Scars & Stretch Marks
Improving skin texture, supporting collagen remodelling and reducing the appearance of scars
Scars and stretch marks are incredibly common. Whether they're the result of acne, surgery, injury, pregnancy or changes in body size, they represent structural changes within the skin.
Although scars and stretch marks cannot usually be removed completely, professional treatments can often help improve their appearance, texture and overall visibility.
At Peau Skin Health, based in Stonesfield near Woodstock, Oxfordshire, we offer advanced skin treatments designed to stimulate collagen production, encourage skin remodelling and improve the appearance of certain types of scarring.
Our approach focuses on realistic, gradual improvements, using evidence-informed treatments selected according to the type, age and characteristics of your scars.
What causes scars?
Scarring is a natural part of the body's wound-healing process.
When the deeper layers of the skin are damaged, the body produces collagen to repair the affected area.
However, the collagen formed during wound healing is arranged differently from the collagen in surrounding healthy skin.
This can result in changes to the skin's texture, thickness, colour and flexibility.
The appearance of a scar depends on several factors, including:
The depth and severity of the original injury
The location of the scar
Genetics and individual healing responses
Inflammation during wound healing
Infection or complications
Skin tension and movement
The age of the scar
Some scars gradually become flatter and less noticeable over time, while others remain raised, indented or irregular.
Different types of scars
Not all scars are the same, and different types respond differently to professional treatments.
Understanding the type of scar is important when deciding which approach is most appropriate.
Atrophic scars
Atrophic scars appear indented or depressed compared with the surrounding skin.
They develop when insufficient collagen is produced during the healing process or when underlying tissue is lost.
Common examples include:
Acne scars
Certain chickenpox scars
Scars following inflammatory skin conditions
Some traumatic scars
Atrophic acne scars are often described as ice-pick, boxcar or rolling scars.
Microneedling and fractional resurfacing treatments may help improve certain types by encouraging collagen remodelling.
However, deeper or more complex scars can be more resistant to treatment.
Hypertrophic scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised scars caused by excessive collagen production during wound healing.
Unlike keloid scars, they remain within the boundaries of the original injury.
They may gradually flatten over time, although some remain raised or firm.
Treatment suitability depends on the scar's characteristics, maturity and location.
Keloid scars
Keloid scars develop when scar tissue grows beyond the original boundaries of an injury.
They can become raised, thickened and sometimes uncomfortable.
Keloids behave differently from other scars and may worsen following additional skin trauma.
For this reason, treatments such as microneedling and fractional resurfacing are generally not appropriate for active keloid scars.
Surgical and traumatic scars
Surgical scars and scars caused by injury can vary considerably in appearance.
Some heal as fine, flat lines, while others may become widened, raised, indented or uneven.
Once a scar has fully healed and matured sufficiently, certain professional treatments may help improve its texture and appearance.
The most appropriate approach depends on the scar's age, location and individual characteristics.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks, medically known as striae distensae, are a form of dermal scarring.
They develop when the skin undergoes relatively rapid stretching or changes in tension, affecting the collagen and elastin fibres within the dermis.
Stretch marks commonly develop during:
Pregnancy
Puberty and growth spurts
Rapid weight gain or weight loss
Changes in muscle mass
Hormonal changes
Prolonged exposure to corticosteroids
Genetics also plays a significant role in determining who develops stretch marks.
They commonly appear on the abdomen, thighs, hips, breasts, buttocks and upper arms.
Although completely normal and harmless, some people choose to treat them because of their appearance or texture.
Red stretch marks vs white stretch marks
Stretch marks change in appearance as they mature.
Red or purple stretch marks (striae rubrae)
Newer stretch marks often appear red, pink or purple.
At this stage, they may be slightly raised or feel different from the surrounding skin.
Their colour is partly associated with vascular and inflammatory changes.
Newer stretch marks may respond more favourably to certain treatments, although results vary.
White or silver stretch marks (striae albae)
As stretch marks mature, they generally become paler and may appear white, silver or lighter than the surrounding skin.
They can also develop a slightly indented or wrinkled texture.
These older stretch marks represent more established structural changes within the dermis.
Although they can be more challenging to improve, collagen-stimulating treatments may help soften their appearance and improve skin texture.
Can scars and stretch marks be removed completely?
It's important to have realistic expectations.
Scars and stretch marks involve structural changes within the skin, meaning they cannot usually be completely erased.
However, their appearance can often be improved.
Treatments that stimulate collagen production and encourage remodelling may help:
Improve uneven or indented texture
Soften the appearance of certain scars
Improve skin smoothness
Reduce the visibility of some stretch marks
Improve the transition between scarred and surrounding skin
Support gradual improvements in overall skin quality
Results depend on the type, depth and age of the scar, as well as the treatment selected.
The aim is improvement rather than complete removal.
Professional treatments for scars and stretch marks
At Peau Skin Health, we offer advanced collagen-stimulating treatments that can help improve certain types of scarring and stretch marks.
Our approach focuses on encouraging the skin's natural repair and remodelling processes rather than simply exfoliating the surface.
Dermapen 4 Microneedling
Microneedling is one of the most extensively studied minimally invasive treatments for improving certain types of atrophic scarring, particularly acne scars.
Using the Dermapen 4 device, controlled microchannels are created within the skin.
These micro-injuries stimulate the body's natural wound-healing response, encouraging collagen and elastin production.
Over time, this process can help remodel scar tissue and improve the surrounding skin's texture.
Microneedling may be particularly beneficial for:
Atrophic acne scars
Certain indented surgical scars
Some fully healed traumatic scars
Stretch marks
Uneven skin texture associated with previous inflammation
Clinical studies have demonstrated improvements in the appearance of atrophic acne scars following courses of microneedling.
