Medicated creams containing tretinoin, which is a prescription retinoid, can help diminish recent stretch marks, according to the Mayo Clinic, but don't often reduce the signs of old stretch marks. Older stretch marks often require cosmetic procedures to reduce their appearance. Two of the more common are microdermabrasion and chemical peels.
Microdermabrasion
The American Academy of Dermatology defines microdermabrasion as a form of skin rejuvenation. It's essentially skin buffing procedure where tiny crystals gently abrade the epidermis, helping to remove dead skin and discoloration. This stimulates new skin growth, according to the Mayo Clinic, and may help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels expose the skin to a chemical agent that removes the topmost layer of the skin. Much like microdermabrasion, it stimulates new skin growth. This new skin is typically smoother and more even in tone and color with the rest of the skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It may reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Time Frame
Both procedures provide results within different time frames. Since microdermabrasion is noninvasive, the recovery time is quicker than chemical peels. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology states that there's "practically no downtime" with this method of skin rejuvenation. However, stretch marks may need to be treated a number of times to provide the desired results. With chemical peels, it may take several weeks to recover, but they generally provide results with only one session.
Significance
Whether or not one process works better than the other depends on the person. The health and pigmentation of the skin as well as the age and severity of the stretch marks all play a role in the efficacy of microdermabrasion and chemical peels. A medical professional can recommend which treatment is best for the individual.
Considerations
According to the National Institutes of Health, stretch marks can disappear with time, so a cosmetic procedure may not even be necessary to improve the appearance of the skin. When time fails to diminish their appearance, the Mayo Clinic warns that treatments are just "partially effective." Stretch marks can't be completely removed from the skin, only diminished in appearance.
