Derived from vitamin A, retinoids — such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Avita) — that you apply to your skin may improve the appearance of stretch marks less than a few months old. Tretinoin, when it works, helps to rebuild a protein in the skin called collagen, making the stretch marks look more like your normal skin.
Dr. Shende says that the impact tretinoin may have on stretch marks present for several years may be limited. The structural alterations in the skin associated with older stretch marks, such as collagen restructuring and scar maturation, may exhibit reduced responsiveness to tretinoin treatment.
While retinol won't completely remove old stretch marks, it can still improve their texture and make them less noticeable. Remember to use retinol carefully, especially on sensitive areas like your stomach, and always protect your skin from the sun.
According to Dr. Carolina Fernandez, dermatologist, tretinoin is very effective for acne scars and dark spots because it works by increasing skin cell turnover and promoting collagen production, which can help fade the appearance of scars over time.
However, most people will see noticeable results after at least 6-12 weeks of consistent use.
Retinol is also found in many acne scar treatment products because it promotes new skin cell growth and helps even out skin texture and skin tone — all of which can help reduce the appearance of newer, red acne scars and older scars.
Stretch marks usually fade over time but may not disappear completely. Many creams and lotions claim to prevent, reduce or remove stretch marks. But there's very little evidence these work. There are some treatments that may help make stretch marks look better, but they will not get rid of them.
Radiofrequency Treatments
Allure reports that RF treatments use energy to heat the skin's deeper layers, stimulating collagen and elastin production. This process tightens the skin and reduces the appearance of stretch marks by improving skin elasticity and texture.
Best collagen for stretch marks - which one is it? According to scientific research, the best type of collagen is hydrolysed fish collagen (also known as marine collagen). It has a high bioavailability in the body and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Or, if you have persistent butt acne or cystic butt zits, you can get a prescription for tretinoin, which is the strongest (and the harshest) of retinoids.
Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin.
"Retinoids can be an excellent choice if used on fresh stretch marks, but please remember that these shouldn't be used during pregnancy," says Dr Shotter.
Retinoid Creams – Retinoid creams are a type of prescription cream that can help reduce the appearance of old stretch marks. They work by increasing cell turnover, which helps to improve the appearance of mature stretch marks.
Tretinoin has proven itself to reduce, reverse and prevent wrinkles. (The younger a person starts using it, meaning in their teens and twenties, the more benefits they receive. But, it's never too late to start using it!) Tretinoin helps lighten and prevent age spots.
Stretch marks can occur when the skin is stretched rapidly due to factors such as weight gain. To help improve the appearance of the red lines on your inner thighs, you can try using a topical cream containing Tretinoin. Apply a thin layer of Tretinoin cream on the affected areas once daily at night.
Derived from vitamin A, retinoids — such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Avita) — that you apply to your skin may improve the appearance of stretch marks less than a few months old. Tretinoin, when it works, helps to rebuild a protein in the skin called collagen, making the stretch marks look more like your normal skin.
Ideally, if you want to care for older stretch marks the place to start is with topical creams. But if that doesn't have the desired impact, Chemical Peeling, Microdermabrasion, FMR and Laser are options.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
The most effective way to tackle inelastic, sagging skin on the abdomen is through a tummy tuck. This popular surgery works to remove excess skin and tighten up any muscle separation caused by the expansion of the abdomen.
Microneedling can help improve the appearance and texture of your skin. It can minimize stretch marks, scars, wrinkles and other skin concerns. It doesn't carry the risk of skin discoloration, unlike some facial rejuvenation procedures that use heat, light or lasers.
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
If you're looking for a non-greasy lotion that does the most, Paula's Choice goes to work on hyperpigmentation and improves skin firmness—all while minimizing the appearance of stretch marks, both new and old.
Mederma stretch marks therapy combines botanical ingredients in a nourishing formula that hydrates skin to help prevent stretch marks and is clinically shown to improve the appearance of existing stretch marks.
Tretinoin had significantly superior effects in the axillary lesion group than glycolic acid (p < 0.05%). Thus, tretinoin was more efficacious in the treatment of axillary lesions.
Also called sun spots, age spots and liver spots, these spots are painless, but if you don't like how they look, there are procedures and topical treatments that may help. Some people find that topical retinol lightens their skin spots, though it takes months and can be irritating to your skin.