You'll see some physicians prescribe Retin-A for stretch marks.
There's preliminary evidence that Retin-A (tretinoin) helps shrink some stretch marks and improve their appearance.
This may be similar to its benefit in smoothing wrinkles.
Alert patients that Retin-A is only for recently-acquired stretch marks...those that are still fresh and pink. Older, white stretch marks are scars...they're permanent.
People have tried lots of creams to get rid of stretch marks from pregnancy...obesity...weight-lifting, etc. So far, tretinoin is the only one with enough scientific evidence to recommend.
Advise women to avoid using Retin-A during pregnancy and breastfeeding...to avoid any potential harm to the baby.
Arch Dermatol 1996;132:519. Arch Fam Med 1993;2:507. N Engl J Med 1993:329:530.