Summary
Stretch marks are scars that occur when skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, often due to factors like growth spurts, pregnancy, or weight changes. They can initially appear in various colors and may feel raised or itchy. While stretch marks are permanent, treatments can help reduce their visibility, with options ranging from at-home creams to professional procedures like laser therapy and microdermabrasion. The effectiveness of treatments varies by individual, and early intervention is generally more successful. Readers considering treatment should evaluate their personal circumstances and consult a dermatologist for tailored advice.
We get them, we hate them and we constantly think why me?
A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches, or shrinks, too quickly. According to Dr. J. Mark Jackson, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology,
The abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin in your skin to rupture. As the skin heals, stretch marks can appear. You may notice stretch marks first appear red, purple, pink, or dark brown in color depending your skin color. Earlier stretch marks may also feel slightly raised and itchy.
Not everyone develops stretch marks. Hormone levels and family genetics can increase your chances of stretch marks. If you do develop stretch marks it commonly happens during:
• Growth spurts (puberty)
• Pregnancy
• Rapid weight loss or gain
• Certain medications
• Weight training from rapid muscle growth
Most people question how they can possibly get rid of stretch marks. Unfortunately, like any scar, stretch marks are permanent but there are treatments that make them less noticeable.
Request an appointment with one of our skin and body care specialists today
Find a location near youAt Home Treatments
According to Dr. Jackson, "If you plan to try an at-home cream, lotion or gels to fade stretch marks know that no single treatment works for everyone and following the below instructions may help reduce their appearance:"
• Use the product on early stretch marks since this type of treatment has little effect on mature stretch marks
• Massage the product into your skin can make it more effective
• Apply the product daily for 6-8 weeks before determining if the therapy is working.
• Apply self-tanner to camouflage stretch marks – note it does not get rid of them just masks them
Dermatologist Provided Treatments
Your local Forefront Dermatologist may provide treatments options to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Your dermatologist will determine what treatment will work best for you, but some options may include chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion and microneedling combined with PRP therapy.
Skin Struggles?
If you are struggling from stretch marks and would like to reduce their appearance, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.
About Forefront Dermatology
At Forefront Dermatology, we believe that healthy, beautiful skin is a reflection of overall well-being. That's why we're committed to providing the highest quality skin and body care, backed by cutting-edge technology and a team of world-class experts. In other words, we're always at the forefront of skin and body healthcare.
Our goal isn't just about how you look on the outside. We aim to transform lives.
By delivering industry-leading skin and body healthcare to more people in more places, we move closer and closer to this goal for thousands of people every day.