments, as well as fractionated and nonfractionated techniques, each offering varying levels of skin resurfacing, collagen stimulation, and recovery times. Lasers have demonstrated a dual ability to increase and decrease collagen levels, making them versatile tools in dermatology. When it comes to treating stretch marks, the focus is on boosting collagen production to improve the skin texture and appearance. Ablative lasers, which are highly effective for skin resurfacing, have a high risk of side effects, particularly for Fitzpatrick skin types IV and above.

A study by Lee et al.⁶ found that a single session of ablative 10,600-nm carbon dioxide fractional laser significantly improved stretch-mark appearance and high patient satisfaction. Similarly, another found that 4 sessions of increasing pulse energy reduced the width of their largest stretch marks. The treatments also thickened the epidermal cell layer and increased collagen fiber production compared with untreated striae. However, collagen levels in the treated areas were comparable to those in the normal untreated skin, suggesting that the laser effectively remodeled the affected tissue.⁷

The combined treatment also resulted in enhanced results. For example, a study testing the combination of platelet-poor plasma gel injections with FrCO₂ lasers found that adding platelet-poor plasma gel significantly improved clinical and histological outcomes compared with laser treatment alone. This combination therapy demonstrated greater efficacy and tolerability, making it a promising approach for treating stretch marks.⁸ Additionally, the effectiveness of FrCO₂ lasers in patients with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV-V) has been highlighted in studies utilizing recombinant human epidermal growth factor along with lasers. This combination proved particularly effective for improving SD while addressing some of the challenges associated with treating darker skin. However, FrCO₂ lasers still carry a higher risk of PIH, especially in individuals with darker complexions.⁹

To mitigate these risks and improve healing time, Erbium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er:YAG) lasers have emerged as valuable alternatives for skin resurfacing. With reduced thermal damage and shorter recovery periods, Er:YAG lasers offer an effective solution with a lower risk of PIH than CO₂ lasers.¹⁰ However, the type of Er:YAG treatment varies according to the skin type. For example, fully ablative Er:YAG treatments are best suited for Fitzpatrick skin types I-II, whereas fractional, more conservative settings are recommended for skin types III-IV to minimize the risk of complications during initial treatments.¹⁰ Despite these advantages, patients with darker skin undergoing Er:YAG treatment still have a heightened risk of scarring, burns, and PIH.¹¹

In a notable study conducted in 2017, 21 women received Er:YAG laser treatment for SD. One side of the stretch marks was treated with a single pass of 400 mJ in short-pulse mode with 50% overlapping, followed by another pass using 2.2 J/cm² in smooth mode without overlapping. The other side was treated with 2 passes of 400 mJ in short-pulse mode with 50% overlap. Visiocscan VC98, an Ultraviolet A -light video camera with high resolution, was used to study the skin surface directly at the 6-month follow-up visits. Measurements using this device showed a significant reduction in the volume of SD in both treatment groups at 6 months, highlighting the effectiveness of the Er:YAG laser in improving the appearance of stretch marks.¹²

While laser treatments have been previously discouraged during pregnancy, Wilkerson et al.¹³ found that cutaneous laser treatment during pregnancy is safe for both the mother and fetus. The principles of laser physics and optics indicate that commonly used skin lasers should not pose any risk of fetal exposure.¹³

Nonablative lasers

Nonablative lasers, stimulating collagen production without damaging the skin’s surface, make them a promising and less invasive option for treating stretch marks. Nonablative lasers are particularly beneficial for treating stretch marks in darker skin types because they target water rather than melanin, making them safer and minimizing the risk of pigmentation issues. Preissig et al.¹⁴ highlighted that both fractionated and nonfractionated nonablative lasers are effective options for all skin types, including darker tones (Fitzpatrick types IV and V). This is attributed to the reduced stimulation of melanocytes and minimal tissue damage, which significantly lowers the risk of pigmentation abnormalities compared with ablative therapies. Additionally, nonfractionated nonablative lasers have shown great promise for the treatment of acne scars, particularly in Asian patients, with no reported pigmentary side effects.¹⁴

Further evidence supports the efficacy of nonablative fractional lasers (NAFL) in improving stretch marks on the skin color. A study involving 20 patients with Fitzpatrick IV-V–V skin types demonstrated that 4 sessions of fractional picosecond laser treatments significantly enhanced the appearance and texture of the abdominal striae alba, with only minimal and transient side effects.¹⁵

A randomized study comparing ablative and NAFL for treating SD found no significant differences in outcomes.¹⁶ This finding suggests that NAFL may achieve comparable results to ablative lasers for stretch marks while avoiding the risk of hypopigmentation in darker skin tones.

