There are two main ways to minimize their appearance:
1. Topical Medication And Remedies
Topical creams, emollients, and tretinoin are commonly used to prevent and manage the overall appearance of stretch marks. You may try the following methods (2):
Use emollients and OTC stretch mark creams (like Trofolastin and Alphastria) and plant oils like cocoa butter and almond and olive oils. Massage the area with silicone gels. Use chemical peels after consulting a doctor. Apply tretinoin cream to minimize the appearance of red stretch marks. However, it may cause irritation, redness, and skin peeling. Avoid using retinoids during pregnancy.
You may also try natural remedies to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Topical treatments give better results when used on fresh stretch marks. However, if your stretch marks are old, you may need medical procedures.
2. Medical Procedures
To minimize the appearance of white and old stretch marks on the butt, doctors may suggest:
Laser therapies like pulse dye laser and fractional lasers like erbium YAG procedures (3). They stimulate collagen and elastin production and reduce swelling and inflammation to improve skin quality and the appearance of stretch marks. However, laser therapy may cause temporary erythema (redness), edema (swelling due to fluid buildup), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and persistent hypopigmentation in people with deeper skin tones (3). Broadband ultraviolet radiation therapy may repigment the skin and improve the appearance of stretch marks (3). However, this is a temporary procedure, and results may fade in a few months. Radiofrequency therapy may tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles, cellulite, and the appearance of stretch marks (3). Platelet-rich plasma injections may rebuild collagen in the body and reduce stretch mark visibility. It also works well when combined with topical tretinoin (4). Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is another medical procedure that may reduce stretch marks (5). The doctor uses a microneedling device to create tiny punctures on the skin to stimulate elastin and collagen production. It takes six sessions for six to seven months to get maximum results. Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that helps minimize uneven skin tone, photoaging, melasma, and scars (like stretch marks). The doctor uses a microdermabrasion device with an abrasive tip to remove the top layer of skin. It promotes collagen and elastin production and may offer similar results for stretch marks as tretinoin cream (6), (7). The doctor may also suggest treatments like Galvano puncture, pulsed magnetic field, laser lipolysis, and ultrasound to improve the appearance of stretch marks (2), (3).
These treatments may help fade stretch marks. However, there are many ways to prevent their development. Managing your diet and other factors can help improve your skin’s resilience and make it less prone to stretch marks. Here are a few tips.
Prevention Tips For Stretch Marks On The Butt
Consume A Healthy Diet: Your skin needs vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to stay healthy. Following a balanced and healthy diet helps your skin regulate its functions. Ensure you are eating the rainbow – a diet of fruits and veggies of all colors, dairy, whole grains, poultry, and seafood. Avoid processed and junk foods. Consuming a balanced diet also helps avoid overeating and rapid weight gain – the factors responsible for stretch marks.
Massaging The Affected Area: Anecdotal evidence suggests that massaging the skin with oil can keep the area hydrated and help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, do this at least twice a day for a few months to see any effect.
Stay Hydrated: About 70% of the human body is water. The skin and other organ cells and tissues need water to stay healthy and hydrated. Therefore, apart from moisturizing your skin from the outside, drink plenty of water to keep the cells hydrated from within.
Exercise: Exercising may help manage your overall weight and reduce the chances of developing stretch marks. However, take slow and steady steps as intense workouts can increase muscle mass and increase the chances of developing stretch marks. Talk to a fitness instructor to chalk out a healthy exercise regimen.
Other than intense workouts, multiple other factors may increase your chances of developing stretch marks. Controlling those factors can help up to some extent. Let’s understand in detail.
What Causes Stretch Marks On The Butt?
Stretch marks are caused when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, affecting collagen and elastin structures. Multiple factors can stretch the skin and leave behind marks. They include (3): While initial stretch marks may fade with home remedies, older and deep stretch marks may require medical attention.
When To Consult A Doctor
Consult a doctor if:
Your stretch marks have turned white or silver. You need to undergo any of the medical procedures.
The doctor may conduct a physical evaluation to determine the stage of your stretch marks and prescribe treatment accordingly. Can Vaseline remove stretch marks? Yes, Vaseline can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks as it tends to seal moisture and reduce skin dryness. Do stretch marks mean you are fat? No, while stretch marks appear when you gain significant weight in a short period, they also may be caused by a growth spurt or during pregnancy. The marks don’t necessarily mean you are fat or overweight. Can honey clear stretch marks? Yes, raw honey is known to help reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes and can also help fade stretch marks. Can tomatoes remove stretch marks? Yes, tomatoes can be effective in lightening and clearing out stretch marks. Can aloe vera remove stretch marks? While there is limited scientific evidence supporting the role of aloe vera in reducing stretch marks, it is known to help heal and smoothen damaged skin. So, it would help make your skin look soft and smooth. Can coconut oil remove stretch marks? Yes, regular application of coconut oil can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