Evidence for stretch marks is also encouraging, although outcomes are variable and the research is less extensive than for acne scarring.
Because collagen remodelling takes time, results develop gradually over the weeks and months following treatment.
A course of sessions is usually recommended for established scarring.
EndyMed FSR Fractional Skin Resurfacing
EndyMed FSR is an advanced fractional radiofrequency treatment designed to improve skin texture and stimulate collagen remodelling.
Unlike conventional microneedling, EndyMed FSR delivers controlled radiofrequency energy through fractional contact points on the skin's surface.
This produces targeted thermal effects, encouraging a repair response within the treated tissue.
EndyMed FSR may be particularly useful for:
Certain atrophic acne scars
Uneven scar texture
Selected fully healed surgical scars
Textural irregularities following skin damage
Stretch marks
Skin texture changes associated with collagen loss
The treatment combines fractional resurfacing with controlled thermal energy, making it a useful option for addressing certain structural changes within the skin.
Following treatment, temporary redness, dryness and a rough or sandpaper-like texture are expected during recovery.
Collagen remodelling continues over the following weeks and months, with a course of treatments often recommended for established scarring.
Although fractional radiofrequency technologies have demonstrated improvements in certain types of scarring, results depend on the scar's characteristics and the treatment protocol.
Which treatment is best for scars and stretch marks?
The most appropriate treatment depends on the type of scar, its depth, location and how long it has been present.
For acne scars
Microneedling can be particularly useful for certain types of atrophic acne scarring, especially where the concern involves shallow indentations and uneven texture.
EndyMed FSR may also be considered when more intensive fractional resurfacing and collagen remodelling are appropriate.
Different types of acne scars respond differently, so treatment selection is important.
For surgical scars
Once a surgical scar is fully healed and suitable for treatment, microneedling or EndyMed FSR may help improve certain textural irregularities.
Treatment is assessed individually, particularly where scars are raised, sensitive or relatively new.
For stretch marks
Both microneedling and fractional radiofrequency treatments may help improve the texture and appearance of stretch marks.
Newer and older stretch marks can respond differently, and a course of treatments is generally required.
The aim is to improve the skin's texture and make the marks less noticeable rather than eliminate them completely.
How many treatments will I need?
Scarring generally requires a longer-term approach than concerns involving superficial skin texture.
The number of sessions depends on the scar's characteristics and the treatment selected.
A course of microneedling or fractional resurfacing treatments is commonly recommended, with sufficient time between sessions to allow the skin to recover and remodel.
Collagen production and remodelling continue for weeks and months following treatment, so improvements may become more noticeable gradually.
Some scars respond well, while others may show more modest changes.
During your consultation, we'll discuss realistic expectations and recommend a treatment plan appropriate for your skin.
Can skincare improve scars and stretch marks?
Skincare can play a supportive role in maintaining skin health and improving the appearance of some superficial changes.
However, it's important to distinguish between changes that skincare can influence and deeper structural scarring.
Retinoids
Topical retinoids have evidence supporting their use for certain aspects of skin ageing and may offer some benefit for early stretch marks.
However, they are unlikely to significantly improve established deep scars or mature stretch marks when used alone.
Retinoids should not be used during pregnancy.
Moisturising and barrier support
Keeping the skin adequately moisturised helps maintain skin comfort, flexibility and barrier function.
Although moisturisers cannot reverse established scar tissue, they can improve dryness and the appearance of superficial texture.
Sun protection
UV exposure can contribute to persistent discolouration in healing scars.
Protecting scars from excessive sun exposure is particularly important during the healing and maturation process.
Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30–50+ is recommended for exposed areas.
Silicone-based scar products
Silicone gels and sheets have evidence supporting their use in the management and prevention of certain raised scars, particularly following surgery.
They are generally most useful for hypertrophic scarring rather than established indented scars or stretch marks.
Avoid aggressive home treatments
Attempting to treat scars through excessive exfoliation, harsh products or at-home microneedling can increase irritation and potentially worsen scarring.
Professional assessment is particularly important when treating deeper scars or areas of previously damaged skin.
When can scars be treated?
Scars should be fully healed before considering microneedling or fractional resurfacing.
The appropriate timing depends on the type of injury, location, scar maturity and treatment being considered.
Newly healed scars may still be undergoing significant remodelling, and introducing additional controlled injury too early may not be appropriate.
Raised, actively changing or keloid-prone scars also require particular caution.
At Peau Skin Health, treatment suitability is assessed individually to ensure the selected approach is appropriate for the scar and surrounding skin.
Personalised scar and stretch mark treatments in Oxfordshire & the Cotswolds
At Peau Skin Health, we understand that scars and stretch marks can be a frustrating concern, particularly when skincare products have made little difference.
Because scarring involves changes within the skin's structure, professional collagen-stimulating treatments may offer improvements that topical skincare alone cannot achieve.
Our approach focuses on selecting suitable treatments, supporting healthy skin remodelling and setting realistic expectations.
Whether you're concerned about acne scarring, surgical scars, stretch marks or uneven skin texture following previous skin damage, we can help you explore your treatment options.
Based in Stonesfield, near Woodstock, we welcome clients from across Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds, Chipping Norton and surrounding areas.
Not sure which treatment is right for your scars?
If you're considering treatment for acne scars, surgical scars or stretch marks but aren't sure where to start, we're happy to help.
We offer complimentary in-person consultations to assess your concerns, discuss suitable treatment options and recommend a personalised approach.
Whether you're interested in Dermapen 4 microneedling, EndyMed FSR or simply want to understand what improvements may be achievable, you're very welcome to get in touch.