Stretch marks are a common skin concern that can affect anyone, regardless of age or body type. While they’re a completely natural part of life, many people seek treatments to reduce their appearance and regain smoother, more even-toned skin. Microdermabrasion for stretch marks is an effective, confidence boosting treatment option. Read on to find out how it can work for you.
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What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are long, narrow streaks or lines that develop when the skin is stretched too quickly. This rapid stretching causes the collagen and elastin in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) to rupture. When the skin heals, it leaves behind scars in the form of stretch marks. Stretch marks often start as red or purple (early-stage) and fade to white or silver over time (mature-stage).
Causes of Stretch Marks
Periods of change are commonly when stretch marks appear on the skin. Common causes include:
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and a growing belly can cause the skin to stretch rapidly, especially around the abdomen, leading to the formation of stretch marks.
- Rapid Weight Changes: Significant weight gain or loss puts stress on the skin as it grows or contracts abruptly, which can lead to stretch marks.
- Puberty: Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and hormonal changes. Growth spurts can lead to stretch marks on various areas of the body.
- Exercising: Intensive muscle-building exercises can cause the muscles to grow quickly. This rapid expansion of muscles can be a cause of stretch marks, particularly in bodybuilders and athletes.
- Hormonal Changes: Certain hormonal imbalances or conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome, can make the skin more susceptible to stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks?
The dual action exfoliation and vacuum approach of microdermabrasion targets the outermost layer of the skin, while also triggering natural responses in the deeper layers. On the surface, microdermabrasion works to gently exfoliate the treatment area, removing dead skin cells and encouraging cell turnover. For stretch marks, this process helps to improve the texture of the sunken in skin, and lighten the colour of early stage stretch marks. The vacuum suctions up the debris from the skin, stimulating collagen production to reduce the depth of the stretch marks over time. While microdermabrasion may not completely eliminate stretch marks, regular treatments can significantly reduce their visibility and improve skin quality.
The Benefits of Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks
Microdermabrasion offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice for managing stretch marks.
Smooths Skin Texture
Stretch marks often leave the skin feeling uneven or rough. Microdermabrasion addresses this by exfoliating and smoothing out the outer layer of skin, creating a more uniform texture. This helps to reduce the raised or sunken appearance of stretch marks, resulting in softer, more touchable skin.
Improves Skin Tone
Stretch marks, particularly those that are new, often stand out due to their dark colour. Microdermabrasion combats this by promoting the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells and lightening the colour of early-stage stretch marks. When working on mature stretch marks, MD may not change the colour, but still improves overall skin tone to ensure the marks blend in with the surrounding skin.
Boosts Collagen and Elastin Production
Stretch marks occur when the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers are damaged. Microdermabrasion stimulates the skin’s natural healing response, encouraging the production of these vital proteins. This contributes to firmer, smoother skin and a reduction in the depth and severity of stretch marks over time. This regenerative process is key to achieving long-term improvement.
Enhances Skincare Product Absorption
The buildup of dead skin cells over stretch marks can prevent topical treatments from penetrating deeply. The combination of exfoliation and targeted skincare can amplify results. By exfoliating the surface, microdermabrasion allows better absorption of any creams and serums used on the skin, enhancing their effectiveness.
Works on Both Old and New Stretch Marks
While microdermabrasion is most effective on newer stretch marks (red or purple), it can also benefit older ones (white or silver). For mature marks, the treatment focuses on refining the skin’s texture to make the marks less visible. The resurfacing action gradually fades the edges of the marks for a smoother transition to surrounding skin. Consistency is key when addressing older stretch marks, as results may take longer to become noticeable.
Non-Invasive and Painless
SkinBase microdermabrasion is a completely non-invasive, non-surgical procedure. Therefore, it is a relaxing treatment, often described as feeling similar to a gritty facial massage. Post-treatment, there is no downtime necessary, so you can get right back to your day. It is the ideal for treatment for anyone trying to improve the appearance of their skin without disrupting their busy lifestyle.
Immediate Results & Better Skin for Longer
After the very first session, clients often notice a brighter, more polished appearance in the treated area, and smoother, softer skin. With regular sessions during a course of treatment, the long-term benefits include reduced visibility of stretch marks and improved overall skin quality.
Versatile Treatment
Microdermabrasion is suitable for all skin types and tones and can be performed on various parts of the body where stretch marks may occur, including:
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Hips
- Arms
What to Expect During SkinBase Microdermabrasion
If you want to find your nearest SkinBase Therapist, but are not sure what to expect, we’ve got you covered.
- Consultation: Initially, your SkinBase therapist will carry out a patch test and thorough consultation to devise a Microdermabrasion treatment plan for your stretch marks (Don’t forget to ask them about our Transformation of the year competition).
- Cleanse: Before performing the treatment, a the SkinBase Purifying Gel cleanser will be used to ensure your skin is ready for treatment. Clean skin allows the crystals to penetrate the skin unobstructed, and enhances the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Microdermabrasion: A wand delivering a fine jet of abrasive crystals will be passed over the skin. Dead skin particles will be abraded away and a vacuum action will remove the debris. After passing across the skin area once, the therapist will target problem areas if necessary e.g. the edges of the marks.
- Aftercare: After the treatment, the SkinBase Hydration Max moisturiser will be applied to replenish and restore moisture, followed by the SkinBase Daily Protect SPF.
How Many Treatments for Stretch Marks?
To achieve the best results, we recommend a course of 6-8 treatments, performed every 7 to 10 days. Once the treatment course is complete, a monthly maintenance treatment can be performed to ensure the skin remains soft and smooth.
Is Microdermabrasion Right for You?
While microdermabrasion is a safe and effective option for many, it’s important to have realistic expectations. The treatment won’t completely erase stretch marks but can dramatically reduce their appearance over time. For more severe cases, combining microdermabrasion with other SkinBase treatments, such as the Collagen Lift, can maximise results.
Collagen Lift ULTIMATE
Microdermabrasion works progressively on stretch marks, with a dual resurfacing and vacuum action. The resurfaced skin then allows the radio-frequency to penetrate the skin more deeply and heat up the skin tissue more effectively. The heat stimulates natural responses in the body, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin. The radio-frequency energy floods the treatment area with an excess of collagen and elastin, helping to minimise the appearance of the sunken in skin.
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if you’re ready to get started with Microdermabrasion for ageing skin, find your nearest SkinBase Therapist now.
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