Hello. I am Dr. Lee Sang-ju, a dermatologist.
As the weather gets warmer and clothing becomes lighter, many people worry about stretch marks on their arms, legs, and abdomen. Red stretch marks, in particular, are more noticeable, leading many to seek treatment. Today, we will delve into the causes and progression of red stretch marks, as well as effective treatment methods and self-care tips.
Why do red stretch marks appear?
Stretch marks are a type of scar that occurs when the skin suddenly stretches and tears. The main causes are as follows:
- Pregnancy: When abdominal skin rapidly expands.
- Growth spurts: When specific areas like calves or waist grow quickly.
- Excessive exercise: On the shoulders or chest of men who lift weights frequently.
Initially, stretch marks appear red due to inflammation caused by skin tension. Unlike typical scars that result from surface wounds, stretch marks can be seen as internal scars that occur without damage to the skin's surface.
When do red stretch marks turn white?
The timing for red stretch marks to turn white varies from person to person. Some individuals may transition directly to white stretch marks without a red phase, while others may see them progress to white over one to two years. However, they generally tend to turn white after about six months.
While some mild stretch marks may disappear naturally depending on their severity, most red stretch marks progress to white, making early management advisable.
Why is early treatment important for red stretch marks?
Stretch marks are also a type of scar. In the past, scars were often left untreated, but it is now well-known that treating them as early as possible is more effective. Red stretch marks show better treatment results than white stretch marks, and their progression can be partially reversed. This is because excessive blood vessels are present during the red stretch mark phase.
How can red stretch marks be treated?
Several methods are used to treat red stretch marks.
1. Vascular Laser
Red stretch marks often involve an excessive proliferation of blood vessels. These proliferating blood vessels continuously supply substances that cause scarring or inflammation. Therefore, using a vascular laser to block these blood vessels can help improve red stretch marks and partially prevent their progression to white stretch marks. Vascular lasers such as Vbeam Prima are known to be effective for red stretch marks.
2. Concomitant Invasive Fractional Laser
If the stretch mark area is depressed, combining vascular laser with an invasive fractional laser can enhance treatment effectiveness. This laser delivers thermal energy to the dermal layer of the skin, promoting fibroblasts to generate new collagen. Since depressed stretch marks are areas lacking collagen, using these lasers together can lead to more effective improvement.
How effective are stretch mark ointments and creams?
Retinoid-based ointments are a representative ingredient known to be effective for red stretch marks. However, an important point here is:
"Effective" and "highly effective" are slightly different stories.
Retinoid-based ointments are effective for red stretch marks, but their efficacy is generally lower compared to laser treatments. Of course, retinoid-based ointments prescribed by a doctor are more effective than general stretch mark creams easily available on the market. The most effective treatment for stretch marks is laser, followed by prescription retinoid-based ointments for home use. Over-the-counter creams can be considered to have slightly less efficacy.
Precautions when using retinoid ointments
Especially, retinoid ointments prescribed by a doctor are potent and may cause some skin irritation. The following points should be noted during use:
- Usage amount and frequency: Apply a small amount once a day, before bed.
- Skin reaction: It is normal for the treated area to become slightly red during application, but if it stings too much or becomes severely red, the amount or frequency of application should be reduced.
- Consistent use: Do not expect results in just a day or two. Consistent use for at least one month is necessary to see effects.
We have now thoroughly examined everything from the causes of red stretch marks to their treatment and self-care methods. Since early treatment of red stretch marks can yield better results, it is important to consult with a dermatologist to establish an appropriate treatment plan if you are concerned.