What are Stretch Marks?
Super elasticity is a gift some super heroes have. Stretch marks are a skin condition almost everyone has. It's the opposite of super hero status - a mark of our humanity.
Stretch marks are called striae distensae. They can begin as dark red or pink lines, fading with time to a lighter, silvery mark on fairer skin, and as darker pigmented lines on darker skin tones.
Dermatological research suggests there is a genetic link between stretch marks and the way a person's skin heals. In fact, how some one's skin heals from life's little scratches, burns and cuts may be the best indicator of the depth and severity of stretch marks they may eventually see.
What causes stretch marks?
...tretinoin may have some effect in improving the appearance
of stretch marks...
Think of a stretch mark as a scar on the inside of the skin, rather than a scar that occurs when skin is externally wounded.
Stretch marks happen when skin is stretched beyond its normal limits for a period of time. Events that cause this stretching include:
• pregnancy
• growth spurts in puberty
• weight gain
• extreme weight loss
These physical changes in shape attack skin's support structure (collagen and elastin found in the middle layers beneath the skin surface) to break down or rupture.
Moisturizers Have No Effect on Stretch Marks
So let's be absolutely clear.
Stretch marks are not caused because skin isn't properly moisturized. Stretch marks develop far below the skin's surface due to extreme strain, stress, and trauma.
No moisturizer or cream can prevent that kind of injury and damage to the skin from taking place. Strivectin SD, Striadril and other topical ointments and creams may soothe, but they cannot alter skin's structure. Their prevention claims are false.
What Works to Fade Stretch Marks?
Tretinoin
Research shows that topical application of tretinoin (the active ingredient in Retin-A, Renova, or in generic form) can have a positive effect. Tretinoin can stimulate elastin synthesis, remodel collagen in the dermis, and improve skin’s texture and color. A 0.1% concentration of tretinoin is recommended. Best results are seen when this drug is used at the first signs of stretch marks. Test participants reported improvements of 15-20% reduction in stretch mark length and width.
Unfortunately, tretinoin cannot be used during pregnancy, and is also off limits during breastfeeding.
Light and Laser Therapies
Light and laser therapies may hold promise in repair of stretch marks. Studies using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) treatments resulted in measurable improvement, with microscopic analysis showing improvement in the length, depth, and coloration of stretch marks.
This type of laser carries a low risk of side effects and complications. Unfortunately, they're not recommended for use on darker skin tones (including African-American) because of the risk of hyperpigmentation.
According to Paula Begoun's beautypedia.com, the cost for a series of treatments can run $2,500 and up.
