Treat the condition from inside out. Stretch marks are common among persons who have rapid weight change, like pregnant women, obese persons, and athletes putting weight. It is also associated with individuals who have endocrine disturbance such as Cushing’s syndrome and collagen formation abnormalities such as Marfan’s disease. Abrupt stretching of the skin causes collagen in the deeper layer to separate: if examined under a microscope, the skin layer is thinned and stretched.
The elastic components of the skin under the stretch marks are spares and hair follicles are absent. Stretch marks are difficult to treat. Some experts believe tretion, a topical cream used to treat acne, helps diminish the marks. Glycolic acid, a chemical commonly used in skin peeling, has also been employed. The most promising treatment so far is the use of laser energy. While it may not the normal feel of the skin, laser treatment helps correct the color difference between the stretch and the unaffected area.