It's no secret that surgery is the best way to completely remove stretch marks, but if you don't have the budget for plastic surgery, there are treatments that can lighten the marks. Stretch marks are caused when the skin is stretched and breaks in conjunction with an increase in the hormone cortisol, which weakens its elasticity. Stretch marks most often affect pregnant women, people who have had a weight gain or large growth spurt, or those suffering from medical conditions such as Cushing's Syndrome, according to experts at the Mayo Clinic. Stretch marks are usually red or purple and will fade over time. Treatment can be effective in lightening the marks, but it must be done quickly.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin ointment (such as Retin-A) has shown to be effective in lightening stretch marks that are new, according to an article at mayoclinic.com. The prescription medication helps rebuild collagen and make the marks look more like your normal skin tone, instead of shiny and red. You need to wait until you've delivered your baby before using the treatment, however, as pregnant or nursing women should not use it.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a home remedy for getting rid of stretch marks because it keeps the skin smooth and pliable and can be used during pregnancy (although check with your doctor before using it) to keep the skin from over-stretching.
A recipe to try from allaboutstretchmarks.com suggests mixing half a cup of cocoa butter with a tablespoon of wheat germ, a teaspoon of apricot kernel oil, a teaspoon of Vitamin E and two teaspoons of beeswax. Heat the concoction until the beeswax is melted and apply.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera not only moisturizes and protects the skin, it also acts as an anti-inflammatory. According to an article at naturalskinandbeauty.com, it also aids the skin in building collagen to diminish the look of stretch marks. The website suggests applying the gel after skin has been cleansed with a moisturizing wash.
Dermatological Therapies
If topical treatments don't fade stretch marks to your satisfaction, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have treatments that will help. Pulsed dye laser therapy targets a middle layer of skin, helping to rebuild the collagen and elastin.
Microdermabrasion polishes the outer layer of skin, in hopes that new skin growth with look healthier and more natural. An article at mayoclinic.com reports that these treatments may only be partially effective and can be costly, so discussion about success rates should be discussed with your physician.
