Lets talk Stretchmarks
They affect over 80% of the population and can appear in many areas over the body and be a range of colours.
These marks are caused by rapid skin expansion wether it was a growth spurt, recent gym gains, pregnancy or general weight gain, these are the most common causes.
Types of Stretchmarks
Red Stretch Marks Are Newly formed Stretch Marks
Red stretch marks, also known as striae rubra, are early stretch marks, and are more noticeable than white stretch marks because of their darker coloring.
These stretch marks are red due to inflammation and changes in blood vessels, thereby highlighting blood vessels.
They respond to healing quickly rather than their paler counterparts because they are still so new. Our preferred method of treating is with Laser Genesis and Vascular matting on the Cutera ExcelV.
How can you reduce their appearance or get rid of them entirely?
White stretch marks are old formed striae, also referred to as striae alba, are pale and barely noticeable in lighter skin types.
They are typically classified as old stretch marks, and have a pale look because they’ve lost blood vessels. With this type of stretch mark, your skin may have a more wrinkled appearance.
White stretch marks are products of untreated red stretch marks. However, the process of changing from red to white can take several years. These are the most stubborn stretch marks to treat because they are essentially scars in the skin.
One thing you need to know is that stretch marks are a type of scar. This means that it is impossible to completely remove them.
So, if you see a product on the market promising to eliminate all the stretch marks from your body, just know it is purely marketing.
The best that can be done is to reduce their appearance with the right treatments.
The key to effective stretch mark reduction is starting clinical treatments and using active cosmeceuticals as early as possible. Treating stretch marks while they are in the early red phase will give you the best results, compared to treating them when they are in the white phase.
As the scars become older, the blood vessels become narrower, making it harder to stimulate collagen.
Caring for your Stretchmarks at home can include:-
Exfoliation – Including chemical and physical scrubs, ones containing caffeine are great
Body brushing – We recommend using a quality natural bristle brush
Massage – Including lymphatic or cupping massage
Topical creams – Particularly those containing retinol, vitamin C over 25% weeks love Dermaceutic C25 https://laserskincentre.com.au/product/dermaceutic-c25-cream-30ml/
For older stretch marks, professional treatments are often needed. These include professional microneedling or laser treatments.
We tend to turn to our a Endymed 3 Deep Radio Frequency Micro-needling to improve the appearance of Stretchmarks and skin laxity over the legs.
Stretchmarks are likely going to happen whether we like it or not especially during seasons of our life such as pregnancy, however if it is a concern for you, ensure you are:-
Taking Essential Fatty Acids – we love OCosmedic https://laserskincentre.com.au/product/4623/
Stay hydrated by drinking 2-3l per day
Maintain a healthy weight
Maintain a balanced diet
Supplement with products like CoQ10
Just remember you are not alone and most individuals have these concerns, some feel good accounts to follow are @nesshaldane and @kelseywells via Instagram
