Stretch marks, or striae, are a form of skin scarring that can leave jagged purple or red lines on the skin. Factors that contribute to stretch mark development include sudden weight gain, such as during a pregnancy or growth spurt, and certain medications; for example, those who take steroids are more likely to experience stretch marks. Some people are also more genetically predisposed to experiencing stretch marks than others. Because stretch marks can be physically unappealing, those who have them often seek ways to fade or eliminate them. The best way to fade stretch marks depends on the age of the marks and the preferences of the person who has them.
Step 1
Ask your physician for a prescription for a tretinoin cream. This medication has been shown to help fade stretch marks, particularly when applied to newly developed stretch marks, according to the MayoClinic.com. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not utilize tretinoin, however.
Step 2
Apply the cream to areas where you experience stretch marks. Massage the cream into the skin to stimulate circulation and encourage blood flow to the area, which can help to encourage collagen production. With regular applications, tretinoin cream works to encourage collagen production in the skin. This can allow collagen fibers to fill in the stretch mark, making the stretch mark more closely resemble the skin around it, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Step 3
Undergo regular microdermabrasion treatments to remove scar tissue and stimulate collagen production. Microdermabrasion involves the application of a rotating wand to the skin, thus exfoliating the skin. This treatment can be performed on a monthly basis in order to fade a stretch mark and encourage collagen production. Microdermabrasion can serve as a good nonsurgical alternative to stretch mark removal, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.
Step 4
See a physician or dermatologist to determine if laser treatment is the best option for your stretch marks. Older stretch marks may require this type of treatment to fade the marks, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. Laser therapy can either be used to remove the affected area of skin or to penetrate the skin and encourage collagen production, according to TopDocs.com. This type of laser therapy causes the area to "plump" up, helping the stretch mark to better resemble the surrounding areas of skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Newer stretch marks are generally considered more easy to treat than older stretch marks, according to the MayoClinic.com. For this reason, initiate treatment as quickly as possible when you observe that stretch marks are forming.
Things You'll Need
- Tretinion cream
