Stretch marks are those prominent scars left behind when skin is overstretched and fibers in the middle layer called dermis, have broken. Fresh stretch marks appear initially as red lines and then they slowly fade to a pale white color over the course of several months. People who have them are considered unhealthy. With that in mind, why on earth would you want to keep them around? Stretch marks are deep scars, or scar tissue, that appears as stripes on the skin.
Causes of Stretch Marks
There are two main category of causes for Stretch marks: physical and hormonal. Stretch marks can be caused by extreme stretching of the skin, which keeps the skin from returning to its original condition. This extreme stretching is commonly the result of gaining large amounts of weight in a short period of time. Bodybuilders, pregnant women, and adolescents that have been through rapid growth spurts, often develop stretch marks. They are commonly found on the stomach, legs, buttocks, and breasts, but may appear nearly anywhere.
Tips for getting rid of stretch marks
- Many people have been successful by using Vic’s Vapor rub. It is used by applying it to a washcloth or paper towel and rubbing it forcefully into the scarred skin on a nightly basis for a few weeks.
- Increased circulation by taking hot baths and massaging the areas regularly reduces the stretch marks.
- Tanning can diminish and even eliminate minor stretch marks. Be sure to use sun screen.
Surgeries for getting rid of Stretch Marks
There are different expensive and difficult surgeries that will help to reduce the look of stretch marks. If they bother you that bad, then see a doctor about getting a microdermobrasion surgery to remove the marks. Below are some of the common surgery techniques:
- Microdermabrasion – Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure popular in spas and salons where the top-most layer of skin is removed by chemical or mechanical means.
- Endermologie – Endermologie machines massage and work the skin in order to increase circulation and expel toxins.
- Radiofrequency dermal remodeling
- Laser Therapy – Laser treatments are available that can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and heal you skin. See your dermatologist for the latest information on these methods.
Natural ways to cure and get rid of Stretch Marks
- Watching your weight and massaging your skin on a regular basis will help prevent and improve the appearance of stretch marks. It should be obvious to most of us that watching what one eats should be a priority in such a health conscious society as we live in.
- Salicylic acid is a rare but equally effective way to get rid of stretch marks. Like the two suggestions above, acids of any sort are useful in helping to exfoliate the skin because they break apart the proteins (lipids) that hold skin cells, particularly dead skin cells, together.
- Choosing a healthy, varied diet will contribute to better skin elasticity.
- Be sure to include oily fish such as salmon, nuts and seeds, and lots of fruit and vegetables. There’s no magic combination of foods that can ‘erase’ stretch marks once you have them — but a nutritious diet has all sorts of benefits.
- Remember that no lotion or cream can prevent or erase stretch marks because they form in layers of skin too deep for any moisturizer to reach. If your pregnant belly is tight and itchy, you can keep it more comfortable by applying a rich moisturiser frequently.
- Cheap over the counter lotions (even Vaseline) usually work as well as expensive ointments to ease tight, dry, itchy skin.
- You can try using a little bit of face powder or foundation to hide your stretch marks. Sunless tanning products also help to camouflage stretch marks.
