Introduction to Stretch Marks:
Stretch marks can be caused by an overextension of the skin. Can be found on men and women but 2x more frequent on women. There is little evidence for avoidance other than well moisturized skin. Stretch marks tend to start as red discoloration and age to atrophic white stretch marks
Mechanism of Action:
- Promotes removal of old damaged collagen
- Induces keratinocytes proliferation that releases growth factors to promote collagen deposition by the fibroblasts and elastin deposition
- Modulates the expression of several genes in the skin (vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, collagen type I and III) that promote extracellular matrix remodeling
BEFORE
AFTER
Kui Young Park et al. Dermatol Surg 2012;38:1823–1828