Stretch marks are a form of scarring that can occur when a person's skin is overstretched. Stretch marks have the initial appearance of purple or red looking lines. Over time, they will fade until they are pale in color.
Obesity and pregnancy are the most common reasons for the development of stretch marks. Many people will get stretch marks at one time or another. 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. Following is some information on the top three methods of treating this problem.
1. Dermabrasion. General anesthesia is required when you undergo this kind of stretch mark surgery. Dermabrasion is useful for reducing the visibility of abnormalities on your skin such as sun damage, dark spots and scars. 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. However, the results can be truly amazing.
2. Microdermabrasion. Popularly known as microderm, this treatment is much less invasive. You can easily undergo this procedure at any number of convenient providers, and you won't need an anesthetic to dull the pain. A special tool is used to gently sand the surface layer of the skin in order to remove it. Microdermabrasion enjoys a reputation as a painless treatment that is perfectly safe.
3. Creams and lotions. The market is overflowing with stretch mark creams and lotions that promise to get rid of your problem. Creams and lotions containing Vitamin A, cocoa butter or an assortment of other ingredients are highly popular.
Some of these products have a lot of research behind them and can be quite effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Revitol, NuVectin and Trilastin are stretch mark treatments that many people have had good results with. 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. Before using any product that claims to eliminate stretch marks, try to find some unbiased customer reviews. Search the internet, and look for sites that aren't tied to the product being sold. Be sure to investigate the manufacturer's website and research the source of their product claims if you can. - 15266
Obesity and pregnancy are the most common reasons for the development of stretch marks. Many people will get stretch marks at one time or another. 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. Following is some information on the top three methods of treating this problem.
1. Dermabrasion. General anesthesia is required when you undergo this kind of stretch mark surgery. Dermabrasion is useful for reducing the visibility of abnormalities on your skin such as sun damage, dark spots and scars. 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. However, the results can be truly amazing.
2. Microdermabrasion. Popularly known as microderm, this treatment is much less invasive. You can easily undergo this procedure at any number of convenient providers, and you won't need an anesthetic to dull the pain. A special tool is used to gently sand the surface layer of the skin in order to remove it. Microdermabrasion enjoys a reputation as a painless treatment that is perfectly safe.
3. Creams and lotions. The market is overflowing with stretch mark creams and lotions that promise to get rid of your problem. Creams and lotions containing Vitamin A, cocoa butter or an assortment of other ingredients are highly popular.
Some of these products have a lot of research behind them and can be quite effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Revitol, NuVectin and Trilastin are stretch mark treatments that many people have had good results with. 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. Before using any product that claims to eliminate stretch marks, try to find some unbiased customer reviews. Search the internet, and look for sites that aren't tied to the product being sold. Be sure to investigate the manufacturer's website and research the source of their product claims if you can. - 15266
About the Author:
Stretch marks can impact anyone, male or female, through weight gain, pregnancy and bodybuilding. Learn more about the options for treating this condition at Get Rid of Stretch Marks: Tips to Prevent and Treat Stretch Marks.
