How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

• Stretch marks are caused by a sudden increase in the size of skin, such as when a woman’s belly grows at a substantial rate during pregnancy, and their appearance is usually considered ghastly, so stretch mark removal is important
• How do you remove stretch marks? You can either prevent them before they crop up or use certain creams like stretch mark removal cream or go the surgery route to remove them after they appear

Although our skin could be considered one of the most amazing organs in our bodies because of its ability to protect us from the environment so well, one thing is can’t do effectively is bounce back. Stretching your skin too quickly can leave unappealing marks on parts of your body. Although there are a number of causes for these marks, most people just want to know how to get rid of stretch marks.

The Causes of Stretch Marks

As mentioned above, stretch marks occur whenever the skin is forced to expand or contract relatively quickly. For example, if you become pregnant your body changes a great deal in a short nine month period. Your skin simply isn’t elastic enough to cope with that change without leaving behind some reminders. During puberty, stretch marks are common as adolescents’ bodies grow and change quickly. Body builders also sometimes must deal with these unsightly marks. And, of course, losing or gain weight can also leave behind these unpleasant reminders.

In most cases, the reddish or pinkish marks appear where stretching is most likely to occur: the abdomen, the breasts, the arms, and other key areas.

Treatment Options: Non-Surgical

If you want to get rid of stretch marks, your first line of treatment is probably going to be one of the lotions or creams available for this purpose on the market. While most of the over-the-counter creams won’t do much to improve the appearance of these lines, some studies have shown that tretinoin creams, such as Retin-A, can reduce the appearance of stretch marks that are less than six weeks old. The catch is you can’t use these products during your pregnancy so new mothers may not have this option.

Treatment Options: Surgical

If you are very concerned about how to get rid of stretch marks, there are some other types of procedures to consider. Although classified as surgical, all of the procedures are non-invasive. For example, you could choose between pulsed dye laser therapy and fractional photothermolysis which are both intended to stimulate your skin to produce more collagen and elastin. These compounds make the skin more elastic and can help both new and old stretch marks.

Another option is an excimer laser. This process works by increasing melanin production in the area of the stretch marks so they are not as visible against the rest of your skin. If you want to get rid of stretch marks that are older, this is a good option.

Finally, microdermabrasion and chemical peels can also be useful because they remove the uppermost layer of skin and allow newer skin to replace it. This new skin is more elastic and less likely to show signs of stretching. Again, these methods are great choices for older marks.

Preventing Stretch Marks

While you may not be able to prevent the development of all stretch marks, there are some ways to minimize the risk of their appearance. For one, avoid caffeine. Research has shown that too much caffeine increases the appearance of stretch marks. Additionally, always stay well hydrated because this keeps your skin softer and more elastic.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.