If you are ready to find solutions for stretch marks or looking to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, this blog is for you.
In this blog, we discuss microneedling with MDPen, DMK Alkaline Wash & Body Enzyme Therapy, DMK Home Prescriptives, and JOOVV Red Light Therapy, how they work, and the amazing results that are achieved with this spectacular team of treatments.
What are stretch marks and what causes them?
Stretch marks or Striae as they are called medically, are scars that appear in the dermis rather than on the epidermis as conventional scarring from outside injury. Most people are led to believe that stretch marks are caused by stretching the skin beyond its tensile strength either from weight gain or loss, pregnancy or extreme muscle building. While all these things do play a role, there are hormonal aspects during puberty that can leave stretch marks on a very young girl’s breasts or other areas of the body, even if she has no rapid weight gain or loss. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to forming stretch marks easily. Fresh stretch marks can appear red, reddish-brown, pink, or purple. Older stretch marks appear white or silver. It is estimated that 75% of all women will have some sort of stretch mark problem in their lifetime and they don’t always realize there are options to treat stretch marks.
Are you overwhelmed by all the products, creams, and treatments to clear up stretch marks and do they really work?
At Ageless Beauty Rx, we help you understand the science behind the treatments and products for treating and preventing stretch marks and help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Is prevention of stretch marks possible during pregnancy?
According to Danne Montague King, Founder of DMK Skin Care, “during pregnancy the glucocorticoid hormones prevent the fibroblast from forming collagen and elastin fibers (the two main products this ‘factory” makes). This creates a lack of supportive tissue and leaves the skin wide open for stretch marks. Body enzyme treatments performed professionally at least twice a month until just before delivery (will not harm fetus) is advised. In addition, the application of a good, transepidermally formulated protein crème rich in ascorbic acid, Asiatic acid, vitamin E and panthenol three times daily, stroking the crème from below the belly upwards to under the breastbone will reduce stretch mark potential. I dubbed this type of formulation “Mums Crème” many years ago and am still surprised when a happy Mother informs me it actually works!”
Is there a cure for stretch marks?
As stated by Danne Montague King, founder of DMK Skin Care, “I have always treated stretch marks like any other scar revision. Based upon a “remove” and “rebuild” concept, a great amount of stretch marks, whether they be new or older marks, can be alleviated by nearly 80%. The removal systems can be a combination of Alpha Hydroxy Acids blended with retinoids and applied to the area professionally. Home use of retinoids will advance the results and an occasional ‘Alkaline Wash” treatment can further plane down the stretch marks that have raised and reddened edges with deeper furrows in the center. A Body Enzyme series of treatments will help tighten the epidermis on older stretch marks. Skin that loses its elasticity over time creates a deeper stretch mark appearance as well. Firming the skin makes the marks appear less deep and rippled. The “rebuild” portion of the treatments is vital. New collagen formation via the fibroblast cells will increase with retinoids, but amino acid creams with a full complement of ascorbic acid will help the fibroblast cell produce more fresh collagen fibers to the site of the stretch mark—so what is actually occurring is the removal of surface corneum and the rebuilding of deficit under-support fibers.”
At Ageless Beauty Rx, we believe that with the combination of alternating treatments of microneedling, DMK Alkaline Wash, Body Enzyme Therapy, and by including DMK home prescriptives and red-light therapy, we can greatly reduce the visibility of stretch marks, up to 80%.
Next, we will dive into the treatments we perform, and the prescribed products used at Ageless Beauty Rx that give clients amazing results.
What is MicroNeedling?
At Ageless Beauty Rx, microneedling is a procedure performed by our Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Laurel Ash or Master Esthetician, Anne Patton. The MDPen microneedling pen is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure without the downtime of laser or chemical treatments. Microneedling is an electric device with numerous, tiny needles at the tip. These needles penetrate the skin, inviting the immune system to rush to the area to lay down fresh collagen. Collagen is an essential structural protein of the skin, providing elasticity and firmness. Microneedling works on stretch marks by refreshing the area with new, strong collagen fibers. Consider microneedling as an effective, non-invasive treatment for softening the appearance of your stretch marks. If you have stretch marks or know a friend or loved one who could use information on aesthetic treatments for stretch marks, feel free to share this article! Someone may thank you for it! A 2020 study found microneedling treatments reduced the appearance of stretch marks by 50% in all of the study participants. In other words, not a single person was disappointed by microneedling. Nearly 30% of participants noticed a 75% reduction in their stretch marks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: How long does a microneedling treatment take?