One noteworthy study compared a 1550-nm erbium-doped fractional nonablative laser (Fraxel DUAL [a 1550-nm erbium-doped nonablative fractional laser system]) to a 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel for treating SD in patients with darker skin. After the second treatment, the laser group achieved a greater reduction in stretch mark severity than the TCA peel group (70.6% vs 47%), with more pronounced improvement after the third session (88.3% vs. 52.9%). These results persisted at follow-up (70.6% vs 35.5%). Notably, the laser group also reported better quality of life improvements, with median Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores decreasing from 6 to 3 (P = .01). Both treatments were well-tolerated, with only mild and self-limiting side effects. The study concluded that the 1550-nm erbium-doped fractional laser is a highly effective treatment for SD in colored skin, offering superior clinical and quality-of-life outcomes compared with TCA peels, with minimal adverse effects.¹⁷

Chemical peels

Chemical peels, such as glycolic acid, have shown promise in treating SD by stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture. For instance, 1 study compared 2 solutions: 1 containing 20% glycolic acid combined with 10% l-ascorbic acid, 2% zinc sulfate, and 0.5% tyrosine and the other containing 20% glycolic acid with 0.05% tretinoin. Both solutions were applied daily for 12 weeks to 10 patients with different skin types (I-V). The results indicated improvements in the appearance of stretch marks and increased epidermal thickness with both treatments.¹⁸

Further insights can be drawn from a study on acne scars, in which a combination of 20% TCA with Jessner’s solution was compared with 20% TCA alone. Both treatments were equally effective; however, the combination treatment resulted in less hyperpigmentation, suggesting its potential suitability for patients with darker skin tone. These findings may also be relevant for SD treatment, particularly for managing pigmentation concerns.¹⁹

A more comprehensive study involving 75 female patients evaluated the safety and efficacy of 3 treatments for stretch marks: PRP alone, PRP combined with subcision, and PRP combined with medium-depth chemical peels using glycolic acid and TCA. Combination treatment (PRP + subcision and PRP + peeling) outperformed PRP alone, resulting in significantly better patient satisfaction, improved quality of life scores (DLQI), and reduced striae measurements. Histological analysis revealed increased dermal collagen deposition across all groups, with more pronounced increases in the combination therapy groups.²⁰

Although chemical peels such as glycolic acid may offer some improvement in the appearance of stretch marks, their effects tend to be modest when used alone. However, combining them with treatments, such as PRP, enhances their efficacy, highlighting the potential for synergistic outcomes in managing SD.

Microneedling

Microneedling has shown effectiveness in treating SD, demonstrating its versatility and potential across various skin types. In 1 study, researchers compared the efficacy of microneedling using a motorized device for plasma skin regeneration with that of a plasma jet in 30 patients. Both treatments significantly reduced the width of stretch marks and improved erythema and skin texture scores. However, microneedling is associated with higher rates of hyperpigmentation and erythema, whereas plasma jet treatment causes greater pain. Despite these differences, both methods have been shown to be effective with minimal side effects, underscoring their potential as viable options for SD treatment.²¹

Another comparative study evaluated microneedling and FrCO₂ laser therapy in 40 patients over a 10-month period. Both treatments resulted in significant reductions in stretch mark size and improved visual analog scale (VAS) scores by the 6-month mark, with no notable differences in overall efficacy between the 2 groups. However, microneedling has emerged as a more cost-effective treatment option with a lower risk of dyspigmentation, making it a particularly appealing choice, particularly for patients with darker skin types.²²

Microneedling has also demonstrated effectiveness in treating SD in individuals with skin color, a population often at a higher risk of PIH with other treatments. One study analyzed microneedling in patients with diverse skin tones (SPT I-V), focusing on nonfacial areas, such as the trunk and extremities, where the skin tends to be thicker. The results showed that all participants experienced at least a 50% improvement in stretch marks, with 28% achieving over 75% improvement after an average of just 1.8 treatment sessions. The procedure was well-tolerated across all skin types, with minimal side effects limited to transient erythema and no reported cases of PIH, infection, or persistent pigmentation issues. These findings highlight microneedling as a safe and effective treatment option for SD in both light and dark skin tones, particularly in regions with a thicker skin.²³

Microneedling’s ability to deliver significant improvements in the appearance of SD, combined with its safety profile and affordability, makes it an accessible and effective treatment option for a wide range of patients.

