Our skin has the wonderful capacity to expand and contract as needed because of its elastic nature. However, when our skin has to expand or contract too soon, our skin and its supporting tissues weaken if they stretch too far or too fast. This causes stretch marks. Stretch marks are usually associated with pregnancy. However, stretch marks can affect both the genders, people of all ages and skin types.

Stretch marks occur due to break down of collagen and elastic fibres, which are supporting proteins, secondary to excessive expansion of body tissues. They start as red or pink lines but gradually turn into silver or white streaks.

Topical creams, skin products and oils, lifestyle changes such as using sunscreen and drinking a lot of water is known to help reduce stretch marks. However, they take a lot of time, and are usually not very effective.

Tretinoin (retinoic acid), a cream containing 0.1 percent tretinoin cream is known to help reduce early stretch marks in one early study. Tretinoin can penetrate through the upper layer of skin and rebuild collagen, which explains how it improves stretch marks for some people. However, it is known to cause redness and peeling and is most effective on newly appeared stretch marks.

There are multiple treatments available for treating stretch marks thanks to the advancements in science and technology. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer multiple solutions to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Laser therapy is one of the newest and most effective procedure that helps reduce stretch marks. Pulsed dye lasers and intense pulsed light can improve the appearance of stretch marks and increase collagen production over time.

Plastic surgery such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, and other similar procedures work by removing excess skin and tightening remaining skin and tissue.

People who have sagging skin due to weight loss or pregnancy have these procedures may be suggested to undergo these procedures.

At Layers Clinics, our team of professionals will analyze your skin and offer the best solutions to help you get rid of those awful stretch marks and enable you to get the confidence to flaunt your skin with supreme confidence. Book your consultation today!