Your skin has a history, and every mark tells part of that story. From stretch marks that appear during periods of growth to scars left behind by acne, surgery or injury, changes in our skin are a completely natural part of life.
While these marks are nothing to be ashamed of, it's also completely okay to want to improve their appearance. Understanding why they develop, how they change over time and what professional treatments may help is the first step towards making informed decisions about your skin.
At The Skin Edit, we're all about honest advice, personalised treatments and realistic expectations. Here's what you need to know about scarring, stretch marks and the options available to support your skin.
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks develop when the skin stretches or changes rapidly, affecting the collagen and elastin fibres within the dermis - the deeper layer of the skin.
They're incredibly common and can develop for a number of reasons, including:
-
Growth and puberty: Rapid changes in height and body development can contribute to stretch marks.
-
Pregnancy: The skin stretches as the body changes throughout pregnancy.
-
Changes in body size: Weight fluctuations and changes in muscle mass can contribute to their development.
-
Hormonal changes: Hormones can influence the skin's structure and elasticity.
Stretch marks may initially appear pink, red, purple or darker than your natural skin tone. Over time, they often become lighter and more subtle, although their appearance varies between individuals. It's important to remember that stretch marks are not a sign of unhealthy skin. They're a common response to changes in the body, and no two people's skin will look exactly the same.
Understanding different types of scarring
Scars form as part of the skin's natural healing process following damage or injury. Depending on the cause, depth and healing response, scars can vary in appearance, colour and texture. Some common types include:
Acne scarring: Acne can leave behind changes in skin texture, including indented scars and, in some cases, raised areas. The type of scarring you have can influence which treatments may be appropriate.
Surgical scars: These develop as the skin heals following an operation or procedure. Their appearance can change over time as the scar matures.
Atrophic scars: These appear as depressions or indentations in the skin when there is a loss of underlying tissue. Certain types of acne scarring fall into this category.
Hypertrophic scars: These are raised scars that remain within the boundaries of the original injury.
Not all scars respond to the same treatments. Understanding the type of scar, how long it has been present and how the surrounding skin behaves is essential when determining the most appropriate approach.
Can you improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks?
In many cases, yes. Professional treatments may help improve the appearance of certain scars and stretch marks by targeting skin texture, encouraging collagen production or supporting the skin's natural repair processes. However, it's important to have realistic expectations. Treatments generally aim to make marks less noticeable rather than remove them completely, and results can vary depending on the individual.
The most suitable treatment will depend on factors such as your skin type, the age and characteristics of the marks, your medical history and your desired outcome. This is where a personalised skin consultation can make all the difference.
Treatments that may help improve skin texture
At The Skin Edit, we believe that understanding your options is an important part of making confident decisions about your skin. Depending on your concerns and suitability, several treatments may be worth discussing with your skin therapist.
ONE. Skin Needling
Skin needling is a professional treatment that uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the skin's natural repair response and can encourage collagen production. For suitable clients, skin needling may help improve the appearance of certain types of acne scarring and uneven skin texture. It may also be considered for some stretch marks. The treatment approach, needle depth and number of sessions required will depend on the area being treated and your individual skin concerns. Skin needling isn't suitable for everyone, so a professional assessment is essential before proceeding.
TWO. LED Light Therapy
LED Light Therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with the skin. Depending on the wavelength used, it may support processes involved in skin health, inflammation management and healing. LED Light Therapy may complement an appropriate skin treatment plan, but it is not a scar-removal treatment, and evidence for improving established scars and stretch marks is limited. Your therapist can help determine whether LED is a suitable option for your individual concerns and whether it may be beneficial alongside other treatments.
THREE. Collagen Booster Oxygenating Therapy Facial
Professional facials can support overall skin health by focusing on hydration, skin comfort and the appearance of the complexion. The Collagen Booster Oxygenating Therapy Facial may be an option to discuss if you're looking to support your skin's overall appearance. However, a facial should not be considered a replacement for treatments specifically designed to address established scarring or stretch marks. Your therapist can recommend an approach based on your skin's needs and treatment goals.
FOUR. Firm & Lift Oxygenating Therapy Facial
If your goal is to support the appearance of your skin and incorporate professional skin treatments into your routine, the Firm & Lift Oxygenating Therapy Facial may be another option to explore. As with any treatment, it's important to understand what it is designed to achieve. Improving the overall appearance of the skin is different from directly treating the structural changes associated with scars and stretch marks. A consultation will help establish which treatments are most appropriate for your concerns.
What about skincare at home?
Professional treatments are only one part of looking after your skin. A consistent home-care routine can help maintain skin health and support your treatment plan.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
-
Keep your skin moisturised. A moisturiser can help support the skin barrier and reduce dryness or discomfort.
-
Wear sunscreen. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher can help protect exposed skin and reduce the risk of discolouration becoming more noticeable.
-
Be gentle with your skin. Avoid harsh scrubbing or using multiple strong active ingredients without guidance, particularly if your skin is irritated.
-
Be patient and consistent. Changes in skin texture and the appearance of scars take time, and results from topical skincare alone are often limited.
It's also worth knowing that moisturisers and oils may help keep skin hydrated, but they have limited evidence for preventing or removing stretch marks once they have developed.
Why a personalised treatment plan matters
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for scarring and stretch marks. A treatment that may be appropriate for one person could be unsuitable for another.
During a consultation, your skin therapist can assess your concerns, discuss your goals and explain which options may be suitable. They can also talk you through expected results, potential risks, treatment intervals and aftercare.
Some types of scarring, particularly raised scars, may require assessment by a medical practitioner or dermatologist rather than a standard cosmetic skin treatment.
The goal is to make informed choices that support your skin without unrealistic promises or unnecessary treatments.
Your skin, your journey
Scars and stretch marks are a normal part of being human. You don't need to change them to feel confident in your skin, but if improving their appearance is something you'd like to explore, there are options available.
Curious about what might work for your skin? Book a consultation with The Skin Edit team to discuss your concerns and explore a personalised treatment plan. Because good skin guidance starts with understanding your skin.
Individual results vary. All treatments are subject to consultation and suitability assessment. Not all treatments are appropriate for every type of scarring or stretch mark.
Leave a comment