Stretch marks—scientifically known as Striae Distensae (SD)—are a common skin condition that affects many people, often leading to cosmetic concerns. These marks appear as a result of skin stretching due to factors like rapid weight changes, pregnancy, or hormonal shifts. Despite their prevalence, effective treatments for stretch marks have been limited, but new research offers promising possibilities.
This blog explores the latest findings on how platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and sodium ascorbate may help rejuvenate stretch marks and open new doors for treatment. By focusing on the underlying biology of stretch marks, this research sheds light on a powerful combination that could improve the skin’s appearance and overall health.
The Science Behind Stretch Marks: Understanding SR and SA
Stretch marks progress through two main phases:
- Striae Rubrae (SR): The initial inflammatory phase, during which stretch marks appear red or purple due to increased blood flow and inflammation.
- Striae Albae (SA): The chronic phase where stretch marks fade into a white or silver hue, reflecting a decrease in collagen production and reduced metabolic activity in the skin.
In this chronic phase, SA-derived fibroblasts (SAF) become less active and produce lower amounts of collagen compared to healthy skin. Fibroblasts are critical in maintaining skin structure by producing collagen and elastin. So, reactivating these dormant SAF cells could be the key to minimizing the appearance of stretch marks.
Exploring the Study: PRP and Sodium Ascorbate on Fibroblast Activity
A groundbreaking study set out to examine how two treatments—platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and sodium ascorbate—affect SAF. In the study, RegenKit®-BCT, a PRP preparation system, was combined with sodium ascorbate to test their impact on collagen production and cell viability in SAF.
The results were promising. After 24 to 48 hours of treatment with different concentrations of PRP (1% and 5%) combined with sodium ascorbate:
- Cell viability increased by 140-178% compared to the control.
- Collagen production resumed, marking a notable improvement in metabolic activity in SAF cells.
This indicates that while SAF cells are typically less active, the combination of PRP and sodium ascorbate can potentially “wake them up,” leading to better skin regeneration and a reduction in the visibility of stretch marks.
PRP’s Role in Skin Regeneration
PRP, a treatment derived from a patient’s own blood, is already popular for its ability to accelerate healing in everything from sports injuries to aesthetic treatments. By concentrating platelets and growth factors, PRP can stimulate the body’s natural repair processes. When applied to stretch marks, PRP boosts the activity of fibroblasts, increasing collagen production and encouraging skin healing.
However, the study found that concentrated PRP (with additional centrifugation) did not significantly boost collagen production. In fact, higher concentrations of PRP had a small or even negative effect on cellular viability, reinforcing the need for precise PRP application in treatments.
The Power of Sodium Ascorbate
Sodium ascorbate, a form of Vitamin C, plays a key role in collagen synthesis, making it an excellent companion for PRP in skin rejuvenation treatments. Vitamin C is well-known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to promote the production of collagen, making it a vital player in any skin repair process.
In combination with PRP, sodium ascorbate helps:
- Enhance collagen production: Encouraging fibroblasts to resume their normal activity, especially in damaged or stretched skin.
- Improve cell viability: Making skin cells healthier and more responsive to repair mechanisms.
What Does This Mean for Future Stretch Mark Treatments?
This study opens up exciting new avenues for the treatment of chronic stretch marks. By using a combination of PRP and sodium ascorbate, clinicians may have a more effective, biologically mediated way to treat white stretch marks (SA). The resumption of collagen production and increased cellular viability suggest that these treatments could significantly reduce the appearance of stretch marks, making skin smoother and more resilient.
Final Thoughts: A Future of Rejuvenated Skin
While more research is needed, the initial results are encouraging. If you’re dealing with stretch marks and seeking more advanced treatments, it’s worth discussing PRP and sodium ascorbate with your dermatologist. These innovations may represent a turning point in non-invasive, biologically driven skincare treatments that tap into the body’s own healing powers.
