Stretch marks; it is likely we all have them or have had them appear on our bodies once in our lives. This could have been as a result of puberty, pregnancy or even weight gain and loss. Stretch marks are very common and although they are not harmful nor painful, many people seek treatments to reduce their appearance.
With that in mind, here is some expert skin advice and potential treatments to reduce the appearance of your stretch marks.
WHAT CAUSES STRETCH MARKS?
Stretch marks appear as a result of the collagen production being compromised in the area of the body where the skin has been stretched (just as the name suggests). There are a number of reasons, and typical stages of your life, why and when they may begin to appear:
- Women will typically notice stretch marks as their bodies change with pregnancy.
- Teens going through puberty may encounter stretch marks on areas of their bodies which are developing. This could be the arms and legs.
- If you have lost or gained any weight the skin will have been stretched, resulting in the appearance of stretch marks.
- There have been links to the use of some steroid creams and tablets to the appearance of stretch marks on the body. Always check the side effects of any medications you take to ensure you understand why this is occurring.
- The amount of stretch marks you have, and their appearance, can also be genetic.
TREATMENTS FOR THE APPEARANCE OF STRETCH MARKS
There are a number of methods and treatments available on the market, however, not all of these have been confirmed treatments for stretch marks which provide actual, positive results.
Although you will find many creams on the high street claiming to treat stretch marks, these have not been proven to make any difference to their appearance.
It should also be noted that stretch marks are not caused by dry skin, so using moisturiser will only hydrate the affected area, potentially improving the appearance of stretch marks temporarily.
Below are the treatments which have been found to work to treat the appearance of stretch marks.
- The single best way to actually prevent stretch marks is by eating healthily, exercising regularly and, accordingly, maintaining a healthy weight. This can reduce your chance of getting them in the first place, and in this case, prevention is always better than cure.
- Retinoid Creams and Hyaluronic Acid can be used to improve the appearance of stretch marks, though won’t get rid of them entirely. It should be noted that retinoid creams should not be used by pregnant women.
- Light and/or laser treatments can dramatically reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the body. The most common places this is used on is the arms, legs, stomach, bottom, hips. Using treatments like IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy over a course of sessions has been proven to demonstrate clinical improvements.
- Microdermabrasion – this includes the use of a minimally abrasive instrument to remove the first outer layer of skin. With repeated appointments, many patients have seen a reduction in the appearance of their stretch marks as a result of microdermabrasion.
- Chemical Peels, these are becoming increasingly popular as people turn to the benefits of TCAs, BHAs, and AHAs to treat numerous skin concerns. When applied by a properly trained dermatologist, using the correct concentration, a series of chemical peels may reduce the appearance of your stretch marks. This is only safe when performed by a qualified professional.
Before choosing a laser technician, dermatologist or other qualified professional to perform any of the above procedures, it’s essential that you do your research to ensure they are properly trained, qualified and registered. Please read the NHS’ guide to choosing who will do your cosmetic procedure before moving forward.
You can also check if your potential technician is a member of the British Medical Laser Association, who represent dermatologists, plastic surgeons, nurses, technologists, scientists, beauty therapists, manufacturers and safety advisers.
*This article is not intended to replace medical or skin care advice, diagnosis or treatment given by a qualified health professional. Instead, this article only provides information, not advice. For any medical enquiries, always consult your GP or dermatologist first*