What is the most effective treatment for Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a common condition that affects many people (80=90% of women and many men). They are formed when the skin is stretched rapidly, causing the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin to break. This results in thin, reddish or purple lines on the skin that can be itchy and unsightly.
Stretch marks can occur on various parts of the body, including the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, and upper arms. They are often associated with pregnancy, weight gain, and rapid growth during puberty. However, they can also occur as a result of certain medical conditions such as Cushing’s Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome, or due to the use of certain medications such as corticosteroids.
There are many treatments available for stretch marks, but the most effective ones will depend on the individual case. Some of the most popular treatments include:
- Topical creams and lotions: These products can help to moisturize the skin, making it more elastic and less likely to develop stretch marks. Some creams and lotions also contain ingredients that can help to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks, such as retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica. Retinoids, a form of vitamin A, can help to increase collagen production and improve the texture and color of the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that can help to hydrate the skin and improve elasticity. Centella asiatica is an herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help heal wounds and improve skin health.
- Microdermabrasion: This is a procedure that involves using a device to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This can help to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of stretch marks. Microdermabrasion can help to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter and smoother skin. It can also help to increase blood flow and collagen production, which can improve the appearance of stretch marks.
- Laser therapy: There are several laser treatments available that can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The most popular ones include fractional laser therapy, pulsed dye laser therapy, CO2, and non-ablative laser therapy. These treatments work by heating the skin (or causing a photoacoustic effect) and stimulating collagen production, which can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks. Fractional laser therapy uses laser beams to target specific areas of the skin, creating micro-wounds that stimulate collagen production. Pulsed dye laser therapy uses a specific type of laser to target the blood vessels that cause the red or purple color of stretch marks. Non-ablative laser therapy uses a different type of laser that targets the deeper layers of the skin without damaging the surface. Given how this treatment has a low success rate, and given how expensive it can add up to, it is recommended to try other methods first.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove stretch marks. This can include tummy tucks, breast lifts, and other procedures that involve removing excess skin. Surgery is usually only recommended for severe cases of stretch marks that cannot be improved with other treatments. This really would be the last resort and this is likely to lead to unsightly surgical scarring also.
- Microneedling: This is a procedure that involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This can help to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of stretch marks. Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done in a dermatology clinic. It involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This can help to stimulate collagen production, which can improve the appearance of stretch marks. However, using a dermapen will only initiate a mild skin response and it may take many sessions (perhaps 8-12) to see an improvement.
- MCA inkless needling: This is often confused with microneedling, but it is most certainly not the same thing, particyularly when we compare results. The concept is the same as microneedling – we use tiny needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. However, with MCA inkless needling, a fine tattoo needle on a tattoo machine is used to focus solely on the stretch marks without damaging the surrounding skin. The fine needles more easily penetrate the skin, initiating the desired skin response, leading to quicker and better results compared to microneedling. Historically this was known as “dry tattooing / dry needling” but due to legislation changes in the UK, this is now performed with a serum product. The serum used with this treatment will also benefit the skin further. Although MCA needling works wonders in all skin types, it is especially successful in treating darker skin types, due to the melanin stimulation in response to the controlled skin trauma. There are risks associated with those prone to hyperpigmentation which should be discussed with the practitioner.
- Stretch mark tattoo camouflage: This treatment has been gaining more and more popularity since 2018, with many permanent makeup artists, tattoo artists, beauticians, and aesthetic practitioners adding this to their treatment list. This treatment involves custom blending a client’s skin tone colour, to add some ink colour to lighter stretch marks to make them less visible. Beware though, stretch mark tattoo camouflage isn’t an easy treatment to master, and any practitioner should be knowledgable in colour theory with extensive experience on how skin tone ink heals in different skin types. There are risks involved and, if not done with all the knowledge required, can look very unnatural. If a practitioner picks a colour out a bottle without examining the clients overtone and undertone, and without mixing colours and diluting especially for that client, then they should be concerned. Inking suually isn’t suitable for very pae skin types, or darker skin types prone to hyperpigmentation. Adding ink in to stretch marks is usually only performed after trying MCA inkless needling first, since it is possible to stimulate natural melanin production in many skin types without the need for ink. Stretch marks should also only be tattooed with ink if they are at least 2 years’ old, fairly smooth to touch (not wrinkly), and lighter than the surrounding skin. Generally it is not suitable for tattooing over darker stretch marks in those prone to hyperpigmentation. However, it is possible to make red stretch marks less noticeable by colour neutralisation methods. Colour tests should always be performed on a small area first to determine if someone is suitable. This treatment, when performed correctly by a skilled artist, can give amazing results.
It’s important to note that no treatment can completely remove stretch marks, but they can help to reduce their appearance. The best treatment will depend on the individual case, as well as the severity and location of the stretch marks. In general, it is a good idea to talk to an experienced clinician to determine the best course of action. A combination of treatments may also be recommended for maximum effectiveness. It’s also worth noting that some people may be more susceptible to stretch marks due to genetic factors. While treatments can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks, they may not be completely eliminated, especially in individuals with a strong genetic predisposition.
In addition to these treatments, there are also several steps that can be taken to prevent the development of stretch marks.
These include:
- Maintaining a healthy diet and weight: Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help to keep the skin healthy and strong. A healthy diet and weight can also help to prevent rapid weight gain or loss, which can contribute to the development of stretch marks.
- Staying hydrated: Drinking enough water can help to keep the skin hydrated and elastic, which can prevent stretch marks from forming.
- Avoiding rapid weight gain or loss: Rapid weight gain or loss can cause the skin to stretch, which can lead to the development of stretch marks.
- Keeping the skin moisturised: Keeping the skin moisturised can help to prevent dryness and itching, which can contribute to stretch marks.
- Using sunscreen: Sun exposure can cause the skin to become dry and damaged, which can contribute to the development of stretch marks. Using sunscreen can help to protect the skin from sun damage and keep it looking healthy.
- Retinol: Retinoids, such as Tretinoin, that you apply to your skin may improve the appearance of stretch marks less than a few months old. Tretinoin, when it works, helps to rebuild a protein in the skin called collagen, making the stretch marks look more like your normal skin. So the sooner you start using Retinoids after they form, the better chance you have at healing them.
In conclusion, stretch marks are a very common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. While there is no one treatment that will work for everyone, there are several options available that can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and some treatments such as MCA inkless needling are proving to yield the best results. These treatment options include topical creams and lotions, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, microneedling, MCA inkless needling, stretch mark tattoo camouflage, and surgery. It’s important to talk to a clinician or dermatologist to determine the best course of action, although they may not be familiar with more recent options such as MCA inkless needling or stretch mark tattooing. In addition, steps can be taken to prevent the development of stretch marks, such as maintaining a healthy diet and weight, staying hydrated, using retinoids on newly formed stretch marks, and avoiding rapid weight gain or loss (including body building). Remember that some people may be more susceptible to stretch marks due to genetic factors, or even a condition affecting cortisol levels such as Cushing’s Syndrome. Stretch marks may not be completely eliminated, but with proper treatments and preventive measures, their appearance can be significantly improved.