Stretch marks, also known as striae, appear when your skin rapidly changes shape as a result of rapid growth or weight increase. When you feel them, it’s not necessarily a sign that something is wrong with your health. Anyone, regardless of gender, can get stretch marks. The two times in a person’s life when they happen most commonly are during pregnancy and adolescence. A stretch mark initially appears as a thin red or purple line with a texture distinct from the surrounding skin. Over time, most stretch marks will naturally vanish. After fading, they could become less apparent. Stretch marks that have faded generally seem glossy and lighter in tone, much like scars. A study found that there is currently no cure-all for stretch marks. Stretch marks can still be treated at home to lessen their visibility and hasten their disappearance. Retinoid is the name of a kind of vitamin A found in skin care products. Retinoids can help skin look smoother and younger. Many over-the-counter (OTC) topical cosmetic products contain them. Retinoin, a retinol derivative available exclusively by prescription, was the subject of research in 2015. Researchers discovered that tretinoin decreased the amount and severity of stretch marks in a 1996 study. Nevertheless, only recently have a few small but comprehensive research examined the efficacy of tretinoin for stretch marks. To fully understand all of its effects on stretch marks, more research is required.
