How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks on the Butt

Stretch marks can appear on various parts of the body such as the arms, stomach, breasts, thighs and calves. They are particularly common on the butt as it is an area which can grow rapidly. Stretch marks are actually scar tissue which formed when the skin was damaged by rapid growth. You can, however, reduce the appearance of stretch marks on your butt.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cocoa butter
• Dermatologist
• Water
• Body scrub
• Chemical peel
• Laser treatment

1. Apply cocoa butter to the stretch marks. Studies have shown that regular application of cocoa butter helps to fade stretch marks more rapidly than some other stretch mark treatment creams on the market. Also, look for creams that contain naturally healing ingredients, such as shea butter, jojoba oil, castor oil and rose hip oil.

2. Try an over-the-counter medicines such as Mederma, which is specially designed to treat stretch marks and scars. (Any cream that is designed to get rid of scars will work.) As with any scar, stretch marks are classified as: hypertrophic or keloid. A keloid stretch mark is slightly more raised. Most over-the-counter medications can treat both classifications. Healing time generally takes up to six months before any significant improvement will occur.

3. Talk to your dermatologist about Retin-A topical creams. These creams have been shown to greatly reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Retinal creams encourages cell turnover. The new cells then take the place of older, stretched cells. Retin-A requires a prescription.

4. Consider laser therapy treatments. There are a variety of different lasers that can be used, depending on the coloration and individual characteristics of the stretch marks. A laser treatment can help to fade dark stretch marks as well as invigorate the skin's elasticity and encourage collagen production. Laser therapy can be expensive and painful.

5. Start dermabrasion treatments. A licensed professional will use a dermabrasion device to treat the stretch marks. Tiny crystals on the end of the device essentially buff away the top layers of your skin. With repeated treatments, you will see a noticeable improvement. Expect your skin to be a bit red and irritated after each treatment.

6. Consult your dermatologist about a chemical peel. Chemical peels involves the application of chemicals, which react with the top layers of your skin. The reaction causes the top layers of the skin to flake off after a few days. Stretch marks are less apparent on the skin after repeated chemical peels. Chemical peels come in different strengths, from light to deep. It is recommended that you opt for a deep chemical peel to remove stretch marks.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to consume foods that are rich in Vitamin A, E and C as these promote healthy skin.
• Drink plenty of water. If you are dehydrated, it will be evident in your skin and make your stretch marks more apparent.
• Skin that is hydrated and supple will show stretch marks less than dry, parched skin. Apply a rich moisturizer to your butt at least once a day.
• Exfoliate the skin on your butt, using a body scrub and loofah. Exfoliation helps to remove top skin cells in order to reveal fresher skin below. With regular exfoliation, you can reduce stretch marks by getting to the newer skin below.
• When you massage the area around the stretch marks, it increases circulation in the skin. This can help to fade the scars.