According to the Mayo Clinic, stretch marks, also known as striae, are indented scars that form on the skin. They typically develop due to a stretching of the skin during periods of weight gain. The elastic fibers of the epidermis and dermis can weaken and break as the skin is pulled. When stretch marks develop on dark skin, treatments are similar to any other skin type.
Step 1
Wait to see if they fade on their own. Though this method is a bit of a gamble, the National Institutes of Health maintains that striae frequently grow fainter with time. You may need to do nothing to get rid of stretch mark scars. The time varies from person to person, but it could take between six and 12 months for fading to occur according to AllAboutStretchMarks.com.
Step 2
Talk to a doctor or dermatologist about a medicated cream. Newer stretch mark scars have been known to fade with the use of tretinoin, a prescription retinol cream, according to the Mayo Clinic. When applied daily, the cream can lighten darker scars and boost collagen levels within the dermis, which may help to even out the appearance of your skin.
Step 3
Use a chemical peel. Chemical peels work by removing the surface layer, or epidermis, of the skin. This can improve the appearance of stretch marks, according to the Cleveland Clinic. And after the skin has healed, you're often left with smoother, more uniformed looking skin.
Step 4
Ask your doctor about microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion works under the same principles as a chemical peel. The surface layer of the skin is removed and then allowed to heal, which can improve the appearance of stretch mark scars on dark skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, this procedure is often reserved for mature striae.
Step 5
Try a form of laser surgery. Your doctor can recommend the most appropriate form of laser surgery, since different lskin types react differently to different lasers. However, most lasers will improve the appearance of stretch mark scars by causing the dermal layer of your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, which fills in the indented scars.
Step 6
Consult with a cosmetic surgeon about surgery. You may find that your stretch mark scars can be treated with a surgery, such as a punch graft or punch excision. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, these types of procedures replace scarred skin with "normal" skin. This may or may not be an option for you.
Tips and Warnings
- The Mayo Clinic claims that no treatments can effectively remove stretch marks on a whole, but the Cleveland Clinic asserts that laser treatments as well as chemical peels and microdermabrasion can remove stretch mark scars. The Cleveland Clinic recommends including foods that support proper health of the skin, especially items that are rich in protein, zinc and certain vitamins, such as A, C and D. Fish, dairy, nuts, citrus, carrots and some red meats can help to supplement these nutrients into your diet.
- Retinols shouldn't be used by expectant mothers. Discuss other options for treating striae with a medical professional.
