Pregnancy, growth spurts, weight gain, and muscle gain are some of the main reasons people develop stretch marks. Muscles extend and grow after an intense workout, which can cause stretch marks to appear. Stretch marks form when the middle layer of the skin, the dermis, stretches significantly, causing the connective tissue to break. When tissue breaks, it causes collagen disruption, leading to scarring. Stretch marks can be very unsightly, appearing as numerous vertical lines, ranging from red to silvery-white in colors. They are more prominent on the upper arms, the backs of the legs, the thighs, the chest, the waist, the hips, and the abdomen. However, there are solutions to minimizing their appearance. Follow these steps.
Step 1
Apply stretch mark lotion or cream over the affected areas at least twice a day. The lotion or cream should include a mixture of cocoa butter, Vitamin E, collagen, elastin and shea butter to be effective. These ingredients help lubricate the skin so it retains its natural elasticity and moisture. It also helps relieve dryness associated with stretched skin.
Step 2
Use chemical peels, similar to those used in removing age spots and wrinkles. Apply the solution over the stretch marks using a sponge, cotton swabs, cotton pads or a brush. Wait for the solution to dry, then wash it off completely, removing the excess with oil or body lotion. You would feel some tingling, depending on the solution’s concentration. The solution removes the dead skin, allowing the skin to regenerate. This procedure does not remove stretch marks completely — it simply fades them.
Step 3
Have a dermatologist perform microdermabrasion. This method uses fine crystals to blast the outermost layers of the skin, which results in the removal of dead skin. Healthy skin cells regenerate, replacing dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion is a painless procedure and takes only one hour per session. To achieve good results, you must undergo anywhere from five to 12 sessions. Microdermabrasion does not permanently remove the stretch marks, but helps make them less prominent.
Step 4
Get blue light therapy, which uses a photosensitive gel applied over the stretch marks and then exposed to bursts of light energy. This process will not completely remove the stretch marks, but will help make them less noticeable.
Step 5
Consult with a dermatologist about undergoing a laser stretch mark removal procedure. An example of such a procedure is the use of an excimer laser, the same type used in the eye procedure known as LASIK. It uses high-energy UV (ultra-violet) laser light to disintegrate the tissue, removing the stretch marks. Upon completion, the healing process follows with the appearance of new healthy skin.
Warnings
Read the warning labels on chemicals before using them. Stop if you develop any rash or allergic reaction. Consult your doctor for advice.