Fractional microneedling radiofrequency

fMRF represents another advancement in stretch-mark treatment. In a comparative study, fMRF was evaluated against a 1565-nm nonablative fractional laser for treating SD in Chinese women. The results revealed that fMRF was more effective in improving the appearance of SD, particularly in promoting collagen and elastic fiber production, as confirmed by histological analysis. However, this enhanced efficacy resulted in greater discomfort during treatment compared with NAFL.

Both treatments demonstrated similar outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction and melanin index changes, highlighting their comparable safety profiles regarding pigmentation concerns. Despite its advantages in collagen regeneration, the painful nature of fMRF may influence patient preferences and treatment strategies. This study underscores fMRF’s potential of fMRF as a highly effective option for SD treatment, particularly for patients prioritizing significant collagen enhancement, while emphasizing the need to weigh efficacy against treatment tolerability.²⁴

Combination therapy

Combination therapy, which integrates various treatments, is increasingly being explored for the treatment of stretch marks. One study assessed the efficacy of tretinoin 0.1% cream versus a combination of fMRF and FrCo₂. The combination therapy group exhibited a significant reduction in SD lesion width and a notable increase in collagen area, albeit with a higher incidence of PIH. In contrast, the tretinoin group showed a minimal reduction in lesion size but a significant increase in collagen area. This study suggests that combining fMRF and FrCo₂ effectively increases collagen production, although PIH remains a concern.⁵

Another study investigated the combination of FrCO₂ with recombinant human epidermal growth factor (AFXL-rhEGF) and FrCO₂ with Aloe vera gel (AFXL-Aloe) to treat SD in dark-skinned patients. Both combinations showed substantial improvement in subjective and objective assessments lasting up to 6 months, with AFXL-rhEGF reporting higher patient satisfaction than AFXL-Aloe. Additionally, combining the FrCO2 laser with PRP was found to be effective for treating stretch marks, highlighting the potential of combination therapies to achieve enhanced treatment outcomes with fewer side effects.²⁵

Combination therapy has shown significant promise in the treatment of striae rubra, particularly in patients with colored skin. In a study of 50 patients, 5 different treatments were compared: topical tretinoin 0.1%, microdermabrasion (MDA) with TCA peel, mesotherapy, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, and a combination of MDA, salicylic acid peel, and retinol yellow peel. The combination treatment in group V led to the best outcomes, with 60% of patients showing moderate improvement, whereas tretinoin (group I) showed the least improvement. Overall, combination therapy, especially MDA with salicylic acid and retinol yellow peel, proved to be the most effective approach for treating striae rubra, particularly in darker skin tones, where pigmentation concerns are more prominent.²⁶ While individual treatments such as tretinoin and lasers show promise, combining therapies such as radiofrequency and microneedling is more effective owing to their synergistic effects and improved treatment responses.

The standardization of outcome measures such as VAS and DLQI is vital to ensuring reliable, reproducible results across studies. The use of different scoring systems for pain and quality of life assessment can create inconsistencies, making it difficult to draw accurate comparisons. Future research should adopt a consistent approach, such as using the 10-point VAS scale and the same version of DLQI, to ensure meaningful comparisons and optimize patient care.

While various treatment modalities for SD have shown promising results, cost-effectiveness and accessibility remain important factors, particularly in resource-limited settings. Treatments such as fractional CO₂ lasers and microneedling radiofrequency offer effective solutions but come with significant costs, including expensive equipment, multiple sessions, and the need for trained specialists. These treatments may be inaccessible to patients in low-resource regions due to the high financial barriers.

