If you’re searching for the best treatment for stretch marks, you’re not alone, but you are in the right place. Stretch marks can be stubborn to treat, but the non-surgical cosmetic treatments for stretch marks available today are more effective than ever before. In this blog, we’ll explore what stretch marks are, what causes them, and the most effective professional and at-home treatments.
What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are a form of scarring in the shape of lines or bands that occur when your skin stretches or shrinks quickly. When your skin stretches rapidly, the collagen fibers can break, which allows the blood vessels to show. Blood vessels are what cause the red or purplish marks in stretch marks. As the blood vessels heal, stretch marks fade to white or silver. Once stretch marks occur, they can fade, but they usually do not completely disappear.
While most commonly associated with pregnancy, stretch marks can develop on people of nearly all ages and skin types. Stretch marks most often appear in your abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, lower back, and buttocks. Stretch marks are not physically painful or a sign of health issues, but they can affect your confidence and self-esteem.
Stretch marks are completely natural and medically harmless, but exactly what causes stretch marks? Let’s explore the most common causes of stretch marks and why they can develop.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are the result of your skin stretching or shrinking more quickly than it can adapt, which leads your skin’s elastic fibers and collagen to tear. Your skin’s connective tissue can stretch or shrink rapidly for a number of reasons, including:
- Pregnancy
- Significant weight gain or loss
- Puberty
- Extreme muscle building
Genetics play a role in developing stretch marks as well. If someone in your family has stretch marks, you’re more likely to develop them. Long-term use of a corticosteroid medication can also increase your chances of developing stretch marks as they thin your skin and reduce its elasticity. Certain medical conditions, like Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome, can weaken your skin’s structure or increase hormone levels, which increase your chances of developing stretch marks.
While stretch marks are not a medical concern, there are effective ways to minimize their appearance. In the next section, we’ll discuss some of the best treatments for stretch marks.
Non-surgical Cosmetic Treatments to Get Rid of Stretch Marks
If you want to get rid of stretch marks without surgery, you’re in luck. Non-surgical treatments for stretch marks have come a long way, offering effective results with little to no downtime. Stretch marks can be treated with cosmetic dermatology procedures like laser therapy, microneedling, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. While these methods are all considered some of the best cosmetic treatments for stretch marks, they do work differently, so understanding how they work can help you make the best choice for your goals.
1. Laser Therapy
The Excel V laser helps fade stretch marks by targeting red blood cells in the blood vessels. Once the red blood cells have absorbed the energy from the laser, the vessel wall collapses and your body eliminates the remnants. Laser therapy allows your dermatologist to treat the affected area without damaging the surrounding skin.
While laser treatment for stretch marks is effective, you may require more than one treatment to achieve your desired look. Your dermatologist will discuss your goals and assess the treatment area to provide an expected number of treatments.
2. Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a device to create micro-injuries in your skin. This treatment for stretch marks helps diminish their appearance by stimulating collagen production while minimizing cellular damage.
Because this cosmetic treatment for stretch marks relies on your body’s natural healing process, you may not see results right away. For best results, a series of treatments may be needed. Your dermatologist will discuss your goals and assess the treatment area to provide an expected number of treatments.
3. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure that uses a rough, sandpaper-like tip on the surface of the skin to increase circulation and remove dead and dull skin cells. While this can be done at home, microdermabrasion performed by a trained professional provides better and safer results. It can take at least two weeks for your skin to heal following microdermabrasion. Expect to see full results several weeks or months after the procedure.
When comparing the best treatment for stretch marks, don’t confuse microneedling and microdermabrasion. Microneedling is minimally-invasive and uses micro-injuries to increase collagen production while microdermabrasion is considered a “lunch hour” procedure that is non-invasive and uses ablative material to scrub off dead and dull skin cells.
4. Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are a common treatment for stretch marks. Both the superficial and medium peels use an acid (like alpha-hydroxy-acid or glycolic acid) to penetrate specific layers of your skin to remove damaged skin cells. Your skin can take up to two weeks to heal following a chemical peel.
To achieve maximum results, your dermatologist will discuss your goals and assess the treatment area to determine the type of peel needed and how many treatments will provide the best results.
While no single treatment can erase stretch marks completely, today’s non-surgical treatments for stretch marks can improve the tone, texture, and overall appearance of your stretch marks. No matter which procedure you’re considering, your dermatologist can help you build a personalized plan.
How to Prevent Stretch Marks
Many over-the-counter products containing almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, or vitamin E claim to prevent stretch marks. Though research hasn’t proven their effectiveness, using them to keep your skin hydrated and well-nourished may reduce the likelihood or severity of stretch marks. In addition to moisturizing, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting your skin from the sun also generally contribute to healthier, more resilient skin.
Even with the best skincare habits, stretch marks can occur. We’ve already discussed non-surgical treatments for stretch marks, but are there any ways to get rid of stretch marks with home remedies? Let’s take a look.
Are There Any Home Remedies for Stretch Marks?
Many people turn to home remedies to treat their stretch marks, but there is little scientific evidence to show that home remedies can fully get rid of stretch marks. However, certain ingredients, like vitamin A, hyaluronic acid, and centrella, may help improve your skin’s texture, elasticity, and tone when used consistently.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, when used in skin care products, is more commonly known as a retinoid. It’s known to help make your skin appear more smooth and youthful. However, vitamin A can irritate the skin, so be sure to follow the directions carefully. You should avoid using vitamin A and retinoids if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or trying to become pregnant.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in our bodies, is often an ingredient in lotions and serums for moisturizing and skin healing. Hyaluronic acid is thought to affect your skin’s elasticity, which can improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Centella
Centella is often used in Korean beauty (K-beauty) products to help calm and repair sensitive skin. Centella reduces inflammation and promotes collagen production, which may help improve how stretch marks look.
If you’ve tried home remedies and aren’t seeing the results you hoped for, or if your stretch marks are affecting your confidence and self-esteem, it may be time to consult with a professional.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Stretch marks are harmless and incredibly common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. Whether your stretch marks are new and red or older and faded, your dermatologist can help you explore the best treatments for stretch marks tailored to your skin type, stretch mark severity, and personal goals.
No one treatment works for everyone, but your dermatologist can create a customized plan that improves the tone, texture, and overall appearance of your stretch marks. If you’re ready to take the next step to minimize the appearance of your stretch marks, call us at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to book your appointment in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. We’re here to help you understand your options and find a treatment for stretch marks that works for you. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.