STRETCH MARKS!
Stretch marks can be a nuisance and they are not easy to get rid of. If you already have them, keep in mind that it takes time, patience and regular skincare before you can fade stretch marks.
Stretch marks are tiny tears in the dermis (The second layer of skin) that are scars and can vary in colour from light pink to dark purple. Over a very long period of time, usually years, stretch marks can fade in colour, but they will still remain scars.
Stretch marks can effect men and women. They are caused by:
Rapid weight gain or loss.
Weight gain associated with pregnancy.
Rapid growth in adolescents.
Having dryer skin with less elasticity.
There are some treatments that help fade stretch marks:
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
AHAs are derived from certain plants, many of which are fruits.
AHA creams are said to help with stretch marks because they moisturise the outer layer of the skin. These products increase cell regeneration by burning off the outer layer of skin cells. It removes the top layer of cells, so that healthier ones rise to the surface, improving skin texture and colour. While penetrating the skin's surface, the water-binding properties of AHAs increase the skin's flexibility and assist in stretch mark reduction. Though your skin may feel dry and flaky at first, after a few weeks, AHAs may make your skin feel and appear smoother and can visibly reduce stretch marks.
Moisturisers and vitamin creams/oils
If caught in the early stages, stretch marks can be minimised with over the counter moisturising creams. Vitamin E oil, which assists in general skin healing and condition, can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Vitamin A is also good, but it's not as effective as prescription Tretinoin, or Retin-A, which helps exfoliate the skin and form healthy new cells. Though these creams are effective in moisturising the outer skin layer, they can't always penetrate deep into the dermis (the second layer of the skin) where stretch marks occur. This is why they work best on stretch marks that are just forming.
Tretinoin, or Retin-A,
These creams help to loosen the keratin in the outer layer of skin and remove dead skin cells. Although derived from vitamin A, Tretinoin cream is much more effective than the naturally occurring vitamin because it thins the outer layer of skin in order to penetrate the dermis where stretch marks occur, and it increases collagen production, which helps improve the appearance and texture of skin. Your doctor will advise you on the correct amount to use, although its more effective, it may cause stinging, redness, and potentially sensitivity to sunlight. Also skin thickening may occur as collagen production is increased.
Tretinoin is most effective in stretch mark treatment when used in the early stages.
Tretinoin is not recommended for use in pregnancy or while nursing. Also, those taking Retin-A are advised not to take any Vitamin A supplements at the same time, as this can increase adverse effects.
Laser treatment
Laser surgery is currently being developed for the treatment of stretch marks.
This treatment does not remove stretch marks, it just fades them. The laser only responds to dark colours, so in the early stages when stretch marks are dark red or brown, treatment will be most effective.
Faded, flesh-coloured stretch marks probably won't respond very well to laser treatment because they are light in colour. A series of treatments may give visible results.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is effective in reducing fine lines, age spots, acne scars and stretch mark
It stimulates the production of skin cells and collagen. It has proven to be one of the most popular non surgical cosmetic procedure.
The hand piece releases crystals onto the skin surface, resulting in a gentle abrasion or "polishing" process. Each treatment takes from 30 minutes to an hour. The number of treatments recommended for maximal results can range between 5 and 12, spaced from 2 to 3 weeks apart. Maintenance of results requires periodic repeat treatments after the initial regimen is completed. Microdermabrasion may be combined with light chemical peels to increase the effect.
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