Buzz
Stretch marks often appear due to sudden changes in body size, such as during pregnancy, puberty, or rapid weight gain. Statistics indicate that over 90% of pregnant women experience stretch marks on their abdomen, hips, and thighs. Unfortunately, this condition can be hereditary, meaning if your mother had stretch marks, you are likely to develop them as well.
However, there’s no need to worry because there are methods to prevent stretch marks and reduce the appearance of both new and old ones. Below are some suggestions, listed from the easiest to the most challenging to implement.
Steps
Clinically Proven Topical Products
Use moisturizing products. A study comparing herbal moisturizing products found that daily use significantly improves the appearance and elasticity of the skin. Think of it this way: if the skin is stretched excessively, providing adequate moisture can help reduce tearing and the formation of stretch marks.
- Apply moisturizing lotion to new stretch marks or areas you’re concerned about. Note that while lotion can improve the appearance of older stretch marks, it is more effective on newer ones.
- If you’re concerned about chemicals in over-the-counter moisturizers, you can create your own blend using wheat germ oil, olive oil, and aloe vera. The same study found this mixture to be the most effective homemade moisturizer.
Use Retin-A. A study from the University of Michigan (USA) suggests that individuals who applied Retin-A (or retinoic acid cream) to new stretch marks experienced significant improvement. Researchers believe Retin-A stimulates collagen production, helping the skin stretch and avoid tearing.
- Note: Avoid using any products containing retinoic acid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Retinoic acid can cause birth defects in the fetus.
- Retin-A is not effective for old stretch marks.
- You may need a prescription from a doctor to purchase products like Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, and Differin (all containing retinoic acid).
- Avoid sun exposure while using Retin-A, as it increases the risk of sunburn.
Use glycolic acid. Applying glycolic acid to stretch marks can boost collagen production, improving skin elasticity. As an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid belongs to the same group of compounds used in chemical peels.
- Glycolic acid is safe to use on the skin during pregnancy.
- Be cautious and avoid sun exposure while undergoing glycolic acid treatment.
- You can purchase over-the-counter glycolic acid. For stronger results, consult a dermatologist for a higher-concentration prescription.
Combine glycolic acid with Retin-A. When used together, glycolic acid and Retin-A can significantly improve the appearance of stretch marks. If opting for this method, prepare your skin for Retin-A before applying glycolic acid.
- Do not use Retin-A during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can cause severe birth defects.
- If consulting a doctor for a Retin-A prescription, ask if combining it with glycolic acid is recommended.
Try vitamin E oil. Vitamin E oil is often touted as a great remedy for stretch marks. However, research shows it is most effective for women who have been pregnant and less effective for general use. Still, using vitamin E in moderation is harmless.
- Try mixing vitamin E oil with a carrier lotion, such as a fragrance-free moisturizer, for better skin application.
Try egg oil. Regular use of egg oil during the first three months of pregnancy may help prevent pregnancy-related stretch marks. Gently apply egg oil to the entire abdominal area, including the sides and lower abdomen, extending to the bikini line, twice daily, starting from the 8th week of pregnancy until six months postpartum.
Unverified Topical Products
Use essential oils. Although there is no peer-reviewed research on how essential oils heal stretch marks, they are still widely used as home remedies. You can apply essential oils directly to the skin or mix them with a carrier oil (like coconut oil or an unscented moisturizer) for easier application. Below are some popular essential oils believed to help reduce stretch marks:
- Lavender
- Rose
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Helichrysum
- Myrrh
Using Dietary Supplements
Boost vitamin C intake. Some dermatologists suggest that taking 500 mg of vitamin C as a dietary supplement may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- For better results, combine oral vitamin C with topical glycolic acid treatments.
Laser Treatments
For new stretch marks, consider pulsed dye laser (or vascular laser) treatment. Pulsed dye lasers set at 585-nm have been shown to reduce stretch marks in postpartum Korean women. This treatment can help diminish initial redness and is most effective on fresh stretch marks (those that haven’t turned silver yet).
- Be prepared for the cost. Treatment typically involves 3-6 sessions, with each session costing around $450.
- Vascular laser treatment is less effective for women with darker skin tones. Similar to laser hair removal, the procedure works best when there’s a high contrast between the target (in this case, red stretch marks) and skin pigmentation.
For older stretch marks, try fractional laser treatment (or laser resurfacing). For stretch marks that are no longer discolored but are textured, resurfacing with a fractional laser can target small areas of skin. The laser focuses on the edges of the stretch marks, helping to smooth the skin’s surface.
- Typically, about 3 fractional laser sessions are needed, with each session costing around $1000.
- Potential side effects of fractional laser treatment include hyperpigmentation and scarring.
Surgery
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). You guessed it! The only definitive way to remove stretch marks is to cut them away. If other methods haven’t worked and you’re bothered by prominent stretch marks, a tummy tuck might be an option.
- Prepare for the cost. In the U.S., a tummy tuck typically ranges from $4000 to $20000.
- Be aware of the risks. Like any major surgery, a tummy tuck carries risks, including life-threatening complications.
- Expect a lengthy recovery. You may need 2-4 weeks off work and up to 3-6 months for full recovery.
Consider a "mommy makeover" or a combination of procedures. Some post-pregnancy women opt for a tummy tuck, breast lift, and liposuction all in one go.
Identifying ineffective methods
Cocoa butter has not been proven to reduce stretch marks. In a double-blind study, cocoa butter showed no significant effects on stretch marks. Therefore, be cautious with products advertised for this purpose.
Products containing peptides have also not been proven effective. Regenerative creams or serums with peptides or proteins have not been shown to repair skin damage caused by stretch marks.
Advice
- Stay hydrated (2 liters daily) as skin loses elasticity when dehydrated. Maintaining a healthy weight is also beneficial.
- Use moisturizing wax or Vaseline.
- Ensure a nutrient-rich diet. Skin needs adequate nourishment to regenerate and stay healthy.
- For older stretch marks, apply products with SPF 60 or higher. Self-tanning products with high SPF make stretch marks less visible, especially if you exercise.
- Exercise regularly.
- Bio-oil can help fade stretch marks.
- Non-surgical methods cannot completely remove stretch marks as they are essentially tears/scars in the dermis, resulting from healing.
- Weight loss may reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- If no treatment works, embrace your unique beauty without concern for others' opinions.
- Toned muscles can make stretch marks appear less noticeable.
Warning
- Always carefully review the ingredient list of any new skincare product before use. This step is especially crucial for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult a doctor if unsure about the product's safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Most treatments are only partially effective, even under the best conditions. Since stretch marks are permanent by nature, maintain realistic expectations.
- Certain treatments, such as creams, may lack hypoallergenic properties and could potentially trigger allergic reactions.
