Stretch Marks Reduction

Striae, or stretch marks, may occur if you put on weight rapidly, experience a growth spurt, or have a disorder such as Cushing’s syndrome, diabetes or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Long-term steroid use, especially topical steroids, may also cause striae. These can weaken the skin and cause it to be more susceptible to injury. Pregnancy is a big cause of stretch marks. According to the University of Michigan Department of Dermatology, more than 50 percent of women will experience some level of stretch mark development.

Treatments

There are various dermatological treatments for striae. Depending on the age and severity of your stretch marks, a dermatologist may recommend microdermabrasion, laser treatment or tretinoin cream. Microdermabrasion uses small crystals to remove the top layer of skin and stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, two proteins that help to heal skin. Intense Pulse Light also encourages the production of elastin and collagen for healing. Tretinoin cream removes the top layer of dead skin and increases collagen activity, which may heal the skin. Microdermabrasion and advanced chemical peels Like RTCT are giving favorable results.

A dermatologist may recommend fractional photothermolysis for both new and old stretch marks.