A more Thorough Look at Stretch Mark Treatment
You may have heard of certain procedures that help remove the deal skin cells, which are partly linked to the formation of stretch marks (striae). You may have also learned of at-home products applied to reduce or prevent them.
However, you may be in need of a more in depth explanation of each procedure. This will help you make your decision as to which method of prevention, reduction, or elimination to pursue.
Medical or Spa Treatments
Several options are open to you if you are seeking medical or spa treatment for the removal or reduction of stretch marks. Some of these practices could also serve as a preventative tool:
Laser surgery - You are most likely to have this procedure done in a doctor’s office, clinic, or spa. It seems to work best on newly formed and red stretch marks. It does best if these scar-like formations have not penetrated the second layer of your skin (dermis).
Dermabrasion (or microdermabrasion) - These are various degrees of exfoliation processes that are done in a professional spa office. If done just deep enough they can show improvement. However, if the administrator of this procedure goes too deep it can cause irritation or discoloration (in patches). It could also cause scarring in some cases.
Chemical peels - A chemical of varying strength may be used for this such as glycolic acid (20 to 70%) or Trichloracetic acid (35% to 50%) might be used. Sometimes solutions stronger than this may also be used, but it typically is not recommended.
Prescription creams - Some of these may substances that are taken from Vitamin A. The two substances used most of the time include Tretinoin or Retin which are forms of Vitamin A more capable of deeper penetration. The result is also boosted collagen production.
Be careful not to use these too much as they can cause problems. One of these is sensitivity to sunlight and the other is skin thickening.
IMPORTANT: Beware that skin creams containing certain forms of Tretinoin or Retin may not be safe for use while pregnant or breastfeeding! Please talk to a doctor before attempting to use.
Radio Frequency - It works mostly on newer stretch marks. It is not nearly as costly as laser surgery or other medical procedures. It helps produce more collagen in the skin.
Home Treatments
Products used at home to prevent, reduce, or eliminate striae include aloe vera, cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, or Vitamin E oil seem to help a great deal. Most of these are topical creams that are made of a specific formula.
Other products used for this purpose might contain ingredients such as squalene, emu oil, or rose hip oil. All of these serve a variety of purposes such as to tighten and smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
