Pregnancy, rapid weight loss, or even some types of injuries can lead to stretch marks across the skin, and while these unsightly marks do fade over time, they are yours permanently. Stretch mark fading creams and serums continue to provide hope for those who want to get rid of stretch marks without a professional treatment, but there are some simple, low-cost options to laser surgery. 

The body chemical peel is one of them, a simple treatment that involves applying a thin layer of acid and chemicals to the skin that slowly sink into the skin’s deepest layers. If you’re tired of trying serums, creams and lotions to get rid of stretch marks, a body chemical peel could help you achieve long-lasting results.

Why Over the Counter Stretch Mark Treatments Don’t Work  

Over the counter stretch mark treatments such as serums, creams and topical lotions are often made of natural skin-tightening ingredients such as coffee extracts and herbal ingredients that boost circulation. These ingredients can help draw blood up to the skin’s surface and create a temporary tingling sensation; however, they cannot effectively change the look of the top layer of skin or repair the skin from inside out.

Dr. Emily Kane, a specialist in natural health care, explains that the best approach for managing stretch marks involves improving the quality of the skin with a healthy skincare regiment. She recommends dry skin brushing, contrast hydrotherapy to improve the circulation of lymph throughout the body, and avoiding crash diets that can cause long-term damage to the skin and sabotage your health overall (Source: Dr. Emily Kane).  

Many stretch mark treatments are also made of emollients and oils that soften the skin, making it appear smoother and more toned, but unfortunately, not sinking in deep enough to cause any internal changes.  

How the Body Chemical Peel Works

A body chemical peel can be found at many day spas, medispas and cosmetic surgery centers across the country, and is a low-cost alternative to many of today’s skin resurfacing treatments. A chemical mixture helps to ‘damage’ the skin tissues, which then triggers the natural healing process deep within the skin’s layers. This chemical mixture helps to thin out and weaken the skin and slowly removes the top layer completely. The healing process that ensues also triggers collagen production and boosts cell renewal rates, and this helps produce a fresh new layer of skin after a few weeks.   

A professionally administered chemical peel may be the best way to achieve long-lasting results, and ensure that the right concentration of chemicals is applied. Preparing the skin before undergoing a body chemical peel treatment is also necessary; patients need to cleanse the skin twice per day and moisturize the body from head to toe for two weeks. This helps nourish the skin with essential emollients and oils, and may help the skin recover and heal better after the harsh chemical peel is applied. It can take between 2-3 weeks to see any noticeable differences from a chemical peel because the skin needs time to heal and undergo the cell turnover process. The skin can become especially sensitive after a body chemical peel, and will require daily moisturizing, deep cleansing and as little sun exposure as possible.  

Learn more about stretch mark removal treatments and chemical peels in our information guide, or consult with a cosmetic surgeon in your area to find out how you can get rid of stretch marks for good.