The Truth about Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are long, narrow scar-like streaks that develop on the skin. They usually occur when the skin cannot resume normal form after a period of being stretched or shrunk quickly. This includes:-

• A growth spurt during puberty
• Pregnancy
• Weight gain
• Bodybuilding- Rapid development of muscle mass

Stretch marks result from:-

• The tearing of the dermis (middle layer of skin).
• The normal production of collagen (which makes up the connective tissue in our skin) being disrupted when the skin is overstretched.

Stretch marks can also be called striae, striae distensae (SD), striae atrophicans, and striae gravidarum.

There is some evidence to suggest that genetics can sometimes play a role in susceptibility to stretch marks. 

Approximately 75% of women experience stretch marks from pregnancy.

Early stretch marks are usually red or purple. Over time, stretch marks lose their colour and become white or silvery in appearance. 

Although less common, stretch marks can also be caused by:-

• Certain Medical conditions: such as Marian Syndrome, and Cushing’s syndrome. Marfan syndrome can cause decreased elasticity in the skin tissue, and Cushing’s syndrome can cause an over production of a hormone (cortisol) that leads to rapid weight gain and skin fragility.
• Prolonged use of corticosteroid creams and ointments (such as hydrocortisone)- which can decrease levels of collagen in the skin.
• Also -people who have to take high doses of oral corticosteroids for months or longer.

Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to stretch marks. Especially low levels of Zinc, Vitamin C and Essential Fatty Acids. A diet high in processed foods can often cause a deficiency in these nutrients.

Foods that can help

A diet high in essential fatty acids (EFA’s) help maintain a healthy skin cell membrane. Fish rich in EFA’s include salmon, sardines, mackerel (& other oily fish). Certain nuts & seeds, avocados, and flaxseed oil are also good forms of EFA’s.

Vitamin C is an important nutrient for the development of collagen. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables. Eg Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, berries, cherries, papaya, peppers (capsicum) kale, broccoli etc.

Protein is required to make Collagen. Good sources include lean red meat, fish, chicken, eggs, dairy & lentils.

Zinc is also important for collagen production, as well as skin repair and healing. Zinc rich foods include nuts (especially brazil nuts), fish, meats (such as beef, lamb, pork & turkey), eggs, dairy, quinoa and legumes. These zinc rich foods are important to help keep your skin healthy.

Vitamin A protects skin health and also encourages the formation of new skin cells. Liver and cod liver oil are excellent sources Of Vitamin A. Other good sources include bright orange vegetables and fruits (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, mangos and apricots) and leafy greens such as spinach and kale.

What else can help

Staying hydrated

Drinking enough water can help keep our skin supple and hydrated. As does applying topical hydrating and moisturising products. Soft hydrated skin tends to be more elastic and does not to develop stretch marks as easily as dry skin does.

Hyaluronic acid

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD),  two large studies showed that applying hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks made the stretch marks less noticeable.

Retinol 

Another study showed that people who applied a good strength Retinol cream every night for 24 weeks had less noticeable stretch marks. Those who didn’t apply the cream saw their early stretch marks grow. Other studies have found similar results.

Sunless self-tanner

While tanning can make stretch marks more noticeable, a good quality sunless self-tanner can camouflage stretch marks.

The following procedures can decrease the look of stretch marks:-

• Fractioned Laser Therapy – helps stimulate the skins collagen and elastin. There are various types of laser therapy. C02 Laser Therapy is another. See more here
• Skin needling .  See more info here
• Chemical peels – resulting in peeling off the top layers of damaged, dead skin to activate new skin cell production. 

Other

Oder stretch marks that are white or shiny silver in appearance, are much harder to treat. On the other hand, if they are redish or pink in colour, there is a better chance of improvement.

 Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse / Dermatology)

Rolling Back The Years – With Skin Needling

If acne scarring, ageing, pigmentation, stretch marks, sun-damage or wrinkles are a problem for you (or if you want to get better results from your existing skincare products) – then you need to know about Derma Rolling (aka Skin Needling).

Skin needling stimulates the production of collagen to create smoother, healthier skin. A variety of skin conditions can be reduced such as scarring, stretch marks, fine lines, pigmentation, enlarged pores and acne scaring.

Microscopic needles create channels within the epidermis and dermis to encourage an organic renewal and regenerating response.

Some of the Benefits

• Visible skin rejuvenation due to collagen induction
• Softer and smoother skin
• Anti-aging
• Pigmentation & sun damage
• Acne scarring
• Stretch marks
• Enlarged pores
• Rosacea
• A dramatic increase in the effectiveness & penetration of skin care products.

Treatment Options

At Home

At home derma rollers have tiny microscopic needles and can be used 2-3 times per week (or more). They should ideally be used in the evening after cleansing and toning (if using a Toner), and prior to Night Serum / Retinol. As the roller only penetrates at a microscopic level within the skin, it is a completely comfortable experience.

See more here

In Clinic

After a thorough skin analysis, a professional Skin Therapist will perform a non-invasive needling treatment using a derma roller which has slightly bigger needles (although still microscopic) which allows for a deeper penetration. These (in-clinic) treatments have increased benefits – especially for scaring, stretch marks and enlarged pores. Clinic Needling treatments can be performed every 6-8 weeks.
The treatments are also performed at a microscopic level within the skin. SO, there is minimal discomfort. Numbing cream can however be used to provide comfort.

Want to Amp Up Your Results Even Further?

1) See the Beauty Booster Treatment

 

2) Fractional Mesotherapy

Fractional Mesotherapy is an advanced skin needling treatment that stimulates collagen production even more. It has an amplified effect on the improvement of skin texture, fine lines and scaring.

This unique process combines micro needling with Mesotherapy (the introduction of various vitamins and complex ingredients to the dermis).

Increased Collagen Induction (anti-ageing) +
• Pigmentation reduction
• Reduced appearance of rosacea
• Pore size reduction
• Scar tissue reduction
• Reduced appearance of stretch marks
• Fast, safe and comfortable
• Minimal downtime, speedy recovery
• Chemical free treatment for all skin types

How the treatment is performed?
Fractional Mesotherapy is also a non-invasive (in clinic) treatment delivered via a Tri-M micro needling device, which looks a bit like a large pen. The device uses medical grade stainless steel needles that vertically pierce the skin, essentially working down to the dermis, leaving the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, intact. The electronic device uses a powerful motor allowing the needles to move quickly in and out of the skin. This creates micro channels in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural collagen production while also dramatically increasing the bioavailability of topical treatments and further enhancing their absorption.

Why not book a Skin Consultation at Laser Clinics Australia:-

https://www.laserclinics.com.au/skin-care

 

Other

Big Tip:-

For best results, use REDEFINE Intensive Night Renewing Serum (with powerful Retinol and Peptides) at nighttime after derma rolling. It’s the closest you can get to prescription-strength Vitamin A without the awful drying effect. This intensive Renewing Serum harnesses the skin’s own renewing powers to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness.

To Purchase please visit here

For more information on derma rolling visit

https://www.allure.com/story/rodan-and-fields-microneedler

https://www.skinstitut.com/skincare/treatments/derma-rolling

 Contact