Scar & Stretch Mark Treatments

Scar and Stretch Mark Treatments at Walgreens

Skin has tremendous power to repair itself when it becomes stretched or damaged. The body produces cells that congregate at the site of the damage and deposit vital proteins, such as collagen, which enable the skin to be restored. However, the healing process can leave characteristic scars or stretch marks on the surface of the skin. There are treatments available to help fade and smooth these flaws.

Treating Scars

Although the skin is designed to protect the body, it is not strong enough to withstand some events. Burns, injuries or even surgery can penetrate the skin and cause significant damage. Although the body can heal wounds by creating new skin, marks and scars are often left behind when damaged skin heals. If fibroblast cells have been overzealous in depositing collagen at the site of the wound, there may be raised scar tissue on the surface of the skin. Alternatively, inadequate supplies of collagen can leave the skin with a pitted appearance.

Scars and blemishes on the skin can make individuals feel self-conscious about their appearance. If you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about scars or marks on your skin, there are a number of scar treatments available that can help fade and smooth scarred or pitted skin. Nourishing oils, creams and gels that contain proven active ingredients can help diminish the appearance of scars. Silicon sheets can smooth and fade the scar, restoring the skin's natural tone.

Acne

Severe acne can also leave the skin with characteristic scarring. This primarily occurs on the face, but acne scars can also be found on the shoulders and back. When acne lesions disappear, they can leave behind pits in the skin. Using a cream that exfoliates and encourages cell turnover can help to rejuvenate skin that has been scarred by acne. Nourishing and hydrating treatments can help to restore the skin's resilience and elasticity.

Stretch Marks

When the skin has had to cope with being stretched quickly, it can develop characteristic scarring known as stretch marks. One of the most common causes of stretch marks is pregnancy. Over the course of nine months, the skin covering a woman's stomach will have to stretch very quickly to accommodate the growing bump. The skin then loosens quickly when the baby is born, leaving distinctive marks on the surface of the stomach. Stretch marks can also form when an individual gains weight quickly or during teenage growth spurts. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the buttocks and thighs.

Moisturizing the skin as it expands can help to nourish the tissues. Hydrated skin is more flexible and supple, enabling it to cope with the pressure placed upon it. If you already have stretch marks, you can apply stretch mark creams, lotions and treatments designed to fade the marks and smooth the skin. Skin care professionals suggest that ingredients such as shea butter and cocoa butter together with vitamins A, C and E can be effective in softening the skin. Treatments containing glycolic acid can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating skin cell turnover.

When looking for a product to meet the individual concerns of your skin care needs, Walgreens provides a wide assortment of bath and body products to assist with your daily skin hygiene routine.