Concerned about Stretch marks?
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Stretch marks
When the dermis layer of the skin is stretched beyond the limits of its natural elasticity it tears and creates visible scars known as stretch marks. Stretch marks commonly occur on the abdomen, the breasts, the hips and buttocks, and the thighs, as these are the areas that typically grow the most during rapid weight gain or pregnancy. However, stretch marks can also occur on other parts of the body, including the chest, arms, and shoulders, if there is more rapid growth than the dermis can handle.
The medical term for stretch marks is striae. The most common type are striae distensae, caused by the skin being distended. Striae gravidarum are stretch marks that occur during pregnancy. Striae rubrae are red or purple stretch marks, and striae albae are stretch marks that have faded to white or silver.
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks usually occur when the body grows rapidly, such as during puberty, or puts on weight quickly, such as during pregnancy. People who wear tight trousers, or work out with heavy weights, or take anabolic steroids can also experience stretch marks from rapid muscle growth.
The skin has three main layers: the epidermis, a thin, flexible outer layer that protects the body; the dermis, a thicker middle layer with connective tissue, nerve endings, blood vessels, and hair follicle bases; and the hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer, which contains fat and connective tissue for energy storage, cushioning, and insulation. The epidermis and hypodermis are more flexible than the dermis, preventing tearing even when the dermis is strained.
Topical treatments that may help reduce stretch marks include the following. They are applied to the skin, penetrating the epidermis to reach the dermis to take effect:
- Retinoid creams stimulate the skin to produce more collagen and produce new skin cells. Retinoid creams tend to be more helpful for new stretch marks than for old. They must not be used during pregnancy.
- Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin to make it more elastic.
- Glycolic acid helps increase collagen production, so it may reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, prescription-strength glycolic acid may prove more effective than over-the-counter products.
- Vitamin E oil is believed to increase the skin’s elasticity and reduce the visibility of scars.
- Shea butter and cocoa butter are natural moisturisers that help hydrate the skin and may make it more elastic.
High-tech treatments for stretch marks
- Laser therapy. To reduce the appearance of stretch marks, dermatologists use various types of lasers, depending on the age and colour of the stretch marks and the skin type. For example, fractional CO2 lasers and fractional non-ablative lasers can stimulate the skin to produce collagen and renew its surface. Pulsed dye lasers can reduce the redness of new stretch marks by targeting blood vessels. Alexandrite lasers can be good for treating older stretch marks. Excimer lasers can stimulate melanin production to make old, light-coloured stretch marks less visible.
- Microneedling. Exfoliating the top layer of skin stimulates the skin underneath to renew itself. Also called medical needling, microneedling works by creating tiny holes in the skin to stimulate the body’s healing response and provokes the production of collagen and elastin.
- Chemical peel. A chemical peel removes the top layer of the epidermis, causing new skin to grow. The new skin should be smoother and less wrinkled, lessening the visibility of the stretch marks.
- Radiofrequency treatment directs radio waves through the dermis to stimulate the epidermis to produce more collagen and to remodel the dermal tissues.
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can deliver focused ultrasound energy to the dermis and the hypodermis, stimulating natural healing, collagen production, and regeneration.
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