If you’re like most people, you have stretch marks. The good news is that these marks are completely harmless – except to your self-esteem – and that Nothing bad will happen to you if you go about your life without treating them. But for many people, stretch marks are embarrassing. this guide explains what you can do to get rid of stretch marks, or at least minimize their appearance, so they don’t bother you any longer.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Once and for All
Stretch marks are actually scars, and as scars, they’re permanent. However, treatment can make them less noticeable. In fact, for some people (depending on skin type and a variety of other factors), some treatments are so effective that stretch marks become difficult to see.
Why Do People Get Stretch Marks?
A lot of people have stretch marks, and often, they’re in places you can hide with clothing. Many women, for example, have them on their stomachs, hips and buttocks. However, stretch marks can occur anywhere on the body. They are often caused by:
- Growth spurts, particularly those that occur during puberty
- Pregnancy
- Rapid weight loss
- Rapid weight gain
- Weight training, in situations where you have rapid muscle growth
The common theme here is rapid. When something inside your body stretches your skin quickly, it causes collagen and elastin to rupture. They can also appear when your skin shrinks quickly. As your skin heals, stretch marks may appear. They’re scars, and as scars, they tend to stick around.
The good news is that although stretch marks appear red, pink, purple, or dark brown when they first appear, the color fades over time. Often, they sink below the surface of your skin and leave a small ridge after they heal. Unfortunately, though, the skin inside the stretch mark is still a different color from the rest of the surrounding skin. That can make them noticeable long after they’ve healed.
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Can You Prevent New Stretch Marks From Appearing?
It is possible to prevent new stretch marks from appearing. There are some lotions, creams and gels that can help moisturize your skin, and applying these may help prevent future stretch marks from appearing. But the best defense against future stretch marks is to avoid any abrupt changes in your physique – which isn’t possible for pregnant people. (If you’re pregnant, eat healthy foods and follow your doctor’s advice; that’s the best you can do! It doesn’t hurt to slather on your favorite lotions and creams, as long as you ask your doctor first; they may also help alleviate itching.)
How Long Does it Take Stretch Marks to Fade Naturally?
Stretch marks typically start to fade between 6 and 12 months after they appear. However, it can take much longer for the scars to settle into their permanent color.
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Can You Get Rid of Stretch Marks Permanently?
Though you can’t get rid of stretch marks permanently, you can treat them to reduce their appearance. Treating stretch marks is definitely possible, and your doctor will talk to you about the options that are available to you based on your skin type and the severity of your stretch marks. You may want to undergo laser treatments or microneedling – both of which may help make your stretch marks become less noticeable.
Laser Treatments for Stretch Marks
Laser treatments can be helpful in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Lasers can rejuvenate and resurface your skin, and after three to five treatments, you may notice a vast improvement in the way your stretch marks look.
Microneedling for Stretch Marks
Microneedling can smooth out and firm your skin to make it appear younger. a micro needling treatment works by forcing your skin to trigger new collagen synthesis. In plain English, that means the treatment tricks your skin into healing all over again. Sometimes doctors use platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, to help the process along.
Chemical Peels to Treat Stretch Marks
Some people find success in reducing the appearance of stretch marks with chemical peels. Chemical peels resurface your skin, which can help with the appearance of scars.
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Do Natural Home Remedies for Stretch Marks Actually Work?
Sadly, natural home remedies for stretch marks don’t work period researchers have put thousands of hours into checking in on creams, lotions, gels, almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil and vitamin E – and none of them can actually fade stretch marks. However, sometimes applying hyaluronic acid or tretinoin can make stretch marks less noticeable.
Ready to Talk to a Doctor About Treating Stretch Marks in Ann Arbor?
Our Ann Arbor med spa can help you get the look you want, from clear and youthful skin to fat reduction. Call or text us at 734-249-8722 or fill out the form below to get in touch.
