If you have those white or red stripes on your skin known as stretch marks, you've probably wondered if the many products promising to remove said stretch marks are worth your money. Stretch marks, also known as striae, appear when there is rapid growth in the skin. Most stretch marks fade and become less noticeable over time, but those that don't can be removed for a price.
Removal
Stretch marks less than six months old may be treated with a tretinoin cream. Tretinoin cream rebuilds collagen in the skin, but should not be used during pregnancy.
Laser therapies including pulsed dye laser therapy and fractional photothermolysis use wavelengths of light to stimulate cologne and elastin for the treatment of older stretch marks. Excimer laser works to recolor stretch marks so they blend in with surrounding skin.
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels remove the topmost layer of the skin, revealing new skin that may be more elastic.
Cost
Treatment for stretch marks less than six months old is relatively affordable, with tubes of tretinoin cream starting at $20 online in 2010. Treatment for medical procedures can be very expensive and most insurance does not cover these costs because they are considered cosmetic.
Initially, you will pay for an exam by a skin professional such a dermatologist, and each subsequent visit for treatment can add up. In 2010, pulsed dye laser therapy cost about $400 per treatment and several treatments may be needed.
Cover Up
Because old stretch marks cannot be removed without an expensive medical procedure, you may try masking your stretch marks. Sunless tanning through lotions and sprays can help mask the appearance of stretch marks. Regular tanning will not mask stretch marks because most stretch marks will not tan. Body makeup can also hide stretch marks, although most body makeup washes off in water.
Pregnancy
Stretch marks are a common side effect of pregnancy and may be avoided with the use of stretch mark prevention creams. Barn Croft Surgery studied pregnant women who experienced stretch marks in previous pregnancies and found that a cream containing Centella asiatica extract, alpha tocopherol and collagen-elastin hydrolysates prevented stretch marks better than a placebo. The American Pregnancy Association recommends applying such a cream twice daily, beginning in the first trimester.
Warnings
A number of over-the-counter products promise to remove stretch marks, but the Mayo Clinic warns that while these products aren't harmful, they are probably not helpful. These products include creams and ointments containing cocoa butter, vitamin E and glycolic acid.
The Mayo Clinic adds that there is no evidence to support claims that the application of castor oil, olive oil, seaweed wraps, botanicals, vitamins or fruit extracts will remove or reduce stretch marks.
