Stretch marks occur when the skin cannot expand as fast as the rate of growth. As a result, the deeper layers of skin create a discolored streak on the surface. The marks are common in pregnant women, but Teen's Health states that they can also occur in teens during puberty. According the Mayo Clinic, you cannot completely remove stretch marks, but several treatments can reduce their appearance. Some methods are expensive and high-tech, while others require only a few household ingredients.
Expensive Methods
Pulsed dye laser therapy, fractional photothermolysis and excimer laser all use different types of laser treatments to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. These methods are not exact and some, such as pulsed dye laser therapy, work best on newer stretch marks. According to the Mayo Clinic, the pulsed dye and fractional lasers work by stimulating collagen growth. Excimer lasers stimulate melanin production to darken lighter stretch marks to match the surrounding skin. The Excimer laser works well on older stretch marks.
Moderately Expensive Methods
Microdermabrasion and Retin-A treatments reduce stretch marks by affecting the top layer of skin. Microdermabrasion uses an abrasive element to polish the surface of the skin and encourage new skin growth. This method is most effective on older stretch marks. Retin-A stimulates collagen production, and works best on stretch marks that are less than six weeks old, reports the Mayo Clinic. Pregnant women should avoid Retin-A.
Affordable Methods
Sunless tanning creams and body makeup reduce the appearance of stretch marks. According to Teen's Health, stretch marks do not tan like normal skin and sun tanning can make stretch marks stand out more. Sunless tanners dye the skin, which allows the stretch marks to blend in with the surrounding skin. Body makeup needs to be applied daily and works well in dry situations. Some products may be water-resistant, but they may still wash off while swimming. Moisturizing skin creams such as cocoa and shea butter often don't work, according to Teen's Health, but they can make the skin softer and more supple.
