Also referred to as striae distensae, stretch marks are benign and common throughout a lifetime. However, they can sometimes be difficult to accept and can become a real source of insecurity. Can hyaluronic acid, whether applied topically or injected, make stretch marks disappear? Let's explore this question together.
Stretch Marks: Can Hyaluronic Acid Make a Difference?
Summary
Published on May 14, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 6 min of reading
Themes:
The effects of hyaluronic acid on stretch marks?
Stretch marks are akin to streaked lines and resemble scars. They appear when the structure of the dermis is altered due to a rupture of collagen fibres. There are two types of stretch marks: the purple stretch marks, still in the inflammatory phase, and the white stretch marks, which are permanent. No treatment can act against the latter, including hyaluronic acid. Naturally found in the skin, it plays a significant role in maintaining skin suppleness and elasticity.
With regards to the cosmetic use of hyaluronic acid, this molecule is primarily used for its hydrating benefits, potentially useful in the prevention of stretch marks. Indeed, it seems that a properly hydrated skin is more elastic and therefore better protected from external aggressions. By strengthening the hydrolipidic film present on the surface of the epidermis, hyaluronic acid would thus consolidate the first protective skin barrier. It can be assumed that the skin, being less prone to dehydration, would be more supple and the risk of stretch marks would be reduced.
Furthermore, hyaluronic acid possesses healing properties that are beneficial in combating stretch marks. Studies in vitro have indeed shown that this active ingredient alters vascular permeability by activating endothelial cells, which are involved in initiating the healing process. Hyaluronic acid also has angiogenic properties, meaning it stimulates the formation of new vessels from a pre-existing network, a key factor in healing. Thus, it can be cautiously assumed that hyaluronic acid could be of interest in the prevention and healing of stretch marks.
Stretch marks and hyaluronic acid: what do clinical trials say?
Even though the properties of hyaluronic acid suggest that it could potentially act on stretch marks, it is impossible to confirm this without a clinical trial. However, to date, there is only one such study involving topical application. Over a period of 12 weeks, around fifty women with inflammatory phase stretch marks applied a cream containing hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica , and onion extract to their stretch marks twice a day. At the end of the 3 months, researchers noted a significant reduction in the depth and colour of the stretch marks. However, it is difficult to quantify the actual effect of the hyaluronic acid, as it was incorporated with Centella asiatica and onion extract within a cosmetic formulation. Furthermore, it should be noted that while the appearance of the stretch marks was diminished, they did not disappear completely and maintained the same size.
More effective but also more invasive than cosmetics, hyaluronic acid injections can act on stretch marks. However, it should be noted that these injections only have effects on inflammatory stretch marks. Several studies, the results of which are compiled in the table below, have looked at the effects of hyaluronic acid injections on stretch marks. They testify to a certain effectiveness of these processes and do not report any side effects. However, although hyaluronic acid is a generally well-tolerated and biocompatible active ingredient, it is good to keep in mind that injections can sometimes cause redness, irritation, or even oedema.
| Study | Number of participants | Injected Solution | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| MACGILLIS & et al. (2015) | 26 | Cross-linked hyaluronic acid (22.5 mg/mL) | 100% participant satisfaction after 3 months |
| CASSUTO (2015) | 1 | Cross-linked hyaluronic acid (concentration not disclosed) | Great satisfaction from the participant after 3 months |
| GUPTA & KROUMPOUZOS (2021) | 2 | Cross-linked hyaluronic acid (2 times with an interval of 8 weeks) | Average improvement of 45.71% after 6 months and 42.88% after 15 months |
| FASOLA & NOBILE (2024) | 32 | 10 mL of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid + 6 amino acids (4 times at 2-week intervals) | Average improvement in participants' quality of life assessed at 19% |
Sources
HARDAS B. & al. Assessment of an onion extract, Centella asiatica, and hyaluronic acid cream on the appearance of red stretch marks. Skinmed (2010).
GALL Y. Hyaluronic Acid: Structure, Metabolism and Involvement in Healing. Annals of Dermatology (2010).
CASSUTO D. Case Report: Successful Treatment of Striae Distensae through Pneumatic Injection of Hyaluronic Acid. Elogio Asia (2015).
VENKATARAM M. & co. A review and update on the treatment of stretch marks. Indian Dermatology Online Journal (2019).
GUPTA A. & KROUMPOUZOS G. A novel treatment for stretch marks using pneumatic injection of hyaluronic acid. Journal of Applied Cosmetology (2021).
NOBILE V. & al. The addition of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to six specific amino acids in the treatment of striae alba (SA): An observational study. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (2024).
