Stretch Marks

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Problem: Stretch Marks

Striae distensae, or stretch marks, are marks that appear as parallel lines on the skin. The color of these lines ranges from purple to light pink to light gray. They form due to over-stretching of the skin and mostly occur on the thighs, abdomen, groin, chest, and armpits. Stretch marks usually create a slight ridge or indention on the skin.

Stretch marks are more common to appear on women. Eighty percent of women will have stretch marks at some point in their lives. The main cause of stretch marks is excessive physical stretching of the skin. Rapid weight loss or gain, use of steroids, pregnancy, hormones, and genetics are some reasons people develop these marks.
Rapid weight loss or gain is the most common cause of stretch marks. During pregnancy, 90 percent of women will develop stretch marks between the sixth and seventh month. Stretch marks appear on people who use steroids because the drug decreases the skin’s ability to stretch. Also, if someone’s parents are prone to stretch marks, they are more likely to develop them. Stretch marks appear on many teenagers because of growth spurts.
There are also certain diseases that can increase the chances of obtaining stretch marks. Cushing’s disease, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and other adrenal gland disorders can create stretch marks because of the increase of cortisone in the body.

Case Study:

Eliza is a first time client, who is a 27-year-old mother of two. Her reason for coming to the spa is to receive treatment for her stretch marks. Her stretch marks appeared on her stomach and buttocks while being pregnant with her first child, however she did not gain any new stretch marks from her second pregnancy. The client has gotten her figure back and lost all of the baby weight, but the stretch marks still remain. She is embarrassed to go anywhere without being covered up. Upon examination of the skin, you confirm it has been over-stretched and is purple in color, with slight indentions in the skin. She lists in her client intake form having tried many over-the-counter creams, but has had no luck.

As a skin care professional, what solution would you propose to treat this case study on stretch marks?

Ahmed Abdullah, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.I.C.S., founder and formulator of Lexli International

“Unfortunately, the reality is that there is no ‘magic’ cure that can make stretch marks disappear. The best we can do is reduce their presence through various treatments, including microdermabrasion, lasers or regular use of tretinoin creams. However, the degree to which scarring can be reduced depends on the age and severity of the stretch marks. It is vital that aestheticians help clients have realistic expectations about the improvements that are possible. In all cases, prevention of stretch marks should be emphasized, including an overview of the role that moisturizers and sunscreens play.”

Dr. med. Christine Schrammek-Drusio, managing director of Dr. med. Christine Schrammek Cosmetics

“There are some different ways to handle unloved stretch marks. The sooner a treatment is started, the more successful it will be. Fresh scars that are up to five years old can still be treated successfully. Older scars are more difficult to treat and may require more treatment. To treat stretch marks successfully, the client should entrust the job to skin care professionals. Nevertheless, the client should bear in mind that stretch marks are scars and cannot be removed completely. The goal of the treatment is to improve the visual condition of the scars by reducing the stretch marks, stimulating the dermal tissue, and tightening the skin. Different treatments could be helpful for reaching this goal, like laser treatments, microdermabrasion, microneedling, or mesotherapies. As a natural alternative, an herbal peeling treatment is the right choice. It is important for every method that the client repeat the treatment to receive a visible and satisfactory result. To support a chosen treatment, the client should also care for the scars at home with the help of special creams. The creams should stimulate the self-healing process and collagen formation, and should be moisturizing, revitalizing, tightening, and regenerating.”

Courtney La Marine, L.E. at Clove Studios

“Stretch marks can be bothersome, but luckily the client has options. Here are two that are very common for treatment: If the stretch marks are new, either red or purple, a prescription retinoid can be used. It works by stimulating collagen production and skin cell turnover, bringing new, fresh skin to the surface. Keep in mind that retinoids should be avoided while breastfeeding, but you can begin applying them after weaning the baby. For a more invasive type of treatment, a client can see a dermatologist for laser treatments. A Pulsed Dye Laser is effective for treating stretch marks. Short bursts or pulses of light target reddish areas in the skin while stimulating collagen and elastin production. Newer stretch marks heal much faster than old stretch marks with this treatment. The number of treatments required to remove stretch marks ultimately depends on the age of the stretch marks and their severity. During the process of removing stretch marks, the client should keep their skin hydrated and protected. Using a lotion that stimulates collagen production and elastin will boost the effects of any treatment. Clients should always use a high-level SPF on any areas that are being treated or keep the area covered for optimal results.”