How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks Permanently

Stretch marks are those subtle, persistent lines that remind you of life changes. Whether they are caused by pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or growth sprout, they are always unwelcome guest that makes you conscious and might be frustrating. In this blog post, we will share some expert advice to help you say goodbye to those stubborn stretch marks.

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are lines that appear on the skin when it stretches or shrinks quickly. Medically, these are termed striae, narrow lines or streaks running across your skin.

They can be red, purple, or white and appear on the various parts of the body, such as the hips, breasts, thighs, and abdomen.

“Stretch marks are like badges of honor, telling the story of our bodies and their incredible transformations.”

Different Types Of Stretch Marks:

• Atrophic stretch marks (tapered skin).
• Black stretch marks. 
• Distensae stretch marks (stretched skin).
• Striae rubrae (red) Striae albae (white).
• Striae Gravidarum (in pregnancy).
• Striae caerulea (dark blue).

New vs Old Stretch Marks:

New and old stretch marks can be differentiated on the basis of their appearance, color of stretch marks, and responsiveness to the treatment. 

A new BODY-Q scale has been developed and field-tested to measure the appearance of stretch marks.

How To Erase Stretch Mark:

A variety of topical treatments are advertised for the prevention of stubborn stretch marks but this is not true. Stretch marks don’t disappear entirely, or you can’t prevent them from occurring. However, treatment through lasers and light devices is effective in reducing the appearance of these lines.

Early stretch marks respond better and are more receptive to treatments as compared to older marks.

Here is a list of treatments for stretch marks that you can choose after your dermatologist’s advice and suggestions.

Best Treatment For Stretch Mark Removal With Non-Laser Approaches:

• Topical creams.
• Natural ways to get rid of stretch marks.
• Micro-needling,
• Chemical peels.
• Microdermabrasion

1- Stretch Marks And Scar Cream:

Stretch marks removed by using mark removal cream for the face or body with 0.05% tretinoin shows impressive results in reducing stretch marks but it should not be used by pregnant women.

Centella Asiatica is one of the effective and proven ingredients in topical products that improve skin elasticity and show a 60% reduction in stretch marks.

Topical preparation contains emollients such as isopropyl palmitate, PPG-15 stearic ether, hydrolyzed elastin, and vitamins A and E are helpful in reducing stretch marks.

2- Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks: 

Here, we will discuss only those natural ingredients to treat stretch marks that are proven by research.

• Almond Oil.
• Rose Hip Oil.
• Cocoa Butter.
• Ascorbic Acid.
• Hyaluronic Acid.
• Vitamins.

Use of bitter almond oil and rose hip oil are used to prevent Striae Distansae by maintaining elasticity and hydration of the dermis.

These oils are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, promote skin renewal, and may eventually aid in fading stretch marks. Massage a few drops into the troublesome areas daily for best results.

shea butter and cocoa butter as active ingredients, strengthen the skin by increasing collagen levels and reducing the appearance of striae rubra and striae alba.

Topically the most common treatment is the use of Ascorbic acid, Vitamin  C, and hyaluronic acid, as prevention and therapy.

Hyaluronic acid has an interesting property that helps in hydration promoting tissue repair and making stretch marks less visible.

There is no evidence that supports the complete efficacy of these treatments and prevention in eradicating this cutaneous pathology.

Does Vitamin E oil help with stretch marks?

Vitamin E helps to moisturize the skin and may improve the appearance of skin but more research is needed to understand the role of Vitamin E for stretch marks. 

Other Scars And Stretch Marks Treatment:

Treatments such as chemical peel, Plasma-rich Platelet Therapy, phototherapy, radio frequency, and other therapies show successful results and have proven cost-effective in treating early stretch marks, especially Strai Dystansae. 

However, treatment based on high emission shows moderate efficacy.

Related post: Chemical peel sessions & their side effects.

Stretch Mark Laser Removal – Does It Work:

Laser procedure for stretch marks is now well known, especially for red-purple stretch marks because they have more blood vessels, and lasers work well here. These therapies promote the development of collagen and elastin. Newer stretch marks often respond best to this treatment.

Laser including CO2, ER: YAG, Diode, Nd: Q switched YAG, Pulsed, And Excimer Lasers are known for stretch marks removal techniques. NON-Ablative Fractional Laser shows 50% to 75% improvement in stretch marks appearance.

