What are stretch marks?

The Stretch Mark Color – At first the stretch mark’s color is reddish or purplish but as time passes, the skin will become glossy and the color will turn into silver or white. Stretch marks are formed in the dermis which is the middle layer of the skin. This part of the skin is actually elastic and helps the skin keep its shape. However, if the dermis is constantly stretched and has reached its limit, it will break and form into stretch marks.

Stretch Marks as Scars – Stretch marks are also one type of skin scars. Aside from the reasons like pregnancy and rapid weight gain, heredity, lifestyle, and nutrition can also contribute to the increased development of these marks.

What are the stretch mark treatments?

Topical Ointments – The good thing about stretch marks is that they fade overtime. Those that don’t fade can also be treated by using one of the stretch marks treatments available today. One kind of treatment would be applying topical creams or ointments. Some creams use synthetic chemicals like hydroxyl to heal while other formulas use natural ingredients. These kinds of creams penetrate into the inner layers of the skin to tighten, firm and moisturize. The natural formulas also encourage the production of collagen and elastin to strengthen the skin and keep it from breaking in the future.

Laser Removal – The second type of treatment that can help remove stretch marks is laser scar removal. This type of procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve scarring or incisions. The treatment works by focusing a controlled beam of laser on the affected area.

How does it work? The laser will break down scar tissues and once these are dissolved, new skin cells and collagen will start to develop in the area that was once occupied by the scar tissues. It will not take you a long time to heal after the treatment and it is more affordable in comparison to surgery.

Tummy Tuck – The last type of procedure is called abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. This treatment was actually meant to remove excess skin or fat from the abdominal area but surgeons have observed that stretch marks are also significantly reduced after this treatment.

The Cons – Although this type of method is effective in removing old or aged stretch marks, the healing time is longer and the costs are higher as well. One should also consult a doctor before undergoing a serious operation like this. Even if you have chosen one of these stretch marks treatments to get rid of your scars, it is important that you exercise and eat the right food because this will help your skin stay healthy.

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Basic Facts About Your Skin and Stretch Marks

Causes

Our skin is generally a very elastic organ able to spring back to its original state. However, there are instances when the skin becomes too overstretched damaging the epidermis. The epidermal layer is responsible for secreting collagen and elastic fibers, two substances that are give skin its elasticity. Below are common causes of stretch marks:

- Abrupt Changes in Weight – When one rapidly gains weight, the skin is not given adequate time to adjust to the added mass, thus, the skin becomes overstretched. These stretch marks become more evident when one then loses the weight as they now have more texture. – Pregnancy. Common sense tells us that stretch marks occur in the abdominal region as the body accommodates the growing child. – Growth spurts. Puberty may cause certain individuals to experience rapid growth in height and muscles. – Bulking of muscles. Stretch marks associated with athletes in particular bodybuilders.

Appearance

- Color – Initially stretch marks are seen as red to pinkish to purple in color that eventually become a more permanent silvery-white – Shape – crooked bands or lines or stripes that vary in length and width appearing mostly as wavelike streaks – Texture – can be flat, depressed, ridged/bumpy, or glossy

Associated Symptoms

- Dryness – Itchiness – Thickening or raised skin – Pain – Tenderness

Locations Where Stretch Marks Commonly Appear

Stretch marks are seen in areas of the body where weight gain is most evident namely:

- Abdomen – Thighs – Hips – Breast – Upper arms and axillary area

Treatment

Cosmetic

- Laser therapy and skin peeling – These type of treatment is done by removing the scarred topmost layer of the skin allowing newer and healthier skin to emerge using laser or chemicals that are acidic in nature – Microdermabrasion – exfoliates the topmost layer of the skin using very small crystals – Skin removal – usually done to those people who have loss dramatic weight resulting to excess skin Nonsurgical Intervention – Topical medications – include lotions and creams that are massaged into the skin. Most of these topical creams share similar ingredients such as vitamins A and E. Tretinoin-based cream is said to be effective in fading stretch creams. Keep in mind that since topical medications are not as aggressive as surgical ones more time is required for results to show. An added perk to topical treatments is the alleviation of other symptoms (such as creams give added moisture to dry skin). – Lifestyle Change – healthy and clean living is recommended to keep one’s weight stable and in check. A balanced diet will provide one sufficient nutrients essential for healthy skin.

Nothing is as effective as these methods on how to prevent stretch marks. Better yet, find out how busy people get rid of it without undergoing laser for stretch marks!

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Are there ways to fade stretch marks? The answer is affirmative. Make stretch marks disappear? Unfortunately this is still a no. Despite the many advances in skin care technology, no treatment has yet successfully made these often than not embarrassing stripes totally disappear. However, there are now many available treatments to make stretch marks appear less conspicuous and ease associated signs (such as skin dryness) that may arise with having these marks.

Basic Facts About Your Skin and Stretch Marks

Causes

Our skin is generally a very elastic organ able to spring back to its original state. However, there are instances when the skin becomes too overstretched damaging the epidermis. The epidermal layer is responsible for secreting collagen and elastic fibers, two substances that are give skin its elasticity. Below are common causes of stretch marks:

- Abrupt Changes in Weight – When one rapidly gains weight, the skin is not given adequate time to adjust to the added mass, thus, the skin becomes overstretched. These stretch marks become more evident when one then loses the weight as they now have more texture. – Pregnancy. Common sense tells us that stretch marks occur in the abdominal region as the body accommodates the growing child. – Growth spurts. Puberty may cause certain individuals to experience rapid growth in height and muscles. – Bulking of muscles. Stretch marks associated with athletes in particular bodybuilders.

Appearance

- Color of the Marks – Initially stretch marks are seen as red to pinkish to purple in color that eventually become a more permanent silvery-white – Shape – crooked bands or lines or stripes that vary in length and width appearing mostly as wavelike streaks – Texture – can be flat, depressed, ridged/bumpy, or glossy

Associated Symptoms

- Dryness – Itchiness – Thickening or raised skin – Pain – Tenderness

Common Location for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are seen in areas of the body where weight gain is most evident namely:

- Abdomen – Thighs – Hips – Breast – Upper arms and axillary area

Treatment for Stretch Marks

Cosmetic

- Chemical peels and laser treatment – these work by removing the scarred topmost layer of the skin allowing newer and healthier skin to emerge using laser or chemicals that are acidic in nature – Microdermabrasion – exfoliates the topmost layer of the skin using very small crystals – Skin removal – usually done to those people who have loss dramatic weight resulting to excess skin Nonsurgical Intervention – Topical medications – include lotions and creams that are massaged into the skin. These topical creams share similar ingredients such as vitamins A and E. Tretinoin-based cream is said to be effective in fading stretch creams. Keep in mind that since topical medications are not as aggressive as surgical ones more time is required for results to show. An added perk to topical treatments is the alleviation of other symptoms (such as creams give added moisture to dry skin). – Shift to Healthy Lifestyle – healthy and clean living is recommended to keep one’s weight stable and in check. A balanced diet will provide one sufficient nutrients essential for healthy skin.

Technorati Tags: beauty, Fade Stretch Marks, health, medicine, science, skin care, stretch marks, women