Risk Factor 1: More Damage

The laser used in the laser removal of stretch marks has the ability to ablate the skin. This means a mishandled laser could result in superficial tissue damage. In this case, it will be extremely difficult to repair damage done by the laser because it has actually removed a considerable portion of your skin.

Risk Factor 2: Hyperpigmentation

Laser removal of stretch marks can cause hyperpigmentation. This means considerable amount of changes or discoloration in the skin. The discoloration can be very obvious. Hyperpigmentation caused by laser treatment is more likely to occur in darker skin tones. When this occurs, it is usually permanent and difficult to fix.

Risk Factor 3: Harsh Side Effects

Common side effects of laser treatments for stretch marks include redness, swelling, blistering and a burning sensation on the skin. People with very sensitive skin and have gone through laser surgery for the treatment of stretch marks may experience even harsher side effects. A brown discoloration my show up and even become permanent. There may also be a flare up of cold sores.

For little to no risk at all, natural stretch mark creams are always the best alternatives. They are often safe to use during pregnancy and if you are still in your teens.

Trick 1: Exfoliate

With the go signal of your dermatologist, use an exfoliating product on areas of the body that are affected by stretch marks. If you have stretch marks that are raised or bumpy, exfoliating them will smoothen the surface out and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Microdermabrasion kits work because of their very tiny beads, however, they can be uncomfortable to some users because of their abrasive effect. You may use retin-A, which is often prescribed by dermatologists to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Retin-A has an exfoliating effect on the skin.

Trick 2: Apply Stretch Mark Cream

Good stretch mark creams contain potent ingredients such as grape seed extract to encourage elastin and collagen production in the skin. These two components help rejuvenate the skin and keep it flexible so that it doesn’t tear and scar easily. Applying stretch mark cream unto affected areas can help prevent any more stretch marks from developing in the long run.

Trick 3: Moisturize

Moisturize your skin with lotion. You may also apply Vaseline or Vicks Vaporub to lock in moisture and help the skin heal. You might want to know that there are stretch mark creams that already come with moisturizing ingredients like Aloe Vera and Shea Butter. When skin is dry, it is less flexible and therefore more prone to damage, infections, breakage and scarring.

Trick 4: Cover Up

While you’re treating your stretch marks, it doesn’t help to cover them up in the mean time. You don’t have to wear a sweater or anything like that. You can use concealer to help the discolored areas blend in well with your skin tone. Tanning sprays also help camouflage your stretch marks.

There are different kinds of stretch marks. There are those that are easier to treat, which are the lightly colored ones. Then there are others that are reddish, purplish or pink in color and are bumpy in texture—these are naturally more difficult to treat. There are products today that are only designed to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and make them “blend in” more with the rest of the skin. However, these products do not target the core problem. Creams are most effective when they contain good ingredients. Components of what’s “good” in a solution include “potent, natural and safe.” Creams that contain natural ingredients like squalene oil, grape seed extract and Aloe Vera are very effective because they act immediately on the skin and are still safe to use.

Potent ingredients like grape seed extracts and other essential oils are known to effectively treat stretch marks because they are concentrated plant derivatives. They are rich in nutrients, healing properties and anti-bacterial properties. This helps protect skin from further damage while nourishing it to maintain suppleness and overall health. On the other hand, there are other natural ingredients that can be absorbed well by the skin and help other ingredients become more effective as well. One such ingredient is squalene oil, which is also found in plants. Squalene oil is very closely related to human sebum, which makes it perfectly safe for skin application. Finally, you’d want to use a product that has soothing properties like Aloe Vera, so that there is no stinging or any harsh sensation after application. The right way to treat stretch marks is by using an effective combination of ingredients.