Condition
    Effectiveness 2/5

    Collagen (Hydrolyzed) for Stretch Marks

    No oral supplement, collagen included, has been shown to prevent or erase stretch marks — early red marks respond best to topical and laser treatments.

    Overview

    No oral supplement, collagen included, has been shown to prevent or erase stretch marks — early red marks respond best to topical and laser treatments.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    Stretch marks (striae) are dermal tears from rapid stretching plus hormonal effects on collagen and elastin. Oral collagen peptides provide amino acid building blocks, but there is no established delivery mechanism targeting existing striae.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    No dose established — oral collagen has not been tested against striae
    Expected timeframe
    Not established

    Protocol

    dose
    2.5-10 g/day studied for other skin endpoints only
    form
    Hydrolysed collagen peptides
    steps
    The evidence here is insufficient. No human trial has tested oral collagen peptides against striae distensae (stretch marks); the 2.5-10 g/day doses come from wrinkle, hydration and elasticity studies.,Stretch marks are dermal tears that have already scarred. Once striae albae (white, mature) have formed, no oral supplement reverses them.,The interventions with any human evidence are topical tretinoin on early red striae, and laser or microneedling for mature ones — all clinician-directed.,For prevention during pregnancy or rapid growth, the evidence for any topical or oral product is weak; gradual weight change is the only reliable lever.,Note that tretinoin is contraindicated in pregnancy — discuss options with a clinician if you are pregnant.
    timing
    Not applicable
    duration
    Not applicable

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    No trials have tested collagen or any supplement against stretch marks. Evidence-supported options are limited but real: topical retinoids on early (red/purple) striae, and pulsed-dye or fractional lasers, both with modest results. Mature white stretch marks fade over time and resist treatment; aggressive marketing claims should be treated skeptically. Prevention efforts during pregnancy or rapid growth focus on moisturization for comfort, though genetics largely determine who develops striae.

    Topical preparations for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy

    Score: 9/10
    2012
    systematic_review
    n=800

    Brennan M

    We found no high-quality evidence to support the use of any of the topical preparations in the prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy.

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Do not use retinoids in pregnancy. Collagen supplements are not studied in pregnancy either. Marketing claims about preventing stretch marks are unsupported. Fish allergy risk with marine collagen.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone with mature white striae; and most people with new red striae, where topical treatment rather than an oral supplement is indicated.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.