Marking Out Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are unsightly scars in the body. Find out about the different ways to remove them.

Stretch marks are visible whitish or purplish lines on the skin caused by its sudden expansion. This is either from a rapid development of fat or muscle in certain areas of the body. It occurs when the collagen and elastin (skin proteins liable to keep hold of the skin's shape and firmness) found in the dermis, are stretched to their limits and have reached their breaking point. This results to the excessive production of collagen that form scar tissues and thus create a stripy pattern on the skin. These marks typically appear on the hips, buttocks, arms, abdomen and breasts.

Factors contributing to having stretch marks are genetic make up, excessive weight gain or muscle development and/or sudden weight loss as well as skin types or conditions. It is explained that some skin types or conditions are more desiccated than others, hence they have less elasticity. Considering these factors, there are ways to either remove or prevent the appearance of stretch marks.

Surgical Methods
There are different ways that can be explored in surgical methods. One of these is dermabrasion in which the dermasurgeon freezes the skin and "sands" it. This is done by using a high-speed rotating instrument that has a coarse wheel or brush attached to it. This is used to smoothen out the skin's imperfections. Common temporary side effects may occur such as swelling, redness, short-term hyper-pigmentation and scarring.

Another surgical method is chemical peel. It necessitates a certain chemical solution applied to the skin which causes a layer of it to separate and peel off. The new, revitalized skin from underneath is usually smoother and evenly colored. Scarring is one likely complication of chemical peel, along with developing a temporary or permanent change in skin tone color and a reactivation of cold sores and fever blisters that may occur to those who are predisposed to cold sores. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are the
chemicals used for this procedure.

Laser treatment is the most advanced stretch mark removal method to date. A narrow light beam is aimed at the stretch marks to remove a very thin layer of skin; hence also removing the scar tissues that created the stretch marks. New skin is formed after the treatment. Scarring, bruising, blistering, swelling and change in skin tone color may also occur after undergoing the procedure; but, these are all temporary and the skin will go back to its normal condition after several days or weeks.

Creams, Oils and Lotions
Over-the-counter creams and oils are already available in drugstores and local stores. Massaging these products onto the skin two times a day or more is helpful in increasing the blood circulation in the target area. The appearance of slight stretch marks is reduced significantly and can make the skin firmer and suppler. It can also aid in the healing process. Vitamin E, wheat germ and jojoba butter are also commonly used.

Retin-A or tretinoin can also effectively remove stretch marks still new. However, creams with retin-A, along with hydrocortisone or steroids, should be avoided by expectant mothers, especially during the first trimester when the fetus is still very vulnerable. Products with basil, clary sage, cinnamon or thyme also have undesirable effects to fetuses so these should also be avoided.

Moisturizing creams and lotions do not necessarily remove stretch marks but they can help soothe the discomfort and dryness caused by these striations.

Having stretch marks may, likewise, be prevented in some instances. One way is to keep the skin moisturized and well-hydrated to increase its elasticity. To achieve this, taking plenty of fluids and foods loaded with vitamins C, A, D and E, with zinc and silica (essential to the formation of collagen) are important. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and soda sap out the skin's moisture, making it susceptible to stretch marks.

It is also essential to treat stretch marks while it is still at its early stages. Stretch marks in its initial formation are colored red, pink or brown, depending on the skin's natural color.