Stretch marks are a common side effect of pregnancy. They develop when the skin expands rapidly, due to weight gain or growth. Many women escape the development of stretch marks during the period of rapid growth in their teens only to develop them in the later stages of pregnancy. Stretch marks are most common on the stomach, breasts and thighs. There is no way to predict who will develop stretch marks, but if your mother developed them during pregnancy, there is a good chance that you will as well.
Step 1
Treat your skin well during pregnancy. There is no proof that stretch mark creams will prevent stretch marks from developing, but the regular use of any moisturizer can help. Lotions will keep the skin supple while it is expanding and help it maintain elasticity, which increases the likelihood that the skin will remain unmarked during pregnancy.
Step 2
Consider dermabrasion. During dermabrasion a brush is rotated across the affected area. The brush will sand off the top layers of skin, revealing the smooth, unblemished skin below.
Step 3
Use laser therapy for more stubborn stretch marks. There are a variety of lasers that can be used to treat stretch marks. A pulsed dye laser stimulates the skin to produce collagen and elastin, two key components of firm and young-looking skin. Pulsed dye lasers are most effective on new stretch marks.
Step 4
Try excimer laser treatment. Older stretch marks require different treatment. Once a stretch mark has faded to a silvery-white, they are more difficult to eliminate. Excimer lasers will not remove stretch marks but will stimulate the production of melanin, the substance that gives skin color. Used only on the affected area, a dermatologist can match the stretch marks to existing skin tone, making them less visible.
Step 5
Consider tretinoin cream, such as Retin-A, if you're not pregnant or breastfeeding. This is the least expensive choice, but is most effective with very new stretch marks, and may not fade the marks completely.
Tips and Warnings
- Wearing sunscreen is always a good idea, but is particularly important when treating a skin condition. While many people believe a tan helps hide stretch marks, it will also reduce the effectiveness of any treatment.
- Notify your doctor of possible pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding before using any treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizer
- Prescription tretinoin cream
