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Stocksy / Design by Michela Buttignol
Stretch marks are totally normal and just about everyone has them.
Some take pride in and celebrate their stripes, while others are relatively unbothered by the stretch marks.
Stocksy / Design by Michela Buttignol
We can embrace body positivity and still try out the various treatments available to smooth them out.
Ahead, experts weigh in on the best treatments for stretch marks.
Meet the Experts
Apply a Retinol
Obagi suggests usingretinol-infused products.
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative often used in acne and anti-aging skincare products.
It works by improving the rate of cellular turnover, providing effective exfoliation.
Obagi recommends mixing theZo Skin Health Body Emulsion PluswithWrinkle & Texture Repair.
“This removes dead skin cells and smoothes rough skin textures.
It also sloughs away stretch marks and replenishes hydration and lipids to restore the skin’s barrier function.
Get a Tretinoin Prescription
If you’ve triedretinolproducts with no luck, you may benefit from atretinoinprescription.
Like retinol, tretinoin is aretinoid, meaning it’s a vitamin A derivative.
While retinol is a natural form of vitamin A, tretinoin is a much stronger, synthetic version.
It is only available with a prescription and is often sold under the brand name Retin-A.
“It stimulates the collagen and elastin to rebuild and to help the appearance of stretch marks.”
Boost Collagen With Laser Treatments
In addition to topical products,laser treatmentsmay be worth looking into.
Wells suggests a minimum of three treatments scheduled about a month apart to see results.
When used alone, PRP works best on fresh stretch marks.
For this reason, a combined treatment that initiates healing through micro-wounds (like microneedling) is recommended.
Sculptra typically lasts up to 24 months, and Radiesse sustains for about 12 months.
Pai’s Pomegranate & Pumpkin Seed 2-Step Pregnancy Stretch Mark Oil & Creamis an ultra-hydrating option.
It melts into your skin withrich moisturizersmeant to hydrate and nourish for hours post-utility.
Theformulais blended with purcellin oil meant to make the product especially easy to absorb and lightweight to the touch.
Recently,radiofrequency microneedlingdevices have been used to treat stretch marks.
Depending on the number of sessions required, radiofrequency microneedling isn’t exactly the kindest on our wallets.
Nourish the Skin With Oils
Here’s an under-the-radar industry tip: TryFur Oilfor stretch marks.
But added moisturedoesalways help in a pinch!
Their efficacy, however, also spills over to benefit stretch marks.
Understand Timing
When treating scars and stretch marks, timing is everything.
The best measures are usually preventative.
In this case, professional in-office treatments could be the most effective.
Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol.
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Cleveland Clinic.Tretinoin skin cream (Cosmetic Use; Wrinkles).
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2015;32(1):21-26. doi:10.5114/pdia.2014.40957
