How to Improve Stretch Marks
According to the Nemours Foundation, stretch marks affect most women either during puberty or pregnancy. They're less common in men, but anyone who loses or gains a lot of weight can end up with the tell-tale purplish-red stripes on their stomach, hips, thighs and rear. There's no way to get rid of stretch marks for good, but there are a number of ways to improve the appearance of stretch marks. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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New Stretchmarks
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1
Make an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss your recent stretch marks. In some cases---for instance, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding---she may suggest that you wait to start treatment.
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2
Ask your dermatologist about prescribing tretinoin cream. Its active ingredient, derived from vitamin A, stimulates skin cell production, which can make the difference in pigment between the stretch marks and the rest of your skin. (Keep in mind that tretinoin cream should only be used by women who are not pregnant, since high levels of vitamin A can be dangerous to developing babies.)
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3
Consider scheduling a session of pulsed dye laser therapy, a treatment that uses light to stimulate collagen and elastin just beneath the skin, fading the appearance of new stretch marks.
Old Stretch Marks
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4
Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss your options. Older stretch marks tend to be less noticeable than new ones, and a dermatologist can help you determine whether treatment will make them less noticeable.
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Set up a microdermabrasion session. This intense form of exfoliation rubs away the surface of the skin, stimulating growth of a new layer of skin. The process can make old stretch marks less obvious.
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Consider setting up a excimer laser session. This form of light therapy causes your skin to increase its melatonin production, evening out the pigmentation differences between your stretch marks and the rest of your skin.
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Tips & Warnings
Sunless tanner can effectively conceal stretch marks. Stretch marks naturally fade and become less noticeable over time.
Keep in mind that treatments for stretch marks are usually considered cosmetic procedures and as such aren't covered by most health insurance plans. Be prepared to pay out of pocket for procedures to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
References
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Comments
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nishatjahan
Dec 23, 2010
, this means they are newly developed. They will fade on their own, but it could take weeks or even months. Below are some tips to help lighten bright red stretch marks. -
nishatjahan
Dec 23, 2010
, this means they are newly developed. They will fade on their own, but it could take weeks or even months. Below are some tips to help lighten bright red stretch marks.
