Stretch marks are a type of scarring on the skin that often occurs during a period of rapid growth. Because the growth happens so quickly, the collagen and elastin rupture. When the skin heals, the stretch mark appears.
Over time, stretch marks will fade, but it can take years. Typically, they lose their pigmentation and become less noticeable.
While some creams may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, the most noticeable improvements tend to come after a professional treatment using laser therapy, or radiofrequency.