The underlying mechanism of scar formation involves inflammation, excessive fibroblast proliferation and over expression of collagen. When skin starts to heal, it lays down new collagen fibers which make up the fibrous connective tissue of healthy skin. In scars collagen over expresses and gives scar that distinct look from normal skin.

The appearance of the scar will depend on the severity of the wound but in most cases, scar tissue will only take the shape of the original wound and will not go beyond it. It is also expected to fade with sufficient time. Some may take only weeks to disappear but for some it may take years. It all depends on the person’s capacity for healing and the severity of the original injury itself.

Unfortunately, for a certain percentage of scars, over production of collagen results in abnormal-looking scars that are characterized by reddish bumps on the skin that cover the area of the original skin injury and never goes beyond. These are known as hypertrophic scars.

Another type of scarring called keloid scars are probably the worst kind because they can grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They could grow indefinitely to form tumorous growths. Although they are benign tumors and are harmless, some people may find it imperative to do something about them.

On the other hand, recessed scars are types of scars that have the sunken and pitted appearance that are the opposite of hypertrophic scars. This type of scarring is usually a result of skin disease like acne or chicken pox.

Scars that are normally seen in pregnant women are called stretch marks. Also known as striae, these are scars that result from skin that being stretched out too fast. These are also seen in people undergoing rapid weight gain and growth. They are expected to disappear after some time.

Want to learn how to prevent acne and the issues that are related to it like dark skin spotting and acne scars, please visit the article author’s blog and learn how to remove acne scars.

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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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Selecting an effective stretch mark solution can take a lot of time and even then, it doesn’t guarantee us 100% effectiveness. This is because skins vary and differ from person to person. The stretch mark solution for you may not necessarily be the stretch mark solution for me. However, we can look into several stretch mark solution facts that are based on skin components common in all skin types in order for us to choose the best stretch mark solution.

Fact #1: Stretch mark solution advice will depend on who is giving it.

Different people have different views on how to best remove stretch mark. For example, your dermatologist may suggest that a dermabrasion session is the best solution for you while your surgeon may suggest surgery. In truth, every stretch mark solution option have their advantages and disadvantages.

Dermabrasion may be a less invasive solution than surgery but it does not directly remove the stretch mark scars. It only drastically exfoliates the top layer of the skin, getting rid of dead skin cells in order to make room for new ones. But since stretch marks develop from the inner layers of the skin, dermabrasion may not yield very lasting effects if you want your stretch marks removed.

Surgery is actually a more effective stretch mark solution but it is also riskier, more invasive, more expensive and may not work for all parts of the body. At present, abdominal stretch marks are the only ones that can be solved by a tummy tuck. This stretch mark solution however can give you weeks of pain and discomfort and may even lead to infections and a larger, more visible external skin scar.

Fact #2: The least invasive stretch mark solution is to leave the marks as they are.

There are also some people who will advise you to simple avoid doing anything or applying anything on the stretch mark scars since these may eventually fade over time. However, this wait-and-see stretch mark solution would mean that you have to wait and possibly waste some of the best years of your life until the stretch marks simply fade. In addition to waiting, there is also the possibility that you gain more weight over time and thus, instead of diminishing the scars, time and more weight will only add more to it.

Wearing one-piece suits to the beach and covering your body the whole summer would be half the fun. However, it is better than feeling self-conscious about yourself in front of others.

Fact # 3: Practical and natural stretch mark solutions do not always remove stretch marks permanently but they are the most pro-active and the safest way to get rid of stretch marks.

Instead of spending your entire life’s savings on risky and invasive medical or cosmetic procedures to get rid of stretch marks, there is still one way to get rid or prevent those stretch marks from getting worse: losing or maintaining your weight. The more you watch and maintain your weight, the lesser chances of you acquiring more stretch marks and with the aid of a healthy diet, you can heal your existing stretch mark from its roots, from the inner layers of the skin.

