How many times have you heard that rubbing cocoa butter on your body will stop stretch marks dead in their tracks? Well, a new study says that ain’t so. Researchers from the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Lebanon analyzed 210 pregnant women and found that 45 percent of cocoa butter-treated women developed stretch marks compared with 49 percent of women given a placebo lotion. They also saw no difference between the groups in the severity of their stretch marks.

Stretch marks—a form of scarring of the skin that leaves a silvery-white color—usually occur on the abs, thighs, hips and buttocks. They occur when the skin stretches due to rapid growth caused by puberty or weight gain from pregnancy or obesity.

Despite lack of scientific proof, many doctors and midwives still recommend using cocoa butter to remove or prevent stretch marks.

While there is no miracle cure to get rid of stretch marks, products and procedures can help diminish their appearance.