Moisturisers and vitamin creams
If caught in
the early stages, stretch marks can be minimised with over-the-counter
moisturising creams. Vitamin E oil, which assists in general skin
healing and condition, can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Vitamin A is also a good emollient, but it's not as effective as
prescription Tretinoin, or Retin-A, which attaches itself to receptors
on the skin cells and helps exfoliate the skin and form healthy new
cells. Though these creams are effective in moisturising the outer skin
layer, they can't always penetrate deep into the dermis where stretch
marks occur. They also can't completely change a pre-existing skin
condition, which is why they work best on stretch marks that are just
forming.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
AHAs
are derived from certain plants, many of which are fruits, and so are
sometimes called 'fruit acids'. AHA creams are said to help with
stretch marks because they moisturise the outer layer of skin, making
it more pliable. These products increase cell regeneration by 'burning
off' the outer layer of skin cells. By removing the top layer of cells,
healthier ones rise to the surface, improving skin texture and colour,
and allowing moisturisers to be absorbed so the skin remains supple.
While penetrating the skin's surface, the water-binding properties of
AHAs increase the skin's flexibility and assist in stretch mark
reduction. Though your skin may feel dry and flaky at first from the
dead cells being sloughed away, after a few weeks, AHAs may make your
skin feel and appear smoother - and visibly reduce stretch marks. If
you stop using AHAs, the skin will return to its normal state since
cell regeneration is no longer taking place.
Tretinoin,
or Retin-A, helps to loosen the keratin in the outer layer of skin and
remove dead cells. Although derived from vitamin A, Tretinoin cream is
much more effective than the naturally occurring vitamin because it
thins the outer layer of skin in order to penetrate the dermis where
stretch marks occur, and it increases collagen production. The result
is a 'plumping up effect', which helps improve the appearance and
texture of skin, and can diminish the appearance of stretch marks. Your
doctor will advise you on the correct amount to use, but be aware that
stronger dosages, although more effective, may cause stinging, swelling
and redness, and potentially a sensitivity to sunlight. Skin thickening
is another possible side effect of using this kind of cream, as
collagen production is increased. Tretinoin is most effective in
stretch mark treatment when used early.
Tretinoin
is not recommended for use in pregnancy or while nursing. Also, those
taking Retin-A are advised not to take any Vitamin A supplements at the
same time, as this can increase adverse effects.
Laser surgery
Laser
surgery is currently being developed for the treatment of stretch
marks. This treatment doesn't remove stretch marks - it simply makes
them fade. The laser responds to dark colours only, so in the early
stages when stretch marks are dark red or brown, treatment will be most
effective. Faded, flesh-coloured marks probably won't respond well to
laser treatment because they are light in colour. A series of
treatments might be required for visible results.
Endermologie
The
Endermologie machine, developed in France over a decade ago, uses
rollers and gentle suctioning to deeply massage stretch-marked areas,
increasing the circulation by up to 200 per cent. At the same time,
toxins and p to 200 per cent. At the same time, toxins and abnormal
water build-up are expelled as connective fibres are stretched. The
exfoliation in conjunction with the stretching of the fibres can be
helpful in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Expect to wear a
body stocking as a technician runs the suctioning rollers over your
body, concentrating on the affected areas. Each session lasts half an
hour, but to see results, a series of treatments is recommended.
Massage
This
can be an inexpensive treatment option if you choose to do it yourself.
Massaging the affected area on a daily basis can boost circulation and
help to promote new cell growth. It has been suggested that the actual
process of massage can be more beneficial than the cream that you use.
Microdermabrasion
This
skin resurfacing technique was developed in Italy in 1985 and since
then it has become a popular treatment option for stretch marks. The
procedure sand blasts the skin with tiny crystals to remove the surface
skin layers. However, it doesnĄ¯t reach the dermis tissue where the
stretch marks actually occur so it works best when combined with other
treatments such as prescription creams. Microdermabrasion does have the
advantage of being cheaper than other skin resurfacing techniques and
the actual procedure is quick and simple.
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