Stretch marks are the pink to purplish streaks left on the skin as a result of stretching the skin beyond its normal capacity, explains the National Institutes of Health. Also known as striae, stretch marks are commonly due to weight gain from pregnancy or obesity, but you may also develop these irregular areas of skin from rapid growth during puberty, a consequence of a medical condition or as a side effect of prescription drugs, like steroids. As stretch marks get older, they often take on a whitish hue. These stretch marks are treated differently than newer ones.
Laser Therapy
Though laser therapy is typically reserved for new stretch marks, the Mayo Clinic claims that this cosmetic procedure may also be beneficial on older striae. Waves of light energy are directed over irregular areas of skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin within the dermis. This can help even the stretch marks with the rest of the skin, making them far less noticeable. Two different types of lasers are used to encourage additional collagen and elastin production, including pulsed dye and fractional photothermolysis. Your doctor can recommend which laser therapy is best for you.
Excimer Laser
Another form of laser therapy can also help treat white stretch marks. According to the Mayo Clinic, the excimer laser stimulates the production of melanin, a compound responsible for pigmentation. When waves of laser energy are directed over white stretch marks, the skin begins to produce additional melanin. As more and more melanin is produced, the white streaks start to take on the same color as the rest of your skin, making them less visible than before.
Microdermabrasion
The Mayo Clinic also suggests microdermabrasion for older stretch marks. This cosmetic procedure actually buffs away or lightly abrades the irregular areas of skin so that new epithelial cells may grow in its place. These new cells are often closer in color and texture with the rest of your skin, making the hypopigmentation less noticeable than prior to treatment. It may take a number of sessions to provide the desired results.
Chemical Peels
The Cleveland Clinic offers chemicals peels as an option for stretch marks. Even older, white striae can become less visible with chemical peels. This cosmetic procedure is somewhat similar to microdermabrasion, since the surface layer of irregular skin is removed. But instead of buffing away discolored skin cells, a chemical agent causes the irregular areas to peel, leaving a controlled wound. As the wound heals, the skin is closer in color and texture with the rest of your skin.
