What Are Stretch Marks And What Causes Them?

Stretch marks are quite mysterious, as well as repulsive to those of us that have suffered with them. They are thought to be caused by the tearing of the dermis, which is the layer of skin below the epidermis. It is thought that this tearing occurs during significant hormonal shifts in the skin, such as during pregnancy, puberty, rapid weight loss or gain, and also when body building. Fortunately, there are several treatment methods available to lessen their appearance, but consumers must be wary of any products that claim to totally remove them because it is not possible to do so. At best, it can be expected that certain treatments can drastically reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Some examples of the most popular treatment options are laser removal, topical medications that contain Retin-A, and the most extreme method of treatment is with plastic surgery. However, the latter option should only be considered in extreme cases.

Which Treatment Options Are Best?

There are several treatments are on the market today and it is perfectly reasonable to expect results from certain treatments, but which ones and how does a person go about choosing? It is important to keep in mind that each person suffering from these marks is an individual with their own severity varying person to person. A treatment that worked wonders for your best friend may do nothing for your stretch marks. Nevertheless, understanding how these marks appear in the first place is a great first step in picking a treatment. Additionally, knowing how exactly a particular treatment is meant to work will be a key factor when making a treatment decision.

For example, "fractional laser therapy", is usually recommended for people with white shaded stretch marks, as well as for people that consider the texture of their marks to be the main issue. Laser removal is also thought to be highly effective in reducing redness and inflammation in these marks when the pulsed-dye laser is properly utilized. However, before running out the door to the nearest laser removal clinic, it is important to note there are patients who experience no significant results from these treatments, as well as those who have a certain degree of redness and swelling for several days after laser treatment. Even so, laser removal has shown to induce collagen and elastin growth, which usually improves the appearance of skin in general.

Can Stretch Marks Be Prevented?

They can most certainly be prevented, especially if a person has the right genetic structure. For instance, if a persons mother or sister had great results when working to prevent or improve their marks, more than likely that person will have great results as well. Being aware of when these marks most commonly appear is key to prevention. During pregnancy, or any other time when hormones are expected to fluctuate, it is extremely important to keep common areas that these marks appear, such as belly, thighs, and buttocks, as moisturized as possible. For instance, using a preventative stretch mark cream or lotion would be most effective.

Not all of us have great genes and most of us didn't take the time to try and prevent stretch marks, but hope should never be given up. People can and should have the skin they want. With the right research and the best product available, anyone can reduce the appearance of their stretch marks, and without turning to extreme measures!

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