From a young age, popular media instills in us that a stretch-mark-free body is a perfect body. As a result, most people feel conscious about their stretch marks even though they are completely natural and harmless.
What Are the Causes of Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks typically occur anywhere on the body but are common in areas that are prone to weight gain and loss, such as:
- Breasts
- Stomach
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Buttocks
Stretch marks can appear at puberty, after rapid weight gain, or during pregnancy. According to an NHS report, they affect around 80 percent of pregnant women. They can also be caused by genetic predisposition, adrenal gland disorders, and childhood growth spurts.
How Does Dermapen (Microneedling Pen) Help Stretch Marks?
Dermapen is a relatively new dermatological treatment that falls under microneedling procedures. It is an automated microneedling tool that includes disposable needle tip cartridges. The needles are adjustable in length to tailor the treatment to your individual needs. The dermapen works by puncturing the skin through its tiny needles to stimulate collagen production and improve the texture, tone, and elasticity of the skin.
Now, you may be wondering how sticking microscopic needles into your body will help eliminate your stretch marks. The answer is simple.
The injuries caused by a Dermapen signal your body to fire up its natural repair and defense systems. This facilitates the immediate production of elastin and collagen, both of which are proteins that promote skin plumpness and elasticity.
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Treat acne scarring and skin discoloration.
- Increase skin product absorption.
- Improve skin thickness.
The Best Needle Depth for Stretch Marks
When it comes to microneedling, the success of your treatment is dependent on the length of the needles you use. While very short needles produce little to no results, longer needles could damage your epidermis and cause bleeding or swelling.
Dermapen needles come in a wide range of lengths, including 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 millimeters. The best needle depth for a Dermapen for stretch marks should be around 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters.
Procedure for Using the Dermapen for Stretch Marks
- Prepare your kit. You must have a dermapen, alcohol pads with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, gloves, a numbing cream, and a pure hyaluronic acid serum.
- First, apply the numbing cream evenly to the area to be treated to minimize pain during treatment. After about 20 minutes, remove the numbing cream and disinfect the area using the alcohol pads.
- Remove the needle tip from the packaging, connect it to the pen, and adjust the depth and speed.
- Apply the hyaluronic acid serum to allow smooth gliding of the pen.
- Divide the area to be treated into small sections, pull the skin of the first section tight and gently glide the Dermapen over the section in horizontal strokes two to three times, then glide it over the same section using vertical strokes. Repeat the same process for the other sections until you treat the entire area. Do not apply excessive pressure while treating.
The Number of Sessions and the Frequency
- Below 1.0 mm: Use your Dermapen 1 to 3 times a week.
- Equal to 1.0 mm: Use every 10 to 14 days.
- Between 1.0 and 2.0: Use once every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Equal to 2.0 mm: Use once every 6 weeks.
We advise that you use your dermapen for your stretch marks once a month with 1.5 mm needles. However, you should trust your gut, don’t start another session if your skin has not recovered from the previous one.
When Will You Notice the Results?
Collagen rebuilding is a slow process. It could take up to 6 months for your skin to repair itself. On average, you could begin to see results anywhere between 3 and 6 months after the first session. The results usually improve over time as your skin produces new collagen.
Dermapen Aftercare Tips
Microneedling involves puncturing your skin. After the procedure, the skin surrounding your stretch marks may redden, burn, swell, or peel. Although these side effects should clear up after a while, mishandling your skin could have severe repercussions.
- Apply a specialized serum that contains vitamin C, growth factors, hyaluronic acid, or copper peptides. However, go easy on vitamin C, as its low pH could cause skin inflammation.
- Avoid skin products with active ingredients such as Alpha and Beta acids or retinol.
- Avoid picking at any peeled skin.
- Use a mild lotion or a stretch mark removal cream on your stretch marks daily to aid in clearing them.
- Clean your skin with lukewarm water for the next 3 days.
- Drink plenty of water for hydration.
- Avoid exposing the patch of skin to direct sunlight.
- Avoid using exfoliators on your skin.
Since your skin is too sensitive at the moment, avoid swimming, exercise, or any strenuous activities that may cause sweating for at least 72 hours.
It would also be best if you steered clear of tanning beds for at least a week after your treatment. Don’t worry, however, you should be ready to resume your daily activities in about two weeks.
Takeaway
Using a microneedling pen for stretch marks at home is a generally safe and effective way to achieve smooth, flawless skin. In addition to getting rid of stretch marks, it may also tighten saggy or aging skin and get rid of scars.