One other natural stretch mark solution is to exercise. Aerobic exercises improve blood circulation and help in the proper distribution of oxygen and nutrients to the different cells in the body. This may help maintain your skin’s elasticity and general health. Other forms of exercise however, such as muscle building exercises, may result in more stretch marks due to muscle expansion.

To achieve the best possible result, take a natural supplement along with your natural stretch mark solution in order to provide your skin with nutrients that may be lacking from your diet.

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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

Stretch marks cause skin to be loose. In areas of the body where you have stretch marks your skin tends to lose its elasticity. Stretch marks begin as a reddish color. As time passes, the marks become clearer, but can still be easily seen on the skin.

Stretch marks aren’t harmful, but many people feel uncomfortable with the appearance of stretch marks. Stretch marks leave the skin uneven; you may even feel this as you pass your fingers over the stretch marks. Because stretch marks sometimes thin out the skin, they can be sensitive and prone more easily to skin damage. Some people are afraid they will have to live with stretch marks forever. The removal of stretch marks, however, is not as difficult as you may have thought. So, what is the best way to get rid of stretch marks?

The removal of stretch marks has been investigated by scientists and cosmetic laboratories. Different products and procedures have been developed that aide with the removal of stretch marks. These work best at the early stages of the development of stretch marks. They become more difficult, but not impossible to get rid of the longer you have them. The biggest advantage of ridding yourself of stretch marks as they develop is that it is usually quick and easy.

As time passes, stretch marks get thicker, but by treating them with a product or cosmetic service that best suits your skin and budget they can be removed. It may take a little longer, anywhere from a month or two to four or five months.

There are so many products and methods for removal of stretch marks these days you may have a difficult time deciding which products or methods to choose. You should choose what is best for your skin, and that includes cosmetics made of natural and organic ingredients. Grapefruit seed extract, vitamins E and A, aloe vera, olive oils, and coconut oils are some of the main ingredients used in all natural stretch mark removal products. These can be used without worrying about harmful side effects, and there is a large selection of naturally made products available.

Using natural products to remove stretch marks prevents the side effects of unnatural ingredients. Natural ingredients are readily accepted by your body and allow you to remove stretch marks in a safe, natural way.

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Why all the hype about stretch marks? And, why are so many looking at the best way to get rid of stretchmarks? It is because stretch marks affect a great many people. Pregnant women are especially bothered by this problem. Up to 90% of women who are pregnant develop stretch marks. Although stretch marks pose no health danger, they often make a woman feel uncomfortable in a body in which she already wobbles, when she is pregnant. There are ways to remove stretch marks so that they do not become a constant problem you associate with your body and self-esteem.

Because stretch marks can erode your confidence, it often becomes a top priority to try to remove them. At this point, you have no choice but to turn to careful research. There are a variety of methods of removing stretch marks, including laser and dermabrasion. These methods are expensive, and rather than focus on them we will look at removal creams which are far less expensive and when used as directed, over time, the results can be just as effective as professional cosmetic treatments.

The best thing to do is determine if you are using the best cream for removing stretch marks. Before you can determine the answer, you will need to understand the ingredients which are being used in these creams. Then, you can determine if the right ingredients are used in the product you have chosen.

You have to know if you are using the right kind of product that is going to give you the results you desire. Many of the best skin care products on the market today are expensive and contain a variety of strong chemicals. These mixtures can be harmful to your skin, especially if you are prone to skin allergies. These over-the-counter creams may also irritate your skin and causes rashes or other skin problems.

A little bit of research will provide you with the information you need to purchase and use the best removal cream. Research saves time, money, and the irritation of using a product that produces zero results. It also helps you forego the irritation of false claims made by advertisers who know their stretch removal cream is nothing more than a glorified skin moisturizer. It’s best to by natural products that are safe for your skin and upon which you can depend for desired results.

One product, made with natural ingredients, and used by many women is Revitol Anti Aging Cream. This may be a good option for you, as it is 100% natural and 100% safe for your skin. The cream works deep beneath your skin’s surface to help reduce stretch marks and give you healthy looking skin. Women who have grown weary of false advertising and lack of results have been pleased with the results of this product.

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