Deep Dive: Stretch Mark Removal & Treatment

Understanding Stretch Marks

Stretch marks (Also known as striae-distensae) is a common skin condition. These can be seen as pink, red, or purple streaks. Initially, stretch marks are more pronounced in colour but gradually fade to a lighter shade over time. While not harmful, their appearance can be unwanted.

To treat this, there are a range of professional methods to implement. Choosing the right one can be challenging, which is why it’s important to be informed. These include: Moisturising creams such as retinoid, light and laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasions, as well as micro-needling.

Science behind Stretch Mark Treatments

You may be wondering, “How do treatments for stretch marks work?”

Over time, stretch mark technology has progressed to target your skin’s needs. This finds the root cause for its appearance. These work by helping the skin heal and produce collagen, reducing its presence over time.

New methods can reduce stretch marks and make skin healthier by addressing issues like lack of elasticity and moisture. This helps improve the skin’s appearance and strength.

If you’re sceptical on the best treatment options, consult with a range of professionals. These range from dermatologists, general practitioners, cosmetic therapists to registered nurses. Turning to their expertise allows for the right solution, which is tailored to your age and skin type.

Why am I developing stretch marks?

At Results Laser Clinic, a frequent question we get asked is “Why do I have stretch marks?” The truth is that the causes often vary. There are a variety of genetic, ageing, life events and lifestyle factors that can impact whether it appears.

See why you could be faced with this, below:

• Growth Spurts: Common in teenagers during puberty due to rapid growth.
• Weight Gain/Loss: Significant changes in weight can stretch the skin quickly.
• Pregnancy: As the belly expands to accommodate a growing baby, stretch marks often appear.
• Genetics: A family history of stretch marks can increase your likelihood of getting them.

Common Areas For Stretch marks

Stretch marks can appear in almost any bodily region. This is because the cause behind it varies from person to person. These mainly include areas like:

• Stomach: This is often seen during or after pregnancy as well as for those experiencing significant weight gain.
• Thighs: Rapid growth during puberty, or significant changes in weight can lead to stretch marks.
• Hips: Stretch marks on the hips are common during periods of rapid growth. This includes puberty, or significant weight changes.
• Breasts:  Development during puberty, weight gain, or changes during pregnancy can cause this.
• Upper Arms: Muscle gain or weight gain can stretch the skin on the upper arms.
• Lower Back: This often appears during puberty, or significant weight gain.
• Buttocks: Occurs during rapid growth phases or significant changes in body weight.

How To: Prevent the Growth of Stretch Marks

To prevent the appearance of stretch marks, there are various steps you can take. This involves a combination of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as well as skin care routine.

See the below:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin soft and hydrated, making it less prone to stretch marks.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eat foods rich in vitamins C, E, zinc, and silicon. These are fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which can help support skin health.
• Use Moisturisers: Regularly apply creams or oils, especially ones containing vitamin E or hyaluronic acid. This should be done to areas prone to skin stretching.
• Gentle Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise improves circulation and skin elasticity, potentially reducing the risk of stretch marks.
• Avoid Rapid Weight Gain or Loss: Try to maintain a stable weight or aim for gradual changes to give your skin time to adjust.

Low Self Esteem

Experiencing stretch marks can feel like an isolating experience for many people. This can significantly impact an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. The visibility of stretch marks can trigger feelings of embarrassment, which leads to negative body image. As reported by Michigan Medicine, over 25% of pregnant women in a study felt embarrassed by this.

It’s important to choose a treatment and/or professional, which promotes positive wellbeing. So you can feel at complete comfort throughout the process.

Laser Resurfacing for Stretch Marks

Laser stretch mark removal integrates the use of fractional non-ablative lasers. This technology focuses on deeper layers of the skin, the microneedles work to stimulate collagen production. Which in turn restores the healing process collagen. Collagen is like the building block of your skin, which helps heal and rejuvenate it.

As your skin makes more collagen, the stretch marks start to blend in with the rest of your skin, making them much less noticeable. This method helps your skin improve stretch marks and look smoother over time by allowing your skin to help itself.