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A skin problem that I have never had to deal with is striae. Apparently, I belong to the lucky few because the majority ( 71% according to a recent survey ) of the women with children suffer from those rotten stripes on the belly, breasts, buttocks or thighs ... Because I often get the question what you do now can do those streaks, I just dived into literature, and I asked some scientists for advice.

Stretch marks (or stripes) are especially seen in pregnant women and the chance of getting stretch marks is extra large if you become pregnant before the age of 30. Men can also suffer from stretch marks, especially with rapid weight gain. Intensive height growth (in adolescents) and excessive muscle growth (in strength trainers) can cause striae. Although we still do not know much about the exact mechanism of development, we do know that factors such as hormones, predisposition, and skin type can all contribute to the development of those nasty subcutaneous scars. Striae also occur more often with dark skin and people who smoke.

In studies of treatments for stretch marks a distinction is made between two types of stretch marks; striae rubra (red stripe) and striae alba (white striae). Striae rubra are red and have a whimsical appearance. This variant can eventually turn into white unpigmented lines and these striae alba are permanent. As you probably suspect, striae rubra are better treated than striae alba.

Treatment: what is possible?

In the store, you will find countless creams and oils that could prevent or reduce stretch marks. It has been found that 78% of pregnant women buy and lubricate products to prevent the emergence of stretch marks. But do these spreads work? And are there other treatments that can be effective?

Creams

As far as I am concerned, vitamin A acid is the only cream that can really do something against stretch marks. Several scientists agree with me; a large investigation into the effect of different creams and oils on more than 800 people showed no results whatsoever.

Vitamin A acid should be prescribed by a doctor and ensures, among other things, the production of collagen and stimulates the production of elastin: this can not only reduce wrinkles but also stretch marks. Vitamin A acid appears to be especially effective in the treatment of striae rubra, striae that have just arisen. A study by Kang showed that after six months of lubricating with vitamin A acid the streaks had become significantly narrower and shorter, Grade confirmed this with his research. Another study found that 80% of the treatment group showed improvement in contrast to 8% of the control group after 24 weeks of use. Apart from vitamin A acid there is little evidence that creams or oils can improve or even prevent stretch marks; olive oil or cocoa butter, for example, do not seem to do anything against striae.

Peeling

Research shows that a peeling based on glycolic acid or with TCA can improve striae rubra and striae alba. For a good result, several treatments are required.

Laser and light therapy

Research has also shown that treatment with IPL, ND-YAG laser, fractionated Er: glass laser, pulsed dye laser, and fractionated CO2 laser can ensure that the skin improves with stretch marks. It mainly reduces striae rubra. My own experience is that striae can indeed become less visible after treatment with a laser but that the result is difficult to predict in advance. Also for laser treatment, multiple sessions are required and that it is, therefore, an expensive option with only a limited chance of good results.

Massage

There is no evidence that massaging the skin has a positive effect on reducing stretch marks.

Microdermabrasion

There is little evidence for the effect of microdermabrasion on stretch marks. However, I did find a recent study ( pilot study ) in which, for 16 weeks, microdermabrasion was compared with the daily lubrication of vitamin A acid cream. The results were comparable after those 16 weeks. But since you will only see the effect of vitamin A acid cream after 24 weeks, the decision may be a bit premature. In addition, there is also a weekly microdermabrasion treatment is quite expensive ...

Microneedling

Does it work now or not? The only study that I have been able to find about micro needling in striae is a small pilot study. Which showed real improvement only in seven of the sixteen subjects. I am not convinced yet ...
In summary, there are certain treatments that can reduce stretch marks, but it will not be easy to get rid of them. The chance of success is greatest if you are there early. And because there is no 'gold standard', you will have to find out for yourself what actually works for you! I'm curious about your experiences.