stretch marks

Stretch marks are a common type of scar that occur when the skin stretches or shrinks in a short amount of time. The most common causes of stretch marks are pregnancy, changes in weight, and genetics. Although stretch marks aren’t painful or irritable, many people wish to change the appearance of them. 

It’s important to note that stretch marks are perfectly natural and there is nothing wrong with having them on your body. Deciding to improve the appearance of stretch marks through skin treatments is a personal choice which is yours to make. 

If you do wish to get rid of your stretch marks then a reputable skin clinic, The Laser Treatment Clinic, has helped put together this guide on everything you need to know about stretch mark treatment.

Laser Treatment Therapy 

Laser treatment could be a great option for you if you wish to improve the appearance of stretch marks. This treatment works by targeting your stretch marks with lasers to increase the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that helps make the skin look healthier, tighter, and youthful, which greatly improves the appearance of stretch marks. 

The aim with laser treatment is to stimulate the production of collagen on the target area, so that it blends in more with the surrounding skin. It may take a few treatment sessions but the effective results are worth it!

Microneedling 

In a similar way to laser treatment, microneedling works by stimulating the production of collagen. This stretch mark treatment involves making tiny wounds on the stretch marks to encourage the skin’s natural healing process. This promotes the production of collagen and elastin, another protein that gives the skin a tighter appearance. 

The effects of this stretch mark treatment usually last for around 3-5 months.  

Chemical Peels

Although chemical peels are usually associated with facial skin, they are actually effective in treating stretch marks too. The solution that makes up a chemical peel can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and allow them to blend into the skin more.

Chemical peels work by removing the top layer of skin and allow a new layer to form. This can diminish the appearance of stretch marks and leave you feeling more confident in your skin.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic skincare treatment that uses a special piece of equipment to gently exfoliate the face thoroughly. This removes dead skin cells and encourages new skin cells to grow. This can result in much tighter and youthful looking skin, which is why microdermabrasion is often effective in treating stretch marks. 

Helping Stretch Marks Naturally

The above are all professional procedures that are known to help with the appearance of stretch marks. But did you know that there are some natural methods you can do at home that also help get rid of stretch marks? The following are just a couple of these methods.

Vitamin A: vitamin A contains retinoids that are known to give the skin a healthier and youthful appearance. Incorporating vitamin A products into your stretch mark care could possibly reduce the appearance of them

Homemade sugar scrub: Sugar is a popular natural exfoliator. By making a DIY sugar scrub for your stretch marks, you can include your own ingredients that work for you. Apply this exfoliating scrub to your stretch marks twice a week and hopefully you may see desirable results.