SKINCARE TOPIC: THIS/THAT Part IV Despite what social media tell us today, I’m w Kendrick Lamar when he says “Show me something natural like 🍑 with some stretch marks.” With that being said, I still get asked about these 3 all the time, so lets tackle them... ✨Stretch marks: type of scar that occurs due to sudden changes that cause our skin to stretch or shrink quickly...the reaction leads to our collagen and elastin rupturing...as healing occurs, stretch marks appear. Most commonly occurs with: rapid weight gain/loss & muscle growth, pregnancy, and growth spurts. Also can be a side-effect of long-term steroid use (topical, PO, or Cushing’s disease). Tx: remember, they are scars...so they’re permanent but can make them less noticeable. Best thing to do is start treatment early...Try Hyaluronic acid (okay to use in pregnancy!!) or tretinoin. Massaging technique is key. ✨Cellulite:Unknown cause. It involves connective tissue that connects the skin and muscle, traps the fat that causes the skin to dimple...its found in those who are overweight and those who are not. It’s more common in women than men, most likely because women’s fat is typically districuted in the thighs, hips and butt. Best results: Lasers/Radiofrequency Ablation; Subcision, Acoustic wave therapy, and vacuum-assisted precise tissue release. ✨Keloid These are the raised scars, most commonly in people of color. I have 2 in both earlobes that required multiple steroid injections. Please avoid DIY removal which can make them bigger. Tx: Steroid injections are pretty effective, particularly helpful for the earlobe. For those with darker skin-tones, Keep in mind steroids can cause focal skin lightening. Combination therapy with freezing/cryotherapy can also be helpful. Prevention: if you know you develop keloids, apply silicone gel sheets after an injury to prevent them from developing! Part V?? References: PMID: 28551068 PMID: 28123436 PMID: 24030657