Stretch Marks

Most of us have them, whether we got them from pregnancy, losing weight, gaining weight, or blossoming into what we are today. You would think that it would make them more of a norm versus unsightly marks. Sorry girls the photoshop software stays on the computer and is not as interactive as we would like. The ones I have didn't bother me too much at first, until I started dating again. I have them all over my stomach, hip bones, butt, you get the picture. Sure everything looks pretty in a package, but once we got to that intimate stage there was bound to be a disappointment. I tried to beat them to the punch and let them know what they were in for beforehand.

So I have been researching and trying things for the last 11 years. I have been dormant in my search lately because I came to terms with my body a few years ago. Then I lost weight and it awakened all those bad feelings. I tried laser which works better on red marks than white because they are newer, so if you just got them this might work. However I had the white ones and after 10 treatments of torture I decided to stop. This time around I am going to try a combination of of things that I have been reading about once the summer is over.

Microneedle Therapy
First I'm going to start with microneedle therapy using a microneedle roller ($30-$120). They are available in different materials with the needles ranging from .05mm to 2.0, the longer the needles the deeper the penetration. This is a form of acupuncture, except it is more aggressive.  It's not as painful as it sounds and can be done in the privacy of your own home. I want to try this procedure for 2 reasons. First the pricks from the needles makes your body produce more collagen to heal the tiny pricks, making your skin thicker and firmer, Second, studies show that topical products applied to the skin ( you know those lotions we spend $100 on) get up to 8% absorption, but when done after the therapy they get up to a 40% absorption because the pricks create channels for the creams to go into.

Glycolic body lotion and a prescription Retinoid/vitamin A
In Combination with the therapy I will be using a body lotion with a high concentration of glycolic acid (15% or more) during the day and a prescription retinol at night. The body lotion will
exfoliate and make the top layer of skin easier to remove, which will also make the skin produce more collagen and elastin. The retinol will also stimulate collagen, but it will repair, which seems to be the issue with stretch marks (unlined skin). Last two cents on these products...If your pores clog in certain areas (T Zone), dab these on at the same time in your problem areas.

Silicone patches
After a few weeks, (8 or so) I will take a week off and switch to silicone patches which have been successfully used on burn victims for a while. The patch cost about $40, you leave it on for 2 weeks, take it off and replace it. While it's on it hydrates the skin and repairs it.

During this entire process I will also do a few lymphatic drainage, which, you guessed it stimulates collagen. I will post before pictures with a better camera because the one I own was having trouble picking up the age spots. I will also post after pictures with the results and my opinion. Then I get to get yours! Feel free to try this along with me, I will post links to the products below and if you can't get a Rx Rentinoid don't worry I can show you were to order one, just ask.

With Love,

Elisa