When the skin expands quickly, stretch marks form. This condition is common among weightlifters. According to Stretchmarks.org, stretch marks occur when the elastin or protein fibers in the skin are damaged. Although some stretch marks fade over time, the body has a difficult time repairing protein fibers in the skin. As a result, weightlifters can seek medical attention to minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
Step 1
Apply tretinoin cream for stretch marks that are six months old and newer, recommends MayoClinic.com. Stretch marks that respond to this treatment are typically pinkish in color. If you have older scars from weightlifting, results from tretinoin creams aren't as noticeable.
Step 2
Use laser therapy to lessen the appearance of stretch marks, especially recent weightlifting scars. Pulsed dye laser therapy is a treatment that targets stretch marks in the deepest layers of the skin. Your skin will grow new collagen, minimizing the appearance of marks. If you have darker skin, this isn't the most effective treatment option. However, using tretinoin creams and getting microdermabrasion treatments are effective for darker skin tones.
Step 3
Exfoliate the top layer of skin with microdermabrasion treatments. Your doctor will use a vacuum tube to slough off top layers of skin, minimizing the appearance of old and new weightlifting stretch marks. Follow your doctor's aftercare instructions, which typically require minimizing sun exposure, until your skin has healed.
Step 4
Stimulate melanin growth with laser treatments to promote re-pigmentation in the skin. Excimer laser treatments work to lighten stretch marks caused by lifting weights to make them less visible. Ask your doctor if this treatment is right for your stretch marks. Treatment can be used for both new and old scarring.
Tips and Warnings
- According to MayoClinic.com, some weightlifting stretch marks will fade without treatment. However, if the appearance of the marks is bothersome, a dermatologist can assist with finding an effective procedure. Since each person's skin is different, you might need to try different treatment options before finding the right one.
- Insurance companies rarely cover treatment for stretch marks, according to MayoClinic.com. Partner with your dermatologist to learn about the cost for each procedure. This will assist in making the most economical decision.
