Chemical Peel Work for Stretch Marks

Chemical peels can be done on almost any part of the body. They do very little for stretch marks but do blend them alittle and even out the colors. Lasers and IPL's can give you about 20% improvement in stretch marks after 5-6 treatments.

Generally, there are few succesful regimens for managing stretch marks (striae distensae). The striae which respond are usually the "fresh" ones that are red or recently formed. In these instances the goal is diminshing the redness. The real problem is the dermis is destroyed, and until we have a way of regenerating the skin (in the same way a newt can regenerate its amputated tail), we will not be able to repair or improve stretch marks. Retin-A may be of some use in thickening... more

Unfortunately, there is no easy treatment for stretch marks. Chemical peels do not penetrate the depth needed to cure stretch marks. The only peel that may have any efficacy is called a phenol peel but this type of peel requires a highly specialized physician and cardiac monitoring while it is done. 

Since stretch marks are caused by breaking down of elastic fiber down deep in the skin during any expansion processs, chemical peel, which does not penetrate very deep, will not work for stretch marks. There is unfortunately no cure for stretch marks. Sorry for the bad news.

Chemical peels may be used in other parts of the body, but be advised that there are many different peel types with different indications and strengths.  I don't believe that you will see any significant improvement in stretch marks with peels.

Unfortunately, despite many clams, there are no established treatment for stretch marks. A stretch mark is due to the annear complete loss of the underlying dermis. A chemical peel will remove a portion of the overlying skin but will not bring the overstretched dermis back to normal. 

Chemical peels are best used on the face for skin tightening, removing fine lines and improving the color irregularities. Some use it off the face, but using it for stretch marks will not make a big improvement.

Chemical peels generally are not helpful for stretch marks. There are two basic kinds of stretch marks: newer pink/red ones and older white ones. The newer pink/red ones respond to laser and light devices such as the IPl and Pulsed-Dye laser. The old white stretch marks are very difficult to treat. Topical tretinoin cream can be helpful. The Relume laser (290-320 nm wavelength light) might re-pigment the white skin associated with the stretch marks to make them less noticeable but will... more