Stretch Marks on Thighs

Q: I have stretch marks on my thighs. How do I get rid of them?

A: Reports are mixed on whether it is even possible to get rid of stretch marks.

What is known is that there are treatments that will help to minimize the appearance of “fresh” stretch marks. New stretch marks generally appear pinkish or reddish in color and can fade into a silvery tone over time. (They may also appear a shade or two lighter than the normal skin tone.)

Lotions, gels and creams containing vitamin-E, cocoa butter and other moisturizers and emollients may leave the skin feeling soft and supple, but they won’t do anything to affect the appearance or actual texture of stretch marks. Stretch marks are caused when the skin is over-stressed by rapid growth of sub-dermal tissues, such as during growth spurts in puberty, or pregnancy. The stressing of the skin causes breakage of the skin’s connective tissue and results in the stretch marks.

There are prescription creams containing tretinoin (also known as Retinol-A) that may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but only when used before they fade from the pinkish or reddish color.

You may also wish to speak with your doctor about such treatments as laser therapy and microdermabrasion, which can help to reduce the appearance and severity of stretch marks, but particularly with laser treatments, the results are mixed. Regardless of the treatment methods you are interested in, for any real results you will need to consult a physician.

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