Let’s face it, stretch marks are hard to remove or more accurately, almost impossible to remove. If you want flawless skin all over, you need to be very careful with it and do preventative measures even before you have stretch marks. That is the only way the marks will not develop to superficial tears that can be quite nasty. You might want to get started with those moisturizers, creams and other products that help in keeping the skin well moisturized and more elastic, preventing the stretch marks from hinting. For those who are unfortunate to have one or two, here are some ways to mitigate the situation
Topical products and procedures
Tretinoin
Scientists discovered that tretinoin cream is effective in masking the marks and make it look less prominent on the skin surface. If you have stretch marks that are still quite rosy or reddish, that means they are still quite fresh so the tretinoin can help minimize the chances that the marks will become more prominent. What makes it work effectively? Tretinoin has been observed by scientists and they found out that it helps in the creation of collagen and so it helps in making the marks less like marks and more like regular skin.
Microdermabration
In this procedure, the skin surface experiences mild abrasions due to a handheld device blasting crystal dust across the skin surface. Normally, this resurfacing technology is used on the face but it can help minimize stretch marks on the arms. It makes the skin tighter and it can remove the dead skin cells. For people with older stretch marks, this is a good way to make the skin more even and this gives the skin a smoother look. It takes at least 6 sessions to see a difference and it requires a series to get optimum results. Ask your dermatologist regarding this procedure. It may cost you a good sum of money for the entire series but it is a worthy option since it makes the skin a lot clearer as well.
Specialized treatments
Laser therapy
More specifically, the pulsed dye laser is used to stimulate elastin and collagen growth so that the skin will look a lot more refined and smooth. Non-wounding pulses of light are used so that the dermis can be stimulated for skin regrowth. Since it focuses more on rebuilding elastin and collagen, it is good for new stretch marks. It can also help people with older stretch marks to some extent but be aware since it can cause some skin tone alteration if you have darker skin.
Fractional photothermolysis
unlike waves of light in the pulse dye, the fractional uses dots of light but still aims to promote elastin and collagen regrowth. It does not cause wounds so the skin can heal well.
Excimer lasers
This works by fixing the pigmentation issue on the stretch mark area. That means if you have dark or light stretch marks, it can be less visible since the skin color becomes more even. This is mostly used on old marks that have turned white already. By adjusting the color, the marks became less visible.