Stretch marks are caused when the skin breaks from stretching quickly. This is usually caused by a sudden weight gain, as in pregnancy, or a growth spurt in children or teens. The marks are red at first and then usually fade to a shiny, white appearance after several months or years. The only way to completely get rid of stretch marks is to have the skin surgically removed, as is sometimes done with a tummy tuck after pregnancy or significant weight loss, but you can diminish the look of stretch marks by taking care of the skin as soon as you notice the mark.
Tretinoin Cream
Tretinoin Cream is a form of Vitamin A, sometimes sold as Retin-A, that is applied topically and helps to rebuild the collagen in your skin, making fresh stretch marks fade. This treatment needs to be prescribed by a physician and works best on marks that are not yet two months old. It should not be used during pregnancy. Information at drugs.com also warns against using this treatment on skin that has been scraped, windburned or damaged in other ways. You'll also need to avoid tanning beds during treatment.
Microdermabrasion
This treatment polishes the skin by blowing small glass or stone crystals on the skin and then using a vacuum device to suck up both the crystals and the dead skin cells. The experts at MayoClinic.com suggest that this therapy may work best for older stretch marks as it removes the top layer of skin, revealing a new layer that may have more elasticity.
Excimer Laser
There are different types of laser therapy to treat stretch marks. Excimer laser treatments do not improve the skin elasticity, but work to increase the melanin in the area and change the color of the stretch mark so that it blends better with the surrounding skin color. Excimer laser is a good choice for older stretch marks, but can be effective on newer stretch marks, too.
Pulsed Dye Laser
Dermatologists at Baylor College of Medicine report that pulsed dye laser therapy works on deeper layers of skin beneath the stretch mark to increase collagen and elastin growth. Pulsed dye laser therapy is most effective on newer stretch marks and may take several treatments before you see improvement.
