Stretch marks are scars left behind when skin is overstretched, and fibers in the middle layer (dermis) have broken. They most often occur during pregnancy, bodybuilding, extreme weight gain, occasionally puberty and are usually found on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, legs, and upper arms. Fresh stretch marks appear initially as red lines and then slowly fade to a pale white color over the course of several months. While it is possible to reduce and even eliminate the appearance of stretch marks, it is much easier to prevent them.



Stretch marks appear on the body in many different places for a variety of reasons. Stretch marks occur when the dermis, the middle layer of your skin, is stretched to a point where its elasticity begins to break down. At this point, microscopic bleeding occurs along with tissue inflammation which gives us the raised reddish purple look of newly formed stretch marks.

Before you contemplate splurging your hard-earned cash on the latest, most expensive creams or the newest advances in surgical procedures, there are some easy and helpful ways you can do in the comfort of your own home to treat stretch marks.

Stretched to the limit

As the skin is stretched, the normal production of collagen is disrupted and stretch marks appear. In theory, they can turn up anywhere on the body, but the main areas affected are places where the body fluctuates in size.

During pregnancy that’s commonly on the stomach, breasts, hips, thighs and buttocks.

But if you think it’s only pregnancy, and being female, that puts one at risk of stretch marks, you’re wrong.

“Body fat has a role to play in the development of stretch marks, so they can affect anyone who gains weight rapidly," Dr Gilmour says.

Treatment

Prescription creams are also available for the treatment of stretch marks. These may be very successful on mild stretch marks and may improve the appearance of deeper stretch marks as well. Retin-A cream is commonly used to reduce the redness in new stretch marks and may help prevent prominent scarring. However, Retin-A can only be used on newer stretch marks that are still red or pink, typically less than one year old.

You may also opt to see your dermatologist to get an appropriate prescription cream such as Retin-A. A significant decrease in the size of stretch marks has been observed in patients who have participated in Retin-A studies.

However, Retin-A should not be used to get rid of stretch marks by pregnant or lactating women, as there have not been a sufficient number of studies done to prove it could not adversely affect an unborn child.

Laser surgery is by far the most definitive and permanent means of to get rid of stretch marks. Keep in mind that the type of laser to be used would largely depend on the coloration of your stretch marks.

There are certain expensive and difficult surgeries that will help to reduce the look of stretch marks. If they bother you that bad, then see a doctor about getting a microdermobrasion surgery to remove the marks. Laser surgery is also an effective way to fight the awful looking things. These are extreme measures only for those who are serious about getting rid of skin problems.

Generally, you should want to do something about your stretch marks because you want to and not because someone is pressuring you. If a lover or loved one is forcing you to do something about it, then consider a relationship change. It will be easier to get rid of that bum than it will be to get rid of the stretch marks.

Prevention of stretch marks

Research is contradictory. Most studies maintain that creams and lotions can't prevent stretch marks, but some trials have found significant successes with certain creams. Prevention suggestions include:

* Eat sensibly to avoid gaining excess body fat.

* Eat a highly nutritious diet to maintain the health of your skin.

* Wear a supportive maternity bra throughout pregnancy.