Answer: Your treatment time will depend on the amount of skin that is being treated. Expect 45 minutes for minor treatments that only include one body area (ex. tummy only). Up to 90 minutes is more appropriate for multiple treatment areas (ex. tummy, breasts, thighs, hips).
Question: Is microneedling painful?
Answer: A topical anesthetic numbing agent is used before your procedure, which must sit on the skin for approximately 20-30 minutes to take effect. During the microneedling treatment, you may feel the vibration of the microneedling pen during the microneedling treatment, but there is generally little pain associated with microneedling.
Question: Does microneedling only work on fresh stretch marks?
Answer: New and old stretch marks can see benefits from microneedling. Regardless of where you are at in your journey with stretch marks, expect great results.
Question: How often do I need to get microneedling treatments for stretch marks?
Answer: We recommend three to six treatments with microneedling. Microneedling alone will get amazing results, but when coupled with professional treatments such as DMK Alkaline Wash and DMK Body Enzyme Therapy, you will see amazing results with alternating these treatments.
Question: What kind of aftercare regimen should I expect after microneedling?
Answer: Expect redness after your treatment, similar to a sunburn. Avoid direct exposure to the sun for two weeks since the skin is more vulnerable to UV damage after microneedling. Avoid harsh products on the area such as exfoliants, toners, or glycolic acids. Sweat can encourage the buildup of bacteria that can cause an infection, so it’s recommended to avoid heavy exercise or sauna for 3 days after your treatment. We will prescribe a home care regiment after your treatment based on your individual skin’s needs.
What is DMK Alkaline Wash?
DMK Alkaline Wash is probably the world’s most versatile, advanced skin revision method that truly delivers results. The DMK Alkaline Wash system is a unique formula that takes the pH of the skin to the opposite end of the pH Scale. DMK Alkaline Wash has the ability to turn the pH of the skin from 5.5 to a pH of 12 in under three minutes. This action completely softens, desquamates, dissolves, and resurfaces the skin cells whereas acid hardens it, causing skin cells to release. To achieve the desired results, DMK Alkaline Wash is used in conjunction with a variety of other DMK professional treatments such as DMK Body Enzyme and a course of DMK home prescriptives for optimal results.
What is DMK Body Enzyme?
DMK’s Body Enzyme Therapy is a world acclaimed treatment, non-invasive treatment specifically designed to improve the tone and texture of your skin. This deep exfoliating, firming and strengthening Body Enzyme treatment not only treats stretch marks but in addition, it stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems, revises loose sagging skin, assists with fluid retention and works towards smoother and tighter looking skin. The DMK Body Enzyme mask is applied to the treated areas and has a tightening effect. You can feel the power of 1400 plant-based enzymes digesting dead skin cells and pumping oxygen rich blood to every cell. The world-renowned therapy treatments are the only treatments like it in the world that utilize the beneficial effects of transfer messenger enzymes. Where some body treatments may only act on the surface of the skin, DMK Enzyme Treatments work deep within the skin at cellular level. The enzymes aim to strengthen the structural integrity of the skin to create a healthy environment for cells to live and thrive so that the skin functions optimally.
What are DMK Skin Revision Home Prescriptives?
In addition to alternating these professional skin care treatments, we prescribe DMK home care prescriptives designed to specifically treat the revision of stretch marks. DMK Skin Revision Home Prescriptive products are created based on decades of research, knowledge and experience to produce precise formulations. Each product is designed to work with specific internal functions of the skin by matching the body’s chemistry to work effectively in tandem with DMK professional treatments. They are integral to the DMK concept REMOVE, REBUILD, PROTECT and MAINTAIN. Without the consistent use of Home Prescriptives, the incredible results gained by DMK professional treatments could not be supported and enhanced.
What is JOOVV Red Light Therapy?
Included in most all of our professional skin therapies is JOOVV Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT). It is a simple, non-invasive treatment that delivers wavelengths of red and near infrared (NIR) light to the skin and cells. Red light therapy works by enhancing cellular function. Wavelengths of red and near infrared light have been shown to stimulate the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, and can optimize the cellular respiration process that makes ATP (adenosine triphosphate) energy. Red light therapy reduces oxidative stress and increases blood flow to damaged & inflamed tissues. This can help skin tissue regenerate and heal faster, reducing inflammation and improving bodily balance. That can translate to healthier, glowing skin that looks and feels smoother and softer.
To find out more, book a consultation today with one of our beauty experts at Ageless Beauty Rx for a personalized treatment plan. Whether you are looking for preventative ways to address stretch marks during pregnancy or you are looking to revise your stretch marks, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve the healthy, glowing skin they deserve!