Stretch marks are extremely common and can occur anytime in a person’s life from when they’re younger going through normal growth and development, to when they’re older and gain or lose weight quickly. New stretch marks can form during periods of rapid growth or weight changes. Of course, one of the most common times women tend to get them is during pregnancy.
As a form of atrophic scars, they can appear anytime the skin expands, and its underlying structure is damaged. As a dermatologist, I’ve found that many of my patients find them to be extremely bothersome, often having false hope of getting rid of them with oils and lotions that may help the skin stretch more gently at best.
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available that can greatly reduce the appearance of stretch marks, helping you get rid of them once and for all.
Understanding Stretch Marks
Definition and Causes
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a type of scar that forms when the skin is excessively stretched, causing damage to its underlying structure. This damage results in fine lines or grooved marks on the skin’s surface. Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on areas prone to stretching, such as the abdomen, breasts, arms, back, thighs, hips, and buttocks.
Several factors can contribute to the development of stretch marks, including:
- Rapid weight gain or loss: Significant changes in body weight can cause the skin to stretch or shrink quickly, leading to stretch marks.
- Pregnancy: The skin stretches to accommodate the growing baby, often resulting in stretch marks on the abdomen, breasts, and thighs.
- Growth spurts during puberty: Rapid growth during adolescence can cause the skin to stretch, leading to stretch marks.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Changes in hormone levels can affect the skin’s elasticity, making it more susceptible to stretch marks.
- Genetics: A family history of stretch marks can increase the likelihood of developing them.
- Skin conditions: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can weaken the skin, making it more prone to stretch marks.
Understanding the causes of stretch marks is essential for both preventing and treating them effectively. By recognizing the factors that contribute to their formation, you can take proactive steps to maintain healthy, resilient skin.
Preventing Stretch Marks
Tips and Tricks
Preventing stretch marks involves a combination of good skincare habits, a healthy lifestyle, and using the right products. Here are some practical tips and tricks to help you prevent stretch marks:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Avoid rapid weight gain or loss, as this can cause your skin to stretch and lead to stretch marks. Aim for gradual changes in weight to give your skin time to adjust.
- Keep your skin hydrated: Moisturize your skin regularly, especially during pregnancy or periods of rapid growth. Hydrated skin is more elastic and less likely to develop stretch marks.
- Use gentle skincare products: Avoid harsh skincare products that can strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for gentle, hydrating products that support your skin’s health.
- Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, which can help prevent stretch marks. Use a gentle exfoliant to avoid irritating your skin.
- Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help keep your skin healthy and resilient. Focus on foods that support skin health, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can damage your skin and reduce its elasticity, making it more prone to stretch marks. If you smoke, consider quitting to improve your skin’s health.
By following these tips and tricks, you can reduce your risk of developing stretch marks and keep your skin healthy and resilient.
What are proven ways to get rid of or fade stretch marks?
Despite your best efforts to prevent stretch marks, they may still show up as your skin stretches and changes with age and weight gain. Fortunately, there are proven stretch mark removal techniques within reach that can lead to definite or marked improvement.
At Skin Wellness Dermatology of Alabama in Birmingham, we have a few ways we go about reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Depending on the person’s skin tone and severity of the stretch marks, we may try a retinol cream first, as it’s a cheaper and easier option. From there, we’ll move on to mechanical treatments like microneedling and laser. Other times, we may combine treatments from the beginning.
Retinol Creams for Minimizing the Appearance of Stretch Marks
As far as creams go, Retin-A, or tretinoin, is backed by research and has been shown to make a big impact on the appearance of stretch marks. Retin-A is particularly effective on early stretch marks. While Retin-A can also be beneficial for acne control and scarring, it works on treating stretch marks by producing collagen and allowing it to come to the skin’s surface. Research shows that tretinoin significantly improves early stretch marks by promoting collagen production.
Our Body Renewal Treatment is a lotion that tightens, smooths, and nourishes the skin. This not only improves skin texture and reduces the likelihood you will develop stretch marks, but also helps to reduce the appearance of any existing stretch marks. This is a great option for the following:
- Existing stretch mark scarring (not wide stretch marks, discolored stretch marks, or very red stretch marks)
- Pregnancy stretch marks
- Stretch mark prevention
Ingredients in this popular lotion for stretch marks include All-trans-Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Antioxidants, Leontopodium, and Caffeine USP.
