Some people think there's nothing that can be done about stretch marks. Once you've got 'em there here to stay. That turns out not to be true.
First off, many stretch marks just fade over time, making them much less noticeable, and some people can live with them this way. You can also cover them up with makeup made especially for that purpose. For those who want to do better than just covering them up, laser therapy is a promising option. The color of the stretch marks that need treatment will determine the type of laser a surgeon uses. One type stimulates production of cells that make pigment, another reduces the color of stretch marks.
Another type of laser treatment actually stimulates collagen production to restore elasticity in the stretch marks themselves. It is the skin's being stretched past its limit that causes stretch marks in the first place. This can happen when a person grows rapidly such as during puberty. It can also happen when a person gains weight rapidly such as during a pregnancy. The damage is actually done in the skin's middle layer, the dermis. (The skin has three layers: the other two are the outer layer, called the epidermis, and the innermost layer, called the subcutaneous layer.)
Another treatment for stretch marks is blue light therapy, something that can be helpful in treating acne too. It is a combination of gel and light, used to remove stretch marks.
An older, low-tech treatment is to use creams to help moisturize skin, repair collagen and elastin growth. They commonly contain combinations of cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, lanolin and vitamin E. But actually, these creams are most effective if used while your skin is being stretched to help keep it soft, supple, smooth and elastic. So prevention is a good idea for those most susceptible to them. If you haven't applied creams while the skin was being stretched, the sooner you begin afterwards, the better.
Who has to worry most about stretch marks? People who are genetically disposed to them, that's who. And it turns out people with darker skin tend to be less susceptible than those with lighter skin.
There isn't one fail-safe, 100 percent way to prevent or eradicate stretch marks, but a combination of some of these therapies will dramatically reduce their appearance or eliminate them. One thing to keep in mind about stretch marks is that they pose absolutely no health risk. They're more of an imperfection than a threat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Stretch Marks
By: nawnee917 | 03-06-2008
When I was pregnant I went from being right on target in weight to nearly 40lbs overweight in less than 2 months. I, of course, developed stretch marks but not just thin red marks. Mine are DEEP and WIDE! From beneath my chest all the way down to my pubic area. They would "tear open" from time to time and would take weeks, sometimes months to heal. Well, 8 years later, this is still happening. I have lost most of the weight but still have a lovely "kangaroo pouch" and that is where it's happening. Is there anything I can do to try to make the skin stronger or something? Even just my undergarments rubbing in one spot will tear the skin.... Any ideas? And, yes, the obvious thing would be to go see a physician but that's not an option at this time. Thank you so much for any suggestions!
Where can i find information on being a clinical ...
By: mmmel | 29-04-2008
Where can i find information on being a clinical patient for stretch marks research in atlanta, Ga?
Is there any easy and relevant method to get rid ...
By: neet | 14-04-2008
is there any easy and relevant method to get rid of these stretch marks completely?please help me out
How do I remove my stretch marks from my breast ...
By: Yarel | 13-03-2008
how do I remove my stretch marks from my breast please i really need help...
Does TriLASTIN-SR really work?
By: tosinoizuamu | 16-01-2008
what about TrILASTIN-SR for stretch mark removal?Does it really remove strectch marks?
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