Stretch marks are purple or white lines that appear when skin is stretched to the point of tearing and breaking down. This commonly occurs during pregnancy or in periods of significant muscle gain, weight loss, weight gain or hormonal changes. Stretch marks commonly appear on the abdominal areas, arms and hips. Stretch marks can make you feel self-conscious about wearing clothing that reveals your hips such as bathing suits.
Step 1
Apply a high quality microdermabrasion serum or cream to eliminate stretch marks on your hips. These serums include a potent physical abrasive that might help to gradually peel off the top layer of skin and speed skin cell regeneration and collagen growth. Make sure the serum or cream contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) complex, the active ingredient that fades stretch marks and other skin discolorations. Ask your pharmacist which cream is best for your skin.
Step 2
Ask your physician if you can use the prescription cream Tretinoin. This cream can gradually remove stretch marks especially when they are fresh, such as after childbirth. Tretinoin cream can make your skin more sensitive to the sun's rays, so make sure to apply sunblock to your hip areas before heading outdoors.
Step 3
Request a chemical peel to remove stretch marks on your hips. A dermatologist will apply an acidic solution, such as alphahydroxy acid or as trichloroacetic acid, to your hips. These potent acids will smooth the texture of the affected skin by peeling the top layer. After the procedure, your skin will start to peel, and new skin will form after two to three weeks, revealing smoother and clearer skin.
Step 4
Consult a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon and undergo professional microdermabrasion. A dermatologist will apply small abrasive crystals on your hips to polish the outer layer of skin. She will then use a vacuum to remove the dead skin cells and crystals, stimulating the growth of new skin cells. The results are not immediate, and you will have to return several times to permanently remove the stretch marks on your hips.
Things You'll Need
- Microdermabrasion cream
References
- "Clinical Dermatology"; Thomas P. Habif, M.D.; 2003
- "Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series: Chemical Peels"; Mark G. Rubin, M.D., and Rebecca Tung; 2005
- "Milady's Aesthetician Series: Microdermabrasion"; Pamela Hill, R.N ; 2009