On the other hand, noninvasive treatments such as topical tretinoin and chemical peels offer more affordable alternatives but may require longer treatment durations and multiple applications. Microneedling is a relatively cost-effective option with proven efficacy in striae rubra and striae alba, making it a viable choice in settings with limited access to high-cost therapies. Furthermore, combination therapies, which integrate multiple modalities like microneedling and PRP, offer a middle ground, balancing effectiveness and cost. However, even with combination therapies, their accessibility in resource-limited settings may be hindered by the need for specialized equipment and expertise.

In addition to cost, accessibility is a major challenge in resource-limited settings where the availability of trained professionals and medical infrastructure may be limited. For example, fractional CO₂ lasers require expensive machinery, as well as proper facilities and training, which may not be readily available in many parts of the world. Conversely, treatments like microneedling are relatively inexpensive and can be performed by a broader range of practitioners, making them more accessible in such regions.

Thus, while advanced treatments offer superior outcomes, they may not be feasible for all patients, especially in areas where financial resources and healthcare infrastructure are limited. More affordable, accessible options that are effective in treating stretch marks should be prioritized in these regions. A detailed comparison of treatment modalities for stretch marks—outlining their indications, Fitzpatrick skin type suitability, number of sessions, side effects, cost estimation, and accessibility—offers a comprehensive guide to selecting the most appropriate therapy (Table 1).

Table 1.

Comparison of treatment modalities for striae distensae by indication, Fitzpatrick skin type, treatment sessions, side effects, cost, and accessibility

Treatment modalities for striae distensae (SD)
Treatment modality	Indication	Fitzpatrick skin type	Number of sessions	Side effects	Cost estimation)	Accessibility
Fractional CO2 laser (ablative)	Striae rubra (early-stage stretch marks)	I-III	3-5 sessions	PIH, erythema, pruritus	High	High (requires specialized equipment)
Er:YAG laser (ablative)	Striae rubra, striae alba (fibrotic/mature stretch marks)	I-III, IV-V	2-4 sessions	PIH, erythema, scarring	High	Moderate (requires specialized equipment)
Nonablative lasers (eg, 1550-nm erbium-doped fractional)	Striae alba (mature stretch marks)	IV-VI	3-6 sessions	Mild erythema, possible PIH	Moderate	Moderate (less invasive, accessible)
Microneedling	Striae rubra, striae alba (early and mature stretch marks)	I-VI	3-6 sessions	Erythema, possible hyperpigmentation	Moderate	High (no specialized equipment required)
Tretinoin (topical)	Striae rubra, striae alba (early and mature stretch marks)	I-VI	Daily for 12 weeks	Erythema, irritation	Low	High (easily accessible)
Chemical peels (eg, glycolic acid)	Striae rubra, striae alba (early and mature stretch marks)	I-V	3-5 sessions	Irritation, PIH (in darker skin)	Low	Moderate (requires clinical setting)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)	Striae rubra, striae alba (early and mature stretch marks)	I-VI	3-5 sessions	Swelling, erythema	High	Moderate (requires trained specialist)
Combination therapy (eg, microneedling + PRP)	Striae rubra, striae alba (early and mature stretch marks)	I-VI	3-6 sessions	Erythema, PIH (less common)	High	Moderate (requires combination of modalities)
Combination therapy (eg, fractional CO2 laser + PRP)	Striae rubra, striae alba (early and mature stretch marks)	I-VI	3-6 sessions	PIH, erythema, pruritus	Very high	Low (expensive and requires specialized equipment)

PIH, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation; PRP, platelet-rich plasma.

As research continues to evolve, it is important to further refine treatment protocols and tailor interventions to the unique needs of individuals, including women, across all skin types. Standardizing assessment methodologies and exploring novel combinations are essential for advancing dermatological care and optimizing outcomes for women affected by stretch marks. This review underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches to address dermatological concerns of women in all skin types with the aim to foster inclusive and effective treatment strategies for stretch marks.

Conflicts of interest

None.

Funding

None.

Study approval

N/A.

Author contributions

Conceptualization: H Chaudhury, H Chen, and MT. Literature search: H Chaudhury and NR. Writing—original draft preparation: H Chaudhury and NR. Writing—review and editing: H Chen and MT. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Data availability

All data supporting the findings of this study are included in the published article and its supplementary information files.