We’re totally here for the surge of stretch mark pride from body-positivity headquarters. And we totally accept that stretch marks are the markers of a life well lived by every woman: symbols of growth, trauma and life. And once they’re there, there’s (truthfully) little you can do.

The human skin is held together tightly by elastic fibres, which allow for a little movement, but not much. These get pulled apart and, bingo, you’re left with marks for life. Some skin types scar more than others. Bio-Oil reports that black women suffer from it up to 20 times more than other women.

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The start of a stretch mark is like any other injury to the skin and your body will try to repair the tear (that’s when they look red in colour). In general, fresh, red stretch marks or relatively new marks that have turned white are easier to fade than ones that are years old (which can be extremely stubborn).

So, what to do? Sure, you can’t get rid of them, but if your stretch marks truly bother you, you can use these products that’ll help them blend with your natural skin tone.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Massage Cream Stretch Marks (R79.95)

This cream is made with soybean oil, collagen and vitamin E to help nourish and rejuvenate your skin. Widely recommended for stretch marks during and after pregnancy or due to weight fluctuation, this cream concentrate formula is ideal for stretch mark prone areas such as the tummy, hips, thighs and bust. Available at Dis-chem.

Sorbet Salon Body Stretch Mark Defence Cream (R165)

This gem contains active ingredients to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, including vitamin E to nourish, smoothe and replenish skin. Available at Clicks.

Clarins Stretch Mark Control (R620)

Formulated with plant extracts of crowberry and gotu kola, this treatment meets the needs of the skin for pregnant women, teenagers and anyone experiencing fluctuations in weight. It rebuilds the connective tissue to diminish the appearance of emerging stretch marks and boosts the elasticity and comfort of the skin. Available at Clarins.

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Bio-Oil Tissue Oil (R159.95)

A combination of plant extracts and vitamins are suspended in an oil base. This oil also contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil, which changes the formulation’s overall consistency, making it light and non-greasy, ensuring that the goodness contained in the vitamins and plant extracts is easily absorbed. Available at Dis-chem.

Mustela Stretch Mark Recovery Serum (R326)

This is specially formulated with avocado peptides, a powerful ingredient that helps to relieve tightness and reinforce the skin’s elasticity. Clinically proven to help visibly reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Available at Clicks.