Stretch marks (striae) usually occur as a result of rapid changes in body size, such as during pregnancy, puberty, or significant weight gain. In these situations as the skin is stretched it becomes weakened and forms pink, red or purple streaks on the skin’s surface. Stretch marks can form anywhere on our bodies, but are most common on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks and thighs.
Stretch mark formation is a result of damage that occurs to the dermal layer of the skin. The dermis is the same layer that contains collagen, which gives our skin its firmness and elasticity. Prevention and treatment are equally important when it comes to reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Here are 4 ways to help prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks:
1. Hydrate
Keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated is crucial to its health. Our skin contains Hyaluronic Acid which creates volume in the skin by holding in water and also stimulates collagen production. Increasing your water intake will help your skin soak up and absorb water, boosting your collagen levels and preventing stretch marks from forming.
2. Topical Products
Products that contain Retinol can be very effective in reducing the discoloration of the skin which occurs with stretch marks. Vitamins C and E are potent antioxidants which help prevent premature damage to the skin. Vitamin C is also a building block for collagen production. Topical treatments work better on newly formed stretch marks than those that have been around for years.
3. Nan-Ray Laser
The Nano-Ray Laser is an effective way to treat stretch marks. The Nano-Ray Laser treats the entire surface of the skin with a series of light pulses. The skin cells then absorb the energy of light causing a rapid vaporization of water in the tissue, which leads to an almost instant removal of your skin problem. However due to the stubborn nature of stretch marks it make take several treatments to achieve optimal results.
4. Ultherapy
Ultherapy is a revolutionary new technology that uses ultrasound energy to tighten skin naturally and non-invasively. Ultherapy jumpstarts a repair process that strengthens your existing collagen and produces fresh, new collagen. The result is firm, toned skin that retains its youthfulness and is less likely to get damaged and lead to stretch marks.
5. Surgery
Surgery will permanently remove stretch marks. However, as with all surgical procedures, there are risks involved as well as downtime. Surgical treatments such as tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) and lifts (breast, thighs, arms) involve cutting away excess stretched skin and though invasive provide the best results.
Have you had any experience with stretch mark treatment? Let us know what did or did not work for you!