Non-Surgical Alternative Treatments for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks have been a burden on people of all ages and sizes. It is an unwanted skin condition that most people try to hide or desperately remove. There are, however, a few techniques that can be used to fade their apparence or eventually eliminate the problem all together.
Laser Surgery for Stretch Marks
Laser treatments are a very popular stretch mark removal alternative because they are outpatient procedures that have little or no recovery period involved and cost considerably less than an average tummy tuck. However, since laser treatments just reduce pigmentation but don't really eliminate stretch marks, this option doesn't actually work.
Since the laser employed in these interventions responds to dark colors only, laser surgery is efficient mainly in the early stages, when stretch marks are dark red or purple. When stretch marks have already faded, laser surgery won't be as effective as it intended to be. In the other hand, people with average complexion and shallow stretch marks respond best to laser stretch mark removal.
Blue Light Therapy for Stretch Marks
Blue light therapy is generally most often known as a way to remove tattoos. Although that may be what it is best known for, blue light therapy was invented to treat a variety of pigmentation conditions, such as freckles and hyper pigmentation, varicose veins, spider veins and rosacea. Blue light treatment works by applying a photosensitive gel to the skin, and then a series of intense light bursts are irradiated or 'zapped' over the patch with the tattoo or pigmentation. Similar to laser treatments, blue light treatment may be able to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but will not eliminate them.
Stretch Mark Chemical Peel
Skin peels are chemical peels that are applied to an area (commonly the face) to chemically 'burn' then peel off the top layer of skin to treat acne, pimples and fine lines. After a chemical peel the skin looks (and feels) like you've suffered sunburn. Chemical peels are being commonly used in spas, salons and can be acquired over the counter.
The main reason for the extended fame of skin peels is that it provides instantaneous results making skin look younger, healthier, and firmer. Some folks are now using skin peels to reduce or get rid stretch marks, too. However, since the peels do not eliminate the actual stretch marks, subsequent peels may need to be done every six months or so to keep the smoothness of the skin. Ideally, this procedure should be accompanied by skin care treatments to alleviate irritation.
Exfoliation for Stretch Marks
Exfoliation is a procedure using a mild abrasive (ground apricot seeds or sand, for instance) that aids eliminate dead skin cells. The soft new skin that shows after exfoliation may improve the look of the skin. Similar to skin peels, exfoliation doesn't eliminate stretch marks, but may improve their look for a period of time after therapy.
Creams and Ointments
A good skin care cream or ointment (such as scar serums) may help to reduce and fade the look of stretch marks, specially if applied regularly for the first few months after baby is born. By keeping the skin moisturized and flexible, creams and skin serums can help the skin biologically repair the scarring caused by stretch marks.
You can now get rid of stretch marks thanks to a new skin care solution elaborated with natural ingredients that rejuvenate your skin without producing unwanted side effects.
Published April 17th, 2008
Filed in Beauty
