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Our skin comprises three layers. The skin layers can break if they are stretched to a certain point. Due to overstretching, a skin condition can develop, known as stretch marks. It is mainly caused by the breakage of the internal layers of the skin. Stretch marks appear on the skin as stripes with an off-color hue, primarily due to overstretching. They begin as flat pink, red, or purple streaks and change to an off-color hue over time. Although this problem is harmless, it is highly unlikely for it to completely disappear. However, with proper treatment, the symptoms can fade over time, and in such cases, Microneedling offers us an effective solution.
Where do stretch marks appear?
Stretch marks appear on the skin as bands of parallel lines that differ in color, texture, and length. For most people, they appear in purple, bright pink, or light gray colors. These marks can appear on the male and female skin on the following parts:
- stomach
- abdomen
- breasts
- chest
- upper arms
- thighs
- hips
- buttocks
- groin
Causes of Stretch Marks
As stated above, stretch marks are primarily caused by overstretching of the skin. Our skin is naturally elastic, but it has a limit beyond which it can’t heal and repair automatically. If the skin is stretched beyond its capacity, it gets damaged and scars skin tissues. This scarring in the inner layers of the skin appears as stretch marks.
However, there are several other factors as well that contribute to the appearance of these nasty zebra lines. Stretch marks can be caused by hormonal imbalance. A class of hormone called glucocorticoid has been found to trigger the formation of stretch marks. It does so by hampering the production of collagen and elastin fibers – naturally occurring proteins necessary to keep fast-growing skin tight and supple. Furthermore, many factors like genetics, overall health, age, and diet can affect a person’s ability to withstand stretching force.
Tips to Prevent Stretch Marks Formation
As they say, prevention is better than cure; it is always better to stop these unsightly zebra streaks from appearing in the first place. With some care and vigilance, we can prevent the formation of stretch marks to a considerable degree.
Homemade Moisturizers
The easiest and simplest way to shun any risk of stretch marks appearance is to keep your skin moisturized. You can use a homemade moisturizer as well as any good quality over-the-counter moisturizing lotion.
- Shea butter is a time-tested natural moisturizer for preventing and treating stretch marks.
- Wheat germ oil, Aloe vera, and turmeric extract, when combined, form the best herbal moisturizer for stretch marks.
Clinical Ingredients
Tretinoin, often known by the brand name Retin-A, is a medically endorsed treatment that can potentially improve the appearance of early-stage stretch marks. It works by boosting collagen production in the skin, which can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the visibility of stretch marks. However, it’s important to note that tretinoin is most effective when used on newer stretch marks, which are typically red or purple. As stretch marks age and fade to a silvery-white color, they become less responsive to tretinoin. Despite the common perception, Retin-A is not a natural ingredient but a potent derivative of Vitamin A. Therefore, its effectiveness in dealing with older, more established stretch marks may be limited, and other treatments such as laser therapy or microneedling might be more suitable
How to get rid of stretch marks?
If you have already developed zebra streaks on your abdomen, thighs, buttocks, etc., numerous options are available for eliminating stretch marks. The two most effective clinical procedures for stretch mark treatment are Microneedling Stretch Mark Treatment and Laser Skin Resurfacing.
Below, we have discussed Microneedling treatment for stretch marks.
Microneedling Stretch Mark Treatment
Microneedling is one of the 5 best Stretch Mark Removal techniques. It is a simple procedure in which a specially designed Dermapen is used for treating stretch marks. It is not a very painful procedure but still, doctors perform it with topical anesthesia. A numbing cream is applied to the skin half an hour before the procedure. The hyaluronic acid gel is applied to the treatment site first, and then the Dermapen is used to target each stretch mark individually. Multiple needles are present in the Dermapen, causing micro-injuries in the treated tissues. It triggers the healing process, and as a result, stretch marks fade away.
Expect the stretch marks to turn a little red after treatment. Moreover, the treated skin may be tender for 3 to 4 days and feel like a minor sunburn. The healing time is somewhere between 3 days to a week. However, multiple sessions may be needed to achieve desired results.
Consult Our Dermatologists
If your stretch marks are not subsiding themselves, consider Microneedling Treatment. If you want to know more about the treatment, please call us or fill out the online form to schedule an online consultation. Our expert dermatologists will guide you and help you decide the best solution.
