Get Rid of Stretch Marks at Home

Around 80% of women (and 40% of men) have stretch marks, caused by common occurances such as: gaining or losing weight, growth spurts, some medications (such as steroids), and pregnancy.

There are many treatments on the market for stretch marks, but which of them actually work? One study showed that women treated an average of 4 times with a combination of microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and some kind of secret cream (put over the area for 6-24 hrs) saw improvement of 70% in their stretch marks (you can read the study abstract here).

Another study showed that using a combo of either a Glycolic peel followed by Tretinoin cream (Retin A / Renova) or a Glycolic Peel and a 10% Vitamin C Serum BOTH visibly improved stretch marks, skin tone, and skin elasticity.

They were trying to see which method worked better, but statistically they couldn’t tell.

What does that mean for you? Well, if you want to try some DIY stretch mark erasing before committing to expensive laser treatments, then maybe a combo of a few of these treatments might really show some results.

You can make your own light microdermabrasion formula with simple baking soda combined with your cleanser. Follow with a glycolic peel like our Fruit Acid 15% Gel Peel, and then apply a Vitamin C Serum or Tretinoin cream to the area (or, if you’re worried Retin A would be too strong, look for a cream containing .1% Retinol, which is a less-strong version available without a prescription. Even weaker? A cream containing Retanyl, a less irritating cousin to Retinol).

Although I wonder what was in the doctor’s secret cream that needed to stay on the skin, under plastic wrap for 24 hours!

Please note that a combo treatment like this is probably WAY too strong for delicate and/or facial skin, and if you’re concerned at all – don’t do it, or ask your dermatologist first.