Skin is a pliable tissue that has an outer layer called the epidermis and an interior layer called the dermis. Stretch marks take place in the dermis and they appear as long streaks that are red, purple or white. They are the product of scarring that takes place when the skin gets stretched past its capacity. This can commonly happen to bodybuilders who lift heavy weights and build muscle at a rapid pace. Stretch marks are hard to remove completely, but there are some treatments that can help reduce their appearance.
Topical Solutions
Several topical formulas are provided as creams, oils, butters and balms. All of these products can help soften your skin and give it a healthier glow, but they only penetrate the exterior surface of the skin, which has little effect on stretch marks. Tretinoin cream is a prescription formula that has shown favorable results with the removal of stretch marks, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is applied to the skin as directed by your doctor and it helps promote collagen, which is a substance that helps give your skin its elasticity and strength. Continual use of tretinoin cream can help lighten the color of your stretch marks to make them look more like your regular skin. This treatment works best on stretch marks that are less than six weeks old.
Excimer
According to the Mayo Clinic, excimer laser treatment can be used for stretch marks that are lighter in color and have been apparent for longer than six weeks. With this treatment, a laser is shined down on the location of the skin where there are stretch marks. Melanin, which is what gives your skin its color, is stimulated and the skin goes back to its original color.
Elastin Production
Pulsed dye laser treatment can work for stretch marks that are new and old. According to the Resnik Skin Institute, this therapy can greatly improve their appearance. With this procedure, a laser light helps stimulate collagen and another skin promoting substance called elastin. The scars in the dermis are then repaired and the stretch marks fade away.
Blasting
Microdermabrasion is a technique used to treat wrinkles and it can also be used for stretch marks. A small tool is held against your skin where tiny crystals of aluminum dioxide are blasted onto its surface. Suction is then created and the crystals and dead skin cells are removed. New skin growth is then promoted and the stretch marks fade away.