While this cream may work for most stretch marks, there are other stretch marks that are beyond this type of treatment. If the stretch marks are very wide or discolored with lots of red pigmentation, creams such as these are going to do very little for diminishing their appearance, and that’s when we move on to microneedling and/or laser treatment.
Want to get rid of stretch marks but not sure where to start? The cosmetic dermatology landscape can be more than a little intimidating. A cosmetic consultation allows you to ask any questions you may have about which stretch mark creams or treatments will best suit your needs! Call 205.871.7332 to schedule your consult today.
Microneedling for Stretch Mark Removal
Microneedling is a treatment used to stimulate collagen production on the top layer of the skin. Studies have shown that patients undergoing microneedling experience marked improvement compared to those who do not receive the treatment. Treatment involves using a pen that has as many as 20 vibrating tiny needles, hence microneedles, it creates micro-injuries that increase the number of fibroblasts, resulting in the skin creating new collagen.
Each patient needs a series of treatments and depending on their ability to tolerate the procedure, we’ll do about six treatments a month. Since it can be somewhat uncomfortable for those with sensitive skin, we’ll typically numb the patient during the procedure, but there is very little, if any, downtime.
While microneedling is valuable and effective, it’s safest when done by a trained professional such as a board-certified dermatologist. To learn more about the microneedling procedures offered by Skin Wellness Dermatology, please call our office at 205.871.7332.
Getting Rid of Stretch Marks with the Fraxel Laser Treatments
Fraxel is a resurfacing laser, and it’s the only FDA treatment cleared to treat stretch marks. It’s also the best and most effective treatment out there. When comparing the results of Fraxel laser treatments, patients often see significant improvements in the appearance of their stretch marks compared to other treatments. While penetrating the top layer of the skin, the Fraxel laser delivers heat that stimulates collagen growth while resurfacing the top skin layer to help stretch marks fade.
Our Fraxel® Dual system gives patients an advantage when correcting skin conditions such as stretch marks and scarring. This device combines the 1550nm laser of the Fraxel® restore with the 1927nm laser. This combination of wavelengths leads to a number of benefits, including:
- Fewer treatment sessions to accomplish optimal results.
- Faster treatment sessions without affecting results.
- Greater comfort through the integration of the Zimmer Cooling Device, which delivers cold air to the skin throughout treatment.
Like microneedling, there’s not really any downtime, though it does tend to cause more swelling. When it comes to the number of sessions, you’ll still need a series of treatments, but not as many as microneedling.
Stretch marks may occur for several reasons, but they do not have to create embarrassment for you. Contact Skin Wellness Dermatology to discover freedom from stretch marks and other skin concerns with Fraxel® DUAL laser resurfacing.
Alternative Methods to Treat Stretch Marks
Natural Remedies and Products
While there are various medical treatments available to treat stretch marks, some people may prefer to try alternative methods. Here are some natural remedies and products that can help treat stretch marks:
- Coconut oil: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, coconut oil can help nourish and moisturize the skin, reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Apply it regularly to affected areas for the best results.
- Aloe vera: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with stretch marks. Use pure aloe vera gel on the affected areas.
- Vitamin E oil: Packed with antioxidants, vitamin E oil can promote skin health and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Massage the oil into your skin to help improve its texture.
- Hyaluronic acid: A natural humectant, hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture in the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated and plump.
- Micro-needling: This minimally invasive treatment uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. While it’s a more intensive option, it can be effective in treating stretch marks.
These alternative methods can be used in conjunction with medical treatments to enhance their effectiveness. However, it’s essential to consult with a dermatologist before trying any new treatments, especially if you have sensitive skin. This ensures that you choose the safest and most effective options for your skin type.
Visit Us in Birmingham, AL Today for Proven Stretch Mark Removal Treatments
If you’re tired of covering up your stretch marks, don’t wait another day. Contact the team at Skin Wellness Dermatology of Alabama to set up a consultation. One of our doctors will be happy to meet with you to discuss available treatment options.
Whether it’s creams, microneedling, or laser treatment, we’ll find what’s going to work best for you and help you get rid of those stretch marks once and for all.