Those ugly streaks that mark your buttocks, your thighs or your stomach, can be dealt with. Yes, there is hope for stretch mark removal! While it continues to remain difficult to totally eliminate them once you have them, there are still ways to make them less visible. From DIY techniques that you can try at home, to major breakthroughs in Cosmetology, there are a number of ways to remove or lighten stretch marks. Check out these 10 ways to prevent and erase stretch marks.
1. Moisturize
This is a must for preventing the formation of nasty stretch marks. Immediately after showering, apply a good moisturizer or oil on your body, massaging well on high-risk areas like hips, thighs, stomach and chest. Be it summer or winter, do not overlook the protection of your skin.
As for Stretch mark removal creams, they exist but unfortunately, do not show miraculous results. But these specialized stretch mark creams are definitely enriched with nutrients to help repair skin. Since each skin is different and each skin has its own needs, talk to your dermatologist about the type of product to use on your existing stretch marks.
2. Carboxytherapy
Don’t let the name scare you. You won’t be going under the knife. Carboxytherapy is a non-surgical cosmetic medicine treatment. It involves injections of small amounts of carbon dioxide under the skin, with a very fine needle. They stimulate the production of collagen and elastic fibers. The skin becomes softer and gets reinforced. Plastic surgeons have found it to be very effective for stretch mark removal.
Particularly effective on dark or pigmented skin, this technique is also applicable to very old and stubborn stretch marks. It takes on average, two to three months of treatment, one session a week to get convincing results. One session lasts for 20 to 30 minutes which must be followed with maintenance sessions every two to three months. Prices start from $100 for a session depending upon the extent of the treatment area.
3. Radio Frequency
For stretch marks that are very visible, dermatologists offer a combination of Radio Frequency and carboxytherapy. Noninvasive, these two methods can achieve better stretch mark removal results in some women.
Carboxytherapy stimulates production of collagen and elastic fibers, while the Radio Frequency tones the subcutaneous tissues by contracting the collagen fibers. The latter technique involves subjecting the treated area to electromagnetic waves, which also stimulates collagen production. Specifically, a handy head is moved over the skin, heating the area, but apart from the sensation of heat, this method is not very painful. Prices start from $175 per session.
4. Massage
To prevent the appearance of stretch marks in the first place or to remove present stretch marks, you should deligently massage the areas which are prone to getting stretch marks. Gently knead your thighs, belly, breasts and body parts prone to marks, using a moisturizing cream or oil. This will gently stimulate collagen production and lighten existing stretch marks helping in total removal.
5. Vascular Laser Treatment
Vascular lasers allow to thicken the skin, giving it a better tone. Depending on the quality of the skin of each person, the depth of stretch marks and the device used, the results differ. But this technique, done especially with modern equipment, usually does well for stretch marks removal, even if they do not disappear completely. Several types of lasers exist, the doctor will help you determine which will be useful, depending on your skin and the extent of your stretch marks.
Several sessions are usually necessary. Since the skin is weakened for several days after the treatment begins, be careful to follow the doctor’s recommendations for treatment. And no sun exposure of the treated area for several weeks or months. Pricedfrom $300 per session.
6. Avoid Drastic Weight Changes
To avoid stretch marks in the first place, avoid drastic changes in your weight. Such changes amount to abuse of your body as well as your skin and have long lasting side effects, one of which is ugly stretch marks. Avoid crash diets or crash weight gain programs. These are what lead to stretch marks settling on your hips, thighs, buttocks or other body parts that are subject to the weight change. Keep a good steady weight! If you want to lose weight or fat, go ahead smoothly and lose or gain gradually.
Finally, if your weight changes and your stretch marks are caused by hormonal problems, go to a doctor.
7. Chemical Peeling
This is not a quick fix and stretch marks will not disappear with the chemical peel. However this technique can give a new glow to the skin, making it more beautiful in the longer run. Dermatologists and aesthetic physicians practicing this technique may offer superficial peels, medium or deep. Using the products, they “remove” and the superficial layers of the epidermis.
Be careful though to choose an experienced professional. The superficial chemical peel is the least harmful to your skin. Priced from $200 per session.
8. Dermabrasion
This is a mechanical peeling, which, unlike the chemical peel is not a product applied to the skin. In microdermabrasion, there are microcrystals which are projected at high velocity onto the skin to the epidermis eventually removing its surface layer. This treatment is painless and is performed under local anesthesia. To reduce stretch marks, several sessions are needed which are priced from $125 per session, depending on the extent of the treatment area.
9. Regular Exfoliation
Take care of your skin by doing a scrub regularly. This will obviously not remove your stretch marks but it will facilitate cell renewal. Your skin will emerge strengthened. Be careful though not to over irritate the areas with stretch marks. Gently exfoliate the stretch mark prone parts of your body, once a week. You can use an exfoliating product, a loofah or a flower shower. And remember to hydrate well after the scrub.
10. Increase Vitamin A intake
To alleviate your stretch marks, you can also use vitamin A. Caution: Always consult your doctor before you begin. Vitamin A acid, issued by prescription, accelerates cell reconstruction. This treatment, if taken seriously and followed diligently, can last from 6 months to 1 year and has non-negligible side effects.
