Stretch Marks and the Causes Behind Them
According to the American Association of Dermatology, when the skin stretches or shrinks too quickly, irregular lines and streaks may appear. This sudden change causes the collagen and elastin in the skin to rupture and scar, leaving behind what we call stretch marks.
You’re most likely to develop stretch marks during:
- Pregnancy
- Puberty (growth spurts)
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Weight training that comes with rapid muscle growth
Other common causes include:
- Hormone imbalance, specifically cortisone
- Genetics
- Built-up stress placed on the skin
During early stages, stretch marks tend to be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin tone. At the beginning, they may feel slightly raised and can be itchy. In time, the color fades and the narrow bands sink beneath your skin.
How to Treat Them
Although extremely common, stretch marks may represent both body and aesthetic concerns to some people. The good news is that there are different types of treatments available to help your stretch marks become less noticeable.
Gels, creams, and lotions
No cream works the same for everybody, but here are some useful hacks:
- Use the product as soon as you spot the stretch marks. Treatment doesn’t work well on mature marks.
- Massage the product into your skin. Taking the time to effectively apply and massage the products into your skin has proven to be effective.
- Be diligent and apply the product every day. If the product works, it will take weeks or months for results to show up.
Treatments we offer
If creams don’t seem to work for you, other types of treatments are available. At the Sleep and Wellness Center, we perform stretch marks treatments under the highest quality standards. Check them out:
- PicoSure: PicoSure laser treatment employs a unique approach that involves breaking down underlying skin tissue and stimulating cellular rejuvenation. This transformative process results in a smoother skin texture, visibly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes.
- Microneedling with PRP: PRP has been hailed as “liquid gold” by doctors for its miraculous effects on the body. When parts of the body are in disrepair, platelets are sent to the area and have a large impact on the growth of the damaged area, stimulating collagen production, and the formation of blood vessels and other fibers. This increased skin and tissue quality is further enhanced when microneedling is also performed.
- TempSure Envi: TempSure massages the skin by sending radiofrequency waves into the upper layer of the skin called epidermis. The waves generate enough heat to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This will tighten the skin and eliminate any signs of wrinkles, fine lines, or stretch marks.
- Morpheus8: This advanced skin-tightening treatment combines micro-needling and radiofrequency technology to revitalize the skin and boost collagen production.
Josefina Díaz
Josefina is a content writer with a diverse background in humanities and life sciences. With a passion for clear communication and thorough research, she applies her expertise to the healthcare field, bridging the gap between complex medical information and those on the receiving end.
