Stretch marks, or striae, are a defect in connective tissue caused by rapid changes in skin tension, usually weight loss or weight gain. They are a lot like scars, devoid of hair and other skin appendages that normal skin has.
There haven’t been many studies addressing the treatment of stretch marks, and those that are out there are small and their results may not hold true for everyone.
The topical treatment that has shown most potential to treat stretch marks is a retinol or prescription retinoid cream, as these creams can rejuvenate skin. They are found in over-the-counter anti-wrinkle creams, as well as in acne and anti-wrinkle prescription medications. Unfortunately, since stretch marks are often a relatively deep defect in connective tissue, creams will most likely result in only a modest benefit.
The fractional CO2 laser, the Mixto, has shown great promise as a stretch mark treatment. It creates a controlled injury to the skin in microcolumns. As the columns heal, new connective tissue is generated, resulting in thinner, shallower stretch marks. Because the treatment itself is a controlled injury to the skin, considerable after-care is needed to assure proper healing. This, too, is not a treatment that is suitable for everyone.
If you do notice an alarming number of new stretch marks, it could be the sign of a hormonal abnormality, so seek your doctor’s advice.
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