Popular Stretch Mark Procedures

Stretch marks are something that many people, men and women, deal with on a daily basis. They are a dreaded condition that often accompanies pregnancy, weight loss or gain, and growth spurts. So what exactly are stretch marks? And how can we treat them if we have them?

What are they?

Stretch marks, or striae, is a skin condition caused by breaks or tears in the dermis, or middle layer, of the skin. With the rapid change in weight and size, up or down, the collagen, which is the natural substance that makes our skin strong and elastic, may have a hard time keeping up with the increased demand on the body to change, which weakens the skin and allows for these tears.

When first appearing stretch marks may be dark red or purple, and may feel like depressions in the skin or very smooth to the touch. Often overtime these marks will fade in color to a light white or silvery shade. Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body and there are a number of things that may increase ones risk of developing stretch marks, including pregnancy, family history, and increased weight gain.

Treatments

There are a number of different treatments and therapies available to help prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the body. Here are some of the most popular remedies.

Creams

Alpha Hydroxy Acid  can be found in many creams and lotions desined to combat stretch marks. This acid, which is derived from sugar cane or dairy products, works as a powerful exfoliating compound. Alpaha hydroxy works to break down proteins holding dead skin cells together, allowing the cells to be sloughed of and making way for newer fresher skin to take its place. This new skin will have pigment closer to your previous tone.

Creams or moisturizer containing retinoids are also a popular treatment for stretch marks. Retinoids help regulate skin cell growth closer to the surface. This allows newer cells to emerge much more quickly, which helps minimize the appearance of the marks.

Vitamins A, E and C, have been known to increase collagen production  and elasticity of the skin. This helps allow the skin to regain its natural shape and tone.

Weight Management and Massage

Maintaining an ideal body weight can help prevent the emergence of new stretch marks. Many times stretch marks are caused by rapid increase or decrease in size and weight which puts stress on cells in the body. Gradual changes are key.

Massage has also been found to help prevent the appearance of new stretch marks and improve the look of old ones. Massage increases blood flow and circulation, which promotes healthy cell growth and development.

Laser Therapy

When stretch marks are in the newer, dark-red or purple, stage, pulse dye laser therapy has been shown to help. Pulse dye lasers heat up the affected area causing blood vessels in the walls of the marks to collapse, which can significantly minimize their color and appearance.

Excimer lasers are typically used on older, faded stretch marks. Excimer lasers affect the melanin, or pigment producing cells, in the skin, which can help change the color of the mark to more closely resemble your own natural skin tone.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a procedure where tiny particles are blasted onto the skin to help remove and slough of the dead uneven surface. This then reveals newer, fresher skin and encourages additional cell growth, thus improving the texture and tone of the skin.