Stretch marks are a form of scarring that can occur when a person’s skin is overstretched. When they first appear, stretch marks are red or purple streaks on your skin. Over time, they will fade until they are pale in color.
The two main causes of stretch marks are pregnancy and obesity. Stretch marks are a very common condition. Just think of all the people who have been either pregnant or overweight! It’s not just women who get stretch marks, either. Few people realize that they are a common complaint of male body builders as well.
The good news is that there are several treatments for stretch marks that have been shown to be highly effective. Here’s a look at three of the most common ways to deal with this condition.
1. Dermabrasion. General anesthesia is required when you undergo this kind of stretch mark surgery. The aim of dermabrasion is to remove or lessen the appearance of scars, damage from the sun or dark spots. The surface of the skin is literally sanded off during this procedure.
This procedure is most effective is the scar is raised above the skin’s surface. It’s generally much less effective when used to treat sunken scars. This surgery involves a fair bit of pain and it can take months to heal completely. But the final result can be very impressive.
2. Microdermabrasion. Often referred to as microderm, this is a far less invasive procedure. It’s a popular, easily accessible treatment that doesn’t require an anesthetic. It involves removing the surface layer of the skin by using a special wand with a roughened surface to lightly sand the skin. People like microdermabrasion because it has a reputation for being a safe, painless procedure.
3. Creams and lotions. The market is overflowing with stretch mark creams and lotions that promise to get rid of your problem. Some people swear by remedies such as Vitamin A cream, cocoa butter or various specially formulated creams.
There are several of these treatments that have scientific evidence showing that they can minimize the look of stretch marks. Some of the more effective treatments for stretch marks are Trilastin, Revitol and NuVectin. Keep in mind that these products are generally more effective at preventing stretch marks than eliminating them.
However, many products tend to overstate their ability to get rid of stretch marks. It’s important that you read some independent customer reviews on any stretch mark product before you buy it. Do a web search for the product you’re considering, and examine sites that aren’t associated with the manufacturer. Also, check out the company’s website and try to follow through on any of their claims.
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