The top five stretch mark treatment options

Laser, Massage, Creams, Endermologie, and Microdermabrasion

Unfortunately, there isn’t one fail safe stretch mark treatment that works for everyone. What works wonders on someone else’s stretch marks may not necessarily work for you. You may discover that you need to use a combination of treatments depending on the developmental stage of your stretch marks.

Most treatments tend to have better results on stretch marks that are relatively new or those that are red, purple or brown, so the earlier you start treating them the better. Many treatments claim to remove your stretch marks but most only improve their appearance.

Here are our top five Stretch Mark Treatment Options:

1. Laser Surgery:

Laser surgery is one of the most expensive forms of stretch mark treatments and it usually requires between five and six sessions. It won’t remove your stretch marks but it can help to significantly improve their appearance. Studies have shown that the appearance of stretch marks continues to improve up to six months after the initial treatment. Laser surgery uses a narrow beam of light that transmits through the skin helping to stimulate the cells in the dermis to produce new tissue. However, at this stage most lasers only detect pigment that is red, purple or brown, so they do not detect mature stretch marks that have turned silver-white.

2. Creams and Lotions

Stretch marks form in the dermis (the middle layer of skin) which makes them quite difficult to treat with a cream, so don’t expect any product to actually remove them. However, some prescription creams that include tretinoin or retin A claim to penetrate the dermis and stimulate new tissue growth. Alpha hydroxyl acid (AHAs) creams also work on a similar basis by burning off the outer layer of the skin. There is no scientific evidence that creams such as Vitamin E or cocoa butter actually work, but many women believe they have contributed to improving the look of their stretch marks or preventing them from forming. Moisturizing on a daily basis will also help to keep your skin soft and supple.

3. Endermologie

This treatment was invented in France more than a decade ago to treat scars. It involves a special machine which massages the skin with rollers and a suctioning action. It has been claimed that each treatment can increase the circulation by up to 200 per cent. It also removes toxins and helps to stretch the connective fibers. Endermologie is a popular treatment for cellulite but it has also had a certain amount of success with improving the appearance of stretch marks. A series of treatments is required for maximum results.

4. 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.

5. 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 doesn’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.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Stretch Mark Treatment

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