A number of patients with light skin color are satisfied with the Laser techniques as they penetrate deep down the skin without affecting the surrounding skin. 

Individuals with darker skin should avoid these treatments as they may result in permanent skin changes. People with active acne and other skin conditions should not choose a laser stretch mark removal on dark skin as it may worsen their skin.

Lactating mothers and pregnant women should avoid this treatment.

The person with white stretch marks chooses CO2 laser fraction as the first treatment option because it is proven most effective in treating this type of stretch mark.

Risk Of Stretch Marks Removal Laser Treatment:

Laser therapy for stretch marks is considered safe if performed under a qualified professional. Some minor risks are associated with it that may subside on its own.

• Redness and swelling.
• Discomfort.
• Skin discoloration.
• Burning or sensation.
• Hyper or Hypopimentation.
• Risk of infection if post-treatment care is not followed properly.

How To Make Stretch Marks Less Visible – Tips:

Ready to get rid of those pesky stretch marks? Here are some clever tips to mask your stretch marks that will help you boost your confidence to new heights:

• Self-tanners help to even skin tone and make the stretch marks less visible.
• An extra layer of clothing helps you to reduce the visibility of stretch marks. Loose-fitting and opaque clothing minimize the contrast between the stretch marks and surrounding skin.
• Use your foundation or concealer to reduce the appearance.

Causes Of Stretch Marks:

When the elastic fiber and collagen are damaged or overstretched due to sudden changes in the body, stretch marks or Striae appear. Here are some of the most common reasons for these marks.

• Puberty. 
• Pregnancy.  
• Fluctuation in weight. 
• Genetics.
• Corticosteroid medications; 
• Underlying health conditions.

How To Avoid Stretch Marks:

Some events in our lives aren’t preventable, and you can’t take any proactive measures against things like puberty and pregnancy, but these marks fade away after some time.

These are natural and harmless conditions. There is no clinical support for preventing the marks, but you can keep yourself hydrated with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise to avoid them.

• Seek your nutritionist’s advice for a proper diet plan to avoid those marks.
• Include food that promotes healthy skin such as zinc, Vitamin A, C, and D, and protein to avoid 
• Still, there is no assurance that you can defeat these unwanted marks after using creams and taking preventative measures.
• Alcohol intake and less water intake were also found more frequently in women who developed SG.

FAQS:

 1- Can stretch marks be removed?

Stretch marks may not be reversible; however, several treatments can assist in lessening their visibility and appearance.

2- Are laser treatments safe?

Laser for stretch marks is generally safe when performed under licensed and professional healthcare professionals. Minor side effects are redness, swelling, and pigmentation changes.

3- How to prevent stretch marks while working out?

Here are some tips to prevent stretch marks while working out:

Avoid heavy weights, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workout.

• Stay hydrated.
• Balanced diet.
• Use a good moisturizer.
• Always warm up before a workout to improve the flexibility of the skin and remove strain.

4- How Long Do Stretch Marks Take To Fade?

Stretch marks can fade in different ways, but it usually takes several months to years for them to go entirely away.

5- Is It Possible To Entirely Get Rid Of Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks may not be reversible; however, several treatments can assist in lessening their visibility and appearance.

6- Does collagen help with stretch marks?

Stretch marks appear when the body’s skin is stretched beyond its limit as a result collagen and elastic fiber break. Topical use of collagen or antioxidant-rich food supplements the collagen helps to repair these cells and improve the resilience of the skin. 

7- Why do my stretch marks itch?

Stretch marks skin thinner makes it sensitive to irritants and causes itching. When skin is stretched beyond its limits the fiber in your skin stretches and usually these marks appear on the parts of the skin that are prone to dryness such as the thighs, and abdomen.

Takeaways:

There is no 100% effective treatment to reduce stretch marks. The most common proven topical treatment that is used is moisturizers or creams based on Tretinoin, Glycolic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Ascorbic acid, and Centella Asiatica.

Other therapies such as Laser, [CO2, ER: YAG, Diode, Nd: Q switched YAG] Microdermabrasion,  chemical peeling, and carbo oxy therapy are some other proven therapies to treat different types of stretch marks effectively.

References:

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD000066.pub2/full

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436005/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5782435/

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/557725

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6615396