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Unsightly stretch marks can happen to anyone at any age but are particularly prevalent among teen and adult women. There are many myths about products that can fade stretch marks, but there are only a few treatments known to be effective.
Cause
Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches rapidly and normal collagen production is disturbed. It often occurs during puberty, pregnancy and after significant weight gain.
At-Home Treatments
There are hundreds of over-the-counter creams and lotions that claim to erase stretch marks, but they are generally ineffective. There is not yet a proven way of removing stretch marks at home.
Prescriptions
There exists evidence that topically applied tretinoin cream can reduce the appearance of stretch marks, according to a study from the University of Michigan. Tretinoin, also called Retin-A or retinoic acid, is available only by prescription.
Laser Treatment
A dermatologist can employ laser therapy to fade stretch marks or stimulate collagen to restore elasticity to the area. Laser treatment usually requires multiple sessions to produce visible results.
Dermatological Procedures
Other professional treatments that many dermatologists offer include chemical peels and microdermabrasion to remove the top layers of skin and stimulate the production of new skin cells.
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