Can skin needling get rid of stretch marks?

Can skin needling get rid of stretch marks?

In the past, women have used all kinds of concoctions to try and get rid of stretch marks, from coconut oils and sugar scrubs, to seaweed wraps and Vitamin A creams.
Research shows that topical creams and oils are not effective on stretch marks as they do not penetrate deep enough into the skin. Micro needling or skin needling has emerged as a safe and effective way of getting rid of stretch marks - and it’s proven too. Have you ever thought of using skin needling for stretch marks?

What are stretch marks?


Stretch marks are those squiggly lines on your skin that appear after it’s been stretched. This usually happens on the belly area when you are pregnant, and will usually remain there even after birth.
It can also appear on any area where fat is stored such as your arms, hips, thighs, breasts and bum. Is there anything you can do to prevent stretch marks? Despite what the old wives tell you the answer is no. Some people are just more prone to stretch marks no matter how much coconut oil or sweet almond oil you slather on.

How do stretch marks form?


Stretch marks happen when the middle layer of your skin stretches too fast causing some of its collagen fibres to snap. As a result, the blood vessels underneath become more noticeable, presenting as purplish or pink marks on your skin. Over time, these marks fade and look like white or silver scars.
Are stretch marks bad? For some people, they are just battle scars from birth and they are happy to walk around with them. Others however, may be more self-conscious and prefer to get rid of them.

Using a derma roller for stretch marks


A derma roller is a small handheld device with a roller at the top that is covered with lots of tiny needles. It has long been used as a skincare technique to reduce the appearance of scarring or wrinkles on the face, and to rejuvenate the skin.
How does it work? Basically, you just roll the derma roller over the affected area a few times, then you apply a nourishing skin serum.  
The tiny needles make superficial holes, triggering the skin’s natural healing and rejuvenation process. Most importantly, it stimulates collagen production - the miracle protein that holds connective tissue together, making your skin look younger and firmer.
Derma rolling or skin needling also improves the skin’s ability to absorb nourishing moisturisers and serums, to plump up the skin. Derma rolling can be used on other areas of the body such as to target stretch marks.

Microneedling for stretch marks


Microneedling is becoming very popular at skin clinics and laser clinics, including right here at Clinica Lase. The concept of microneedling for stretch marks is the same as dermarolling.
In a clinic, the skin therapist uses a Dermapen (which is like an electric derma roller that is more advanced and precise) to make microscopic pricks on your skin to break down the scars and boost the collagen production process.
When the skin is primed and ready, your skin therapist will apply a suitable collagen-infused serum to rejuvenate the skin area affected by stretch marks. The whole process takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Some people do it over their lunch break as stretch marks are often located in discrete areas under your clothes.

Derma roller at home or skin needling in clinic?


Many people have included derma rollers into their skin care routine. It’s pretty easy, you can use it at home, and with regular use, your complexion can look visibly smoother.
When it comes to treating stretch marks however, skin needling at a clinic might be the better choice. These are the benefits of skin needling at a clinic for stretch marks:
More hygienic - Derma rolling involves proper cleaning and disinfecting of the derma roller (and your skin). At professional skin clinics like Clinica Lase, your health and safety are our number one priority - all equipment and treatment rooms are sterilised and cleaned before each session. 
You get expert advice - Microneedling is quite a specialised skill. Where should you needle for stretch marks? How long for? How deep should you dermaroll? What kind of serum do you apply after needling? At a clinic, the skin therapist is there to handle everything.
More effective results - For stretch marks, you need a longer needle to reach the affected area, which normal at-home derma rollers do not have.

Can microneedling get rid of stretch marks permanently?


Stretch marks cannot be removed permanently (except with plastic surgery) but you can reduce their appearance. Of all the various stretch marks treatments out there, some doctors claim that ‘the best single treatment for stretch mark reduction is microneedling’.
Microneedling reduces stretch marks by improving the collagen content of your skin. A session might take about 45 minutes and you might need two or three sessions to see results. After that, you might need a session every four to 18 months, depending on your circumstances.
Think microneedling for stretch marks might be for you? Talk to one of our dedicated therapists today on 03 9347 4798 or use our contact form.
 
Sources:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01094.x
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312975.php#treatments_for_stretch_marks 
https://theklog.co/how-to-use-a-derma-roller/