A Scar Tells a Story
Stretch marks are scars left behind when the skin is stretch beyond its elasticity level and the fibers in the dermis or middle layer are broken. They occur most frequently during periods of rapid weight gain like pregnancy, body building, puberty, or just gaining weight really quickly. Like any scar, they are considered permanent, though there are things you can do about it to lighten them or make them disappear. Preventing stretch marks from ever occurring is easier said than done. Here are some tips on how to prevent and/or reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
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Tip #1: Know what causes stretch marks.
When you know what causes stretch marks, you can typically avoid it or prevent them from occurring. Stretch marks are the result of your skin being stretched beyond its elasticity. Once your skin is stretched to breaking point, the collagen and elastic fibers in your skin literally break to relieve the pressure causing stretch marks or scars where the breaks occur. You can avoid stretch marks by avoiding rapid weight gain. Eat a healthy diet to maintain your weight as well as keep your skin hydrated and at maximum elasticity.
If you are planning a period of rapid weight gain like a pregnancy or body building, or if you are genetically inclined to stretch marks, start preventing them before-hand by using lotions and creams formulated to prevent stretch marks. Creams and lotions containing cocoa-butter are thought to be the most effective. Research is on-going in this area, so be sure to keep up on the latest studies and products to prevent stretch marks.
Tip #2: Start the removal process immediately.
If you have stretch marks and they are a concern for you, start using products to remove them immediately. The sooner a scar is treated after it occurs, the more likely it is to fade and disappear altogether. Stretch marks will fade over time for most people, but you can always help them along.
Tip #3: Most skin products are created equally.
The same formulas are used in most skin products for aging and acne. Both aging and acne are damage to the skin, as are scars. If the chemicals used in their treatment are the same it stands to reason that treatment for stretch marks could be a bottle of vitamin A away. And there have been scientific studies proving it. One of the most effective treatments for aging and acne and therefore stretch marks is retinol. Retinol helps break down dead skin cells and allows them to slough off as well as stimulates the production of collagen (an elasticity agent) and thickening of the lowest layer of skin. Thickening the lowest layer of skin helps the over all look of your skin and can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Using other creams and lotion specifically formulated to reduce the appearance of stretch marks can also work.
Tip #4: If it all comes to not, hope is not lost.
If none of the prevention methods work and creams aren't helping, don't loose hope. There are medical treatments for your stretch marks that may help reduce their appearance or help them disappear altogether. Medical treatments include microdermabrasion, endermologie, laser therapy, and cosmetic surgery all of which (at the right price) can make your stretch marks go away or at least improve the look of them.
