Stretch Marks

Striae, commonly known as stretch marks, are linear scars that appear on the skin when it stretches rapidly due to factors like pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, puberty, or certain medical conditions. They can also result from the use of corticosteroid creams or medications.

Appearance:

Initial Stage: Stretch marks often start as red, purple, pink, or dark brown streaks, which may be slightly raised and itchy.
Mature Stage: Over time, they typically fade to a lighter color, becoming less noticeable and appearing as white, silver, or pale marks.

Treatment Options:

1. Topical Treatments: No topical treatments are shown to eradicate striae. Yet, a few of them are known to improve the appearance of striae when used early in the course and in combination with other collagen remodelling treatments. Here are some of the recomended formulations_

Retinoids: Products containing tretinoin can help improve the appearance of stretch marks by promoting collagen production.
Hyaluronic Acid: It improves the skin hydration and skin elasticity. Therefore, it improves the skin texture.
Vitamin E and C: These antioxidants may help improve skin texture and reduce discoloration.
Bitter almond oil- It was shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity when used prophylactically as a daily massage during pregnancy. However cocoa butter and olive oil were not found effective in studies.
Centella Asiatica extract ( Brahmi) - is shown to improve the collagen and elastic fibre re-generation and improve the extracellular matrix.
Olive oil- It is rich in Vitamin E , helps in improving skin hydration. However, studies have shown not much benefit in treatment of stretch marks.
Shea butter - It is found to reduce the activity of fibroblasts and keloid formation

2. Laser Therapy: Lasers can stimulate collagen production and reduce redness or pigmentation in stretch marks. Fractional CO2 laser creates small microthermal zones , promoting collagen production and remodelling.

3. Microneedling: This procedure involves tiny needles that create micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen production and improving the appearance of stretch marks. Dermapen 4 is an effective way of delivering retinol and hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of skin and hence giving good results.

4. Chemical Peels: Peels with ingredients like glycolic acid can help exfoliate and improve skin texture.

5. Microdermabrasion: A procedure that removes the outer layer of skin, which can help improve the appearance of stretch marks.

Preventive Measures:

Moisturization: Keeping the skin well-hydrated with creams and lotions can improve its elasticity and may reduce the risk of developing stretch marks. Using oils and butters help in this way.
Healthy Weight Management: Gradual weight gain or loss can help minimize the risk of stretch marks. Quick weight gain or loss leads to sudden expansion not giving enough time for skin to cope-up.
Nutrient-Rich Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps skin health and elasticity. Avoiding nutrition related dry skin is important by consuming iron, vitamins and omega fatty acid rich diet is essential especially in growing years and in pregnancy to avoid stretch marks.

We, at Subodha skin and cosmetic clinic, the best skin and cosmetic clinic in Bangalore, believe in a holistic approach, advising a good diet and lifestyle,a combination of topical medications and procedures like microneedling and fractional laser resurfacing. While complete removal of stretch marks is difficult, these treatments can help improve their appearance and reduce their visibility. It also helps to improve the skin thickness leading to less trouble in the friction prone areas like the groin region. The treatment cost depends on the area to be treated. We give budget friendly solutions, the laser treatments start as low as 2000 Rupees per session. The entire abdomen treatment may cost approximately 10,000 Rupees.