Stretch marks are a type of scars that are formed when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. This kind of abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin, (that support our skin) to rupture. As the skin starts to heal, stretch marks might appear.

Also, not everyone develops these narrow bands on their skin.

If one develops stretch marks, then they are most likely to get them during:

• Growth spurts because of puberty
• Pregnancy
• Rapid weight loss or gain
• Weight training during rapid muscle growth

If someone has Cushing’s disease or Marfan syndrome, then also they can get stretch marks. Applying a corticosteroid to your skin for a long time can also cause stretch marks.

In the first appearance, stretch marks tend to be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin colour. Early stretch marks can be itchy.

If you run your finger over a mature stretch mark, you often feel a slight depression.

Can we get rid of stretch marks?

Though stretch marks are permanent but correct treatment may make them less noticeable. Treatment can also help reduce the itching.

One needs to understand that no single treatment works for everyone — and many products may seem to not work at all.

Treatments available

1. Stretch mark creams, lotions, and gels:

   If you want to try creams, lotions, or gels to fade stretch marks, be sure to:

   • Use the product on early stretch marks because results show that treatments seem to have little effect on mature stretch marks.
   • Massage the product into your stretch marks.
   • Apply the product every day for weeks and wait for the results.

   

2. Tanning: You need to understand that tanning cannot help you in getting rid of the stretch marks; instead, tanning makes stretch marks more noticeable.
3. Self-tanner: As stated above, tanning can make stretch marks more noticeable, but a self-tanner can camouflage stretch marks, though it cannot help you in getting rid of them completely.
4. Prescription medicines:

Studies show that only two ingredients seem to offer some relief:

• Hyaluronic acid: It was found in a study that applying hyaluronic acid on early stretch marks, made them less noticeable.
• Tretinoin: In one study, people who applied this prescription cream every night for 24 weeks had less noticeable stretch marks. Those who didn’t apply the cream saw their early stretch marks grow.

How can a dermatologist help?

Dermatologists use the following procedures to make stretch marks less noticeable:

• Chemical peel
• Laser therapy
• Microdermabrasion
• Radiofrequency
• Ultrasound

To give clients the best results, dermatologists may sometimes use more than one procedure. It all depends on the severity of the condition. This can also reduce the chances of having any major side effects though a bit of redness is normal.

A dermatologist can help in deciding the best suitable treatment options available considering the age factor, health and how long one have had the stretch marks.

When to consult a dermatologist?

If you find yourself spending a lot of time and money on creams and lotions without getting any results, seeing a board-certified dermatologist can be fruitful.

The in-office procedures have proven to be more effective than creams, lotions, and gels available in the market. Dermatologists can also tell you about any new product or procedure that may help since they are experts in handling such issues.

Trying hard in getting rid of your stretch marks? Visit Skin Decor today and let Dr. Monica Chahar and her team of experts give you the best-in-class treatment for all your skin and hair related concerns!