What Are Stretch Marks?

Pregnant women are the target of many scams and miraculous stretch mark creams are the most prevalent. While a little bit of Vitamin E can be nourishing for the skin, to expect that it will make all stretch marks disappear overnight is not reasonable. No matter what is applied, the skin will likely display scars of drastic stretching that occurs over a short period of time. The degree of successful healing depends upon a person’s age, skin tone, heredity and diet.

The signs and symptoms of stretch marks are pink, red or purple streaks found on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks and thighs. They can sometimes stretch to cover large areas of the body and fade to a light pink, white or gray over time. Pregnant women, overweight individuals or developing teens may all be candidates for the appearance of stretch marks, but there is also a hereditary condition called Cushing’s Syndrome that results in these marks. If these scars cover large areas of the body, then a doctor may prescribe treatment to get rid of stretch marks.

There is much debate about the best stretch mark treatment, since they are all said to be only partially effective. The least invasive treatment is the use of stretch mark creams like Tretinoin cream (Retin-A, Renova) that can help for new stretching during pregnancy. These creams rebuild collagen to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Also available for new marks is Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy or Fractional Photothermolysis, both of which use wavelengths of light to stimulate collagen and elastin growth. For older marks, Microdermabrasion uses a hand-held device to polish the skin’s surface with crystals, thus removing skin cells from the top layer of skin to encourage newer, more elastic skin growth. Also for older white marks, the Excimer laser tries to stimulate melanin production to reduce the appearance of the scars.

Remove Stretch Marks. As seen on Tyra Banks Show. Guaranteed Proven Results! View Clinical Photos and Read Testimonials.

Currently, there are no ways to prevent stretch marks and there are no magic cures. While there are a number of products marketed toward reducing stretch marks, there is no scientific evidence that they really work. Maintaining overall health is the best thing an individual can do to keep an attractive appearance, by exercising, eating a balanced diet, drinking eight glasses of water each day and using a moisturizer cream on dry skin. Over time, these marks usually fade a bit on their own.

Related topics about Advanced Skincare