Dr. Bottger earned his undergraduate degree at Princeton University and his medical degree at Temple University. In this article, he lends us his nearly 20 years of medical experience to explain prevention and treatment options for stretch marks.
Stretch marks, or striae, are a type of scarring usually brought on by excessive weight gain or loss, such as pregnancy. Certain activities such as weightlifting can also cause stretch marks. This is because stretching breaks down the collagen in your skin, creating scarring as it heals. Genetic factors can also play a role. For example, women whose mothers have stretch marks are significantly more likely to get stretch marks themselves. Some of the most commonly affected areas are the lower back, stomach, arms, breasts and hips.
When they first begin to form, stretch marks will appear in streaks and will usually be pink, red or brown, depending on your skin tone and the stage your stretch marks in. Over time, stretch marks tend to take on a lighter silvery or white color.
So now that we know what stretch marks are and what causes them, how can you get rid of them? First, let’s talk about prevention rather than how to get rid of the problem once it’s occurred. Stretch marks are harder to get rid of once they enter that silvery-white phase. So it’s best to address the problem as soon as possible.
Prevention
A few tips on how to prevent stretch marks include:
- Try not to gain or lose too much weight in a short period of time.
- Exercise regularly to keep your weight down. You’ll enjoy the many benefits that come with exercise, including improved mental health, higher energy levels and lower risk of serious chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
- Diet plays an important part in stretch mark prevention. Drinking plenty of water hydrates your skin, lowering the risk of stretch marks. Certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc, and foods that are high in protein have been associated with skin health and can also help prevent stretch marks. Some doctors claim that caffeine can promote stretch marks, but the science is out on this one.
- For the same reason that drinking water can help prevent stretch marks, moisturizers also work. So it is especially important for pregnant women who are concerned about stretch marks to moisturize. Hydrated skin stretches more easily, which minimizes its damage.
Treatment
In addition to exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and moisturizing, treatment options for stretch marks also include topical creams and surgery.
Ointments: Retinoids, which are a chemically similar to vitamin A, have been shown to increase collagen production, which improves the elasticity of your skin. Retinoids can be prescribed by your doctor. Do not use retinoids while pregnant. A common complaint with retinoids is that they can cause irritation, so if you have sensitive skin you may want to start with retinol, a topical cream that can be bought over the counter.
Surgery: Laser surgery technologies such as vascular and fractional lasers have shown promise in treating stretch marks at all levels of development by promoting the growth of healthy collagen, which in turn promotes skin health and elasticity. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion have also been shown to be effective in the treatment of stretch marks.
It’s important to note that stretch marks are a cosmetic, not a medical, concern, unless they’re caused by obesity. If you’re concerned about getting stretch marks, don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor. After all, up to 90% of American women will have some form of stretch marks in their lifetime, according to Dr. obstetrician-gynecologist James Brann, M.D.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
