How to Fade Old Stretch Marks

How can you help improve old stretch mark appearance?

With stretch marks and scars in general, the rule of thumb is “sooner is better”, meaning that results will always be better when you start caring for them early after their first appearance. In general, results will not be as impressive on older stretch marks compared to new ones, but the good news is that, with a bit of work, they can be visibly reduced.

Here are our top tips on how to improve the appearance of old stretch marks:

• Topical products
  Topical over-the-counter products are often considered in first line of attack as these are the simple, non-invasive and mostly inexpensive methods. Although product compositions vary, they are generally highly moisturising creams, sometimes formulated with special ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.

  The MEDERMA® portfolio contains one over-the-counter product and one cosmetic oil suitable for stretch mark care. According to a recent survey,^[1] MEDERMA® is the #1 recommended brand of stretch mark creams by US doctors and pharmacist.

Other scar care is rarely necessary, but if topical products fail to deliver the results you seek, you can discuss other, more invasive options with your dermatologist, including:

• Chemical Peels
  Application of glycolic acid generates a peeling of the superficial layer of the skin, forcing it to regenerate and aiding old stretch mark improvement of their appearance. A recent study showed that glycolic acid decreases stretch mark width and improves colour by increasing melanin^[3].  Ideally, you should wait 2 weeks between each peel, as it can be aggressive for the skin. Several peels may be needed to obtain satisfying results^[4].  Home-use chemical peels can be found, but may not provide the same level results as those used by trained professionals and dermatologist as they’ll be able to adapt chemical concentrations to your skin type. This can also increase the effect of topical creams.
• Microdermabrasion
  Microdermabrasion is a mechanical peeling technique. Aluminium oxide/sodium chloride crystals are propelled onto the skin surface at a programmable pressure, and immediately vacuumed back up along with skin debris. By removing the superficial layer of the skin, it stimulates skin regeneration and collagen production. At least 5 weekly sessions are needed before seeing any significant results^[5].
• Fractional micro-needling radiofrequency (FMR)
  While penetrating into the skin, microneedles apply radiofrequency energy, inducing collagen and elastin production. After at least 4 monthly sessions, stretch mark width has been shown to be reduced^[6].
• Laser
  By heating the skin, laser beams stimulate collagen and elastin production^[7].  This results in improved elasticity, structure and colour of the skin. Several sessions are generally needed to obtain good results, and the treatment must be supervised by a dermatologist.
• Cosmetic surgery
  As a last resort, and when the methods above did not work, surgery can be considered as an option. It involves excising the skin containing the stretch marks and is only performed when there is excess skin (after weight loss, for example). It is a heavy and expensive surgery which requires post-operative care and a few weeks of down-time.

As Chemical Peeling, Microdermabrasion, FMR and Laser are aggressive for the skin, it is important to apply a good skin barrier to improve skin comfort and facilitate healing process.

References