Stretch marks are scars which can be reddish brown, dark brown or pink depending upon the color of the skin. These scars are formed as a result of excessive weight gain or weight loss in conditions such as pregnancy. They are usually found in the abdomen, hips, buttocks, arms and breasts. Everybody wants to know how to get rid of stretch marks? Here is some help.
Causes Of These Scars
- It can be inherited due to deficiency in connective tissues
- Rapid weight gain usually in case of pregnancy or excessive weight loss
- Very dry skin being less elastic in nature is more prone to stretch marks
- Prolonged disease condition and also intake of chemical based medications
- Diet that is poor in mineral content
Getting Rid Of Stretch Marks
Is it possible to get rid of these scars? Yes it is! It however requires good effort and time. Some people claim to use lotions and creams to improve the elasticity of the skin. There is however no guarantee that this method will work.
Methods to remove these marks
- Use of Alpha hyrdroxy acids has been found to reduce the marks. However, it is not advisable for lactating mothers.
- Endermologie is a special machine which uses rollers and gentle suction to massage the skin. This helps to tone the skin, improve the skin color and make skin more flexible.
- Tretinoin cream (Retin A) helps to get rid of stretch marks. It is not recommended for mothers who are breastfeeding.
Surgical Treatments
There are a few surgical ways to get rid of stretch marks, as well. These are -
- Laser surgery- it is the most effective method to treat these scars during their early appearance. This is because laser treatment is the most effective when the skin color is still dark. It does not remove the scars but helps them to gradually fade.
- Micro dermabrasion- uses zinc, aluminum oxide crystals to remove the dead skin. The patient does not experience any pain during this process and hence no anesthesia is required.
Home Remedies To Remove Stretch Marks
There are a few easy options to help you get rid of stretch marks. These are -
- Use of olive oil to improve blood circulation- also helps to reduce these marks
- Body massage using calendula oil- a good remedy for stretch marks
- Use of lavender, wheat germ oil or flaxseed oil
- Rubbing castor oil on stomach and hips
- Use of chamomile and lavender oil on the marks
- Massage given with cod liver oil is also effective
- Vitamin C rich creams and lotions on the abdomen
- Tanning is also known to reduce these marks. It is however safer to use bottle tan
- Exercises with stretches reduce the marks during pregnancy
There are many ways to help you get rid of stretch marks. You need to have a good skin care regime and maintain an overall good health.
Posted by in Stretch Mark Creams on October 22, 2008.