Glycolic or TCA Peel for Stretch Mark Removal: Do Chemical Peels Work?
It’s hardly a surprise that we get asked all the time at Smooth Synergy, NYC whether a chemical skin peel will get rid of stretch marks. After all, that unsightly web of white or red lines on your bum or thighs gets in the way of flaunting smooth, ready-to-bare skin. So can a chemical peel diminish, reduce or fade stretch marks? Our short answer is say yes to a Glycolic or TCA Peel for stretch marks. The long answer involves understanding what stretch marks are and how chemical peels for the skin work. Here’s more:
What are Stretch Marks?
Stretches mark (also known as striae) are essentially a type of scar that occurs in the dermis layer, which is the middle layer between the epidermis and subcutaneous layer of skin. They occur when the skin expands rapidly, beyond its capacity to stretch (think of an over-filled balloon). The abrupt shift puts strains on the supportive web of collagen and elastin within our connective tissue, causing it to weaken and rupture. When the body struggles to heal the tear, a permanent streak on the skin results. Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, although they commonly happen on:
- Thighs or inner thighs
- Butt
- Legs
- Belly
- Arms
- Breasts
- Lower Back
- Hips
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Weight gain causes skin to stretch, in an attempt to accommodate additional body mass. This commonly occurs due to:
- Pregnancy
- Puberty or growth spurts (70% of adolescent girls develop stretch marks, 40% of adolescent boys)
- Hormonal shifts (increased cortisone levels can also weak elastin fibers and connective tissue)
- Weightlifting or weight training
- Genetic predisposition
- The natural course of aging
Red vs. White Stretch Marks: What Does the Color of Stretch Marks Mean?
Stretch marks have a life cycle, meaning there’s a difference between young stretch marks and old stretch marks. When they first appear on the skin, they are usually pink, dark red or purple lines that can be slightly raised and have the tendency to itch. As they mature, they typically become indented or recessed and fade in color, either to silver, grey or white. It’s important to note that a Glycolic or TCA skin treatment works more effectively on newly formed stretch marks, which are still in the process of healing.
Glycolic or TCA Peel for Stretch Marks? Is There a Permanent Stretch Mark Removal Solution?
Chemical peels are great for improving skin texture and fading all kinds of damage to the skin, including scarring, due to acne, burns or stretch marks. Generally, speaking, two of the best chemical peels for stretch marks are a TCA skin peel or a Glycolic skin peel. Either of these peels will work to fade and diminish stretch marks. However, it’s important to note that stretch marks (and scarring in general) represent a permanent textural change to the skin. So, while a skin peel is highly effective at making stretch marks less visible, permanent stretch mark removal is not yet possible.
How Does A Glycolic or TCA Peel Work for Stretch Marks?
Chemical peels are a skin resurfacing technique that removes the outer layer of dead skin cells to reveal the fresh, smooth layer underneath. In addition, the exfoliation effect of a skin peel will stimulate collagen production and skin cell renewal, which works to heal damage to the skin. Each peel differs by type of acid that’s used as its active ingredient. For example, a TCA peel for strech marks uses Trichloracetic acid. Further, each skin peel comes in varying concentrations of acid, which gives the treatment a great versatility. A person can start with a chemical peel with 30 percent glycolic acid, as a gentle exfoliation method. After building up a tolerance, they can work their way up to a 50 percent peel. A higher concentration of acid will achieve more noticeable results at deeper layers of the skin. This is particularly important when targeting a specific skincare concern, like stretch marks, which occur at the dermis layer of the skin. A 30-50% glycolic peel is only available at a physician’s office or a medical spa like Smooth Synergy.
TCA or Glycolic Peel for Stretch Marks Before and After: What Stretch Mark Removal Results Can I Expect?
After a single Glycolic or TCA Peel for stretch marks treatment, skin will appear smoother with a more even texture and tone. Over the course of treatment, the length, depth, and shape of stretch marks will diminish and appear less noticeable.
How Often Should You Get a Glycolic or TCA Peel for Stretch Marks?
A chemical peel to reduce the appearance of stretch marks is highly effective; however, it is a gradual process that happens following a consistent regimen of treatment. To target a specific skin imperfection like stretch marks, we recommend coming in for a chemical peel once a month until desired results are achieved.
Are there Other Stretch Mark Removal Treatment Options?
There are several other highly-effective, noninvasive procedures for diminishing or reducing the appearance of stretch marks:
- Microdermabrasion: An excellent physical exfoliation treatment for resurfacing the skin and improving the tone and texture of the skin.
- Microneedling with PRP (Vampire procedure): Fine needles penetrate the skin and create small wounds, which are infused with the blood’s own platelet-rich plasma. This process triggers the body’s natural ability to heal and smooth out skin that’s compromised due to stretch marks.. Our Medical Director, Dr. George Liakeas is a certified Vampire treatment provider, who received training from the creator of the Vampire treatments, Dr. Charles Runels. Additionally, Dr. Liakeas is one of a select few, who trains other practioners to perform the Vampire treatments.
Where to Get a Glycolic or TCA Peel for Stretch Marks Near Me?
Smooth Synergy offers chemical skin peels in nine different formulations at varying strengths. To find out whether a Glycolic or TCA Peel for stretch marks is best for you, call us at 212-397-0111. An expert in beauty is here to customize a treatment plan that’s right for your particular skin type and skincare concern.
