Retin-A Cream for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks often occur as a result of the sudden pulling of the skin through rapid weight fluctuations, pregnancy or prolonged use of steroids and corticosteroid medications. Common treatments for stretch marks include over-the-counter creams and lotions designed for fading or preventing stretch marks, as well as medical procedures, such as microdermabrasion. Prescription creams such as Retin-A can also be prescribed by a dermatologist.
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Identification of Stretch Marks
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According to E- Medicine, stretch marks or striae initially appear as flat and thinned skin with a pinkish hue. As stretch marks mature, they begin to resemble larger stripes that darken in color and develop a purplish hue. Very mature stretch marks can appear as depressed and white irregular stripes. E-Medicine states that stretch marks formed as a result of prolonged steroid use can be characterized by a larger and wider size compared to the other types of stretch marks and can be found in widespread areas of the body such as the face.
Benefits of Retin-A
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Retin-A, or tretinoin, is a topical cream that is made from a derivative of vitamin A. Commonly prescribed to fight acne or reduce the appearance of wrinkles, it is also used to treat stretch marks in its early stages.
According to Stretch Marks, Retin-A removes dead skin cells by loosening the keratin in the epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin, to penetrate the skin's dermis, or middle layer, where stretch marks occur. Retin-A can also increase collagen production in the skin, resulting in an improvement in the skin's texture and a reduction in the appearance of stretch marks. -
Considerations for Treatment
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According to E-Medicine, when stretch marks are treated in the early stages, they are more likely to improve with the use of topical treatments. Mother Nature.com states that Retin-A cream needs to be used in the early stages when the stretch marks are pink in color and sensitive. Once the stretch marks have matured and turned white in color, they become difficult to treat. For optimal results, Retin-A should be used within 6 to 12 weeks after getting stretch marks, and no later than 3 months after giving birth or losing a significant amount of weight.
Warnings and Side Effects
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E-Medicine warns that Retin-A should not be used in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is concern over that the medication can disrupt the growing fetus.
Retin-A can also heighten skin sensitivity to extreme cold, wind and sunlight. It is important to avoid prolonged sun exposure through sunlamps, tanning booths or natural sunlight in order to avoid irritating the skin. Web MD suggests that those who are sunburned should avoid using Retin-A until the skin has healed completely.
Treatments such as waxing, electrolysis and chemical hair removal should not be performed on areas treated with Retin-A to avoid skin irritation.
Avoid exceeding the recommended dosages prescribed by your physician as increased dosages can cause the skin to redden, swell and sting.
Misconceptions of Retin-A
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According to Drugs.com, it can take approximately 2 to 3 weeks to notice any therapeutic skin changes from Retin-A therapy, and a minimum of 6 weeks in order to see definite and beneficial results from treatment as it takes time for the medication to work deep within the skin. Applying the medication more often than is recommended by your physician does not expedite the treatment process.
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References
Resources
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