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Treating Stretch Marks
- December 9, 2021
Got Stretch Marks?
What, if anything, can be done for treating stretch marks, a condition that occurs when the skin is rapidly stretched? A lot of us have made our peace with these little squiggly parallel bands of discolored skin that adorn our bodies, while for other people they may be just popping up and getting noticeable. The marks may be purple, pink, or other colors. It’s pretty easy to recognize stretch marks, but you can always ask your doctor, dermatologist, or aesthetician to take a look as well.
Common Causes
Common causes of stretch marks are weight gain, growth spurts in teenagers, body-building, and pregnancy. Stretch marks can also occur because of an increase in the hormone cortisone, which can make the skin looser. Medications containing cortisone and certain adrenal gland disorders can result in excess levels of cortisone. Stretch marks are more common in women, and in people with pale skin, but everyone can get them and most of us have them.
Annoying but very normal!
Stretch marks are not dangerous, and the good news is that in most cases, they will fade with time. Stretch marks are not in any way a serious cause for concern, and ignoring them is always an option and honestly that’s probably the most common approach!
However, some people consider stretch marks unsightly, and wish they could feel more confident in clothing that reveals the affected areas. That is why some people with stretch marks choose to have their stretch marks treated. The goal of treatment is primarily to improve the appearance and texture of the marks.
There are four basic forms of treating stretch marks:
1. Retinoid cream. Derived from vitamin A, retinoid cream is useful for stretch marks that have developed recently. Retinoids such as tretinoin work by promoting the restoration of collagen, a key structural building block of skin cells. This improves skin elasticity. However, retinoids are usually not appropriate for pregnant or nursing women. Retinoids, including prescription tretinoin, can be purchased here on our site in the exfoliators category.
2. Microneedling. Microneedling involves puncturing the skin with tiny needles, a process that triggers new production of the essential structural proteins collagen and elastin. Microneedling is often preferred for people with darker skin.
3. Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). Described as “Micro-Needling on steroids,” this treatment utilizes your own growth factors and proteins in injections. We see results not only for scaring, but also fine lines and wrinkles, and crepiness of aging skin.
4. Microdermabrasion. In microdermabrasion the skin is polished with a rough-tipped tool, removing the outer layer of dead skin. This process of exfoliation is good for improving the appearance of older stretch marks.
Even though they don’t pose any threat to your health, it doesn’t mean that treating stretch marks doesn’t make sense. After all, we’re all different and for some of us stretch marks are the one thing that we hate seeing in the mirror! If it’s within our means to do something beneficial for our appearance, why not?
We are all about our clients feeling good in their skin, so if treating stretch marks can restore confidence and benefit your psychological wellness, then go for it! We welcome you to check out our wellspa services in Alameda and schedule a consultation.
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