The skin’s elastic property is a wondrous thing. The skin can stretch according to the way we move and bend. The skin can expand and adapt to our growing and changing physique! But then there are those unfortunate mishaps that occur in which the elasticity of our skin leave their marks of movement. They start as red or purple streaks that eventually turn into white lines, drawing everybody’s attention. They sit there and announce to you and everyone else the body’s history of expansion and shrinkage.
Stretch marks. You gained weight, got pregnant, or there was an imbalance in your hormones, and now it is too late! You could have prevented them before they showed up but who knew they were coming? Will they ever disappear? Or will they haunt our appearances forever? Will they take over our bodies marring our surfaces with unsightly patterns? Oh, the horror! Not to worry, for in our modern day and age, there is a way, or several ways to remove stretch marks, abolish a life of embarrassment and self -consciousness!
Although there are solutions for stretch marks new and old, keep in mind that it is best and most effective to treat stretch marks as soon as they appear.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Method #1: Time
If you are looking for a natural way to erase them, or if you are on a tight budget, you can bet on time. Gather your tolerance and patience! There is no guarantee of results, but stretch marks, like wounds and scars, may fade as time passes.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Method #2: Diet
The next most natural way to get rid of stretch marks is to change your diet to include the nutrients that best benefits skin health and/or help reduce cellulite. Again, like the first method, there is no guarantee although many people do this. This method embodies concepts that revolve around one’s metabolism, or circulation, or cell damage, making it hard for scientific data to be evaluated. Ultimately, one should always try to adopt a healthy and well-balanced diet.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Method #3: Creams
There are a multitude cosmetics, lotions, creams and ointments that claim to get rid of stretch marks. However, the evidence to back up their claims is weak. Everybody reacts to products differently, and while there may be a product that will work for somebody, the search for the magic potion may take up more time and money than it is worth. But if you are leaning towards a store-bought product, here is some general information on them to get you started:
Products for self-tanning can minimize the appearance of stretch marks by darkening the white lines and unifying skin tone.
Products with vitamin C may increase collagen production to smooth out skin.
Products with retinoids may also increase collagen and elastic production in the skin.
Products with glycolic acid, like vitamin c and retinoids may increase collagen. The use of glycolic acid and retinoids together make removing stretch marks more effective.
Products with wheat germ oil may or may not help stretch marks, as there is little scientific data showing that they improve the skin’s appearance.
Products with peptides should be doubted, as they have not shown to improve skin stretch marks.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Method #4: Lasers
A few sessions under this science-fiction-like implement and your stretch marks are gone…. along with a chunk of your money. If you can afford this, it is an effective treatment and is a popular treatment option by dermatologists. Expect to pay between $400 to $1000 a session.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Method #5: Photothermolysis
This gentle laser treatment is similar to laser treatment with the use of light wavelengths. The difference is in the effect it has on the skin. Photothermolysis is less intense than laser treatment so the skin heals quicker.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Method #6: Microdermabrasion
With the power of crystals, grow new skin by blasting away the old! Sounds like another science-fiction concept using magic crystals, but this process works by blowing crystals onto the skin to “polish” the surface. A vacuum tube sucks away the dead skin cells and crystals, and skin growth is stimulated. Microdermabrasion is an effective treatment against older stretch marks.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Method #7: Massages
And who does not enjoy a massage!?!? This kind is a bit different though; the technique is known as endermologie, and it involves rollers, lifts, and valves that work the skin tissue. It is a bit expensive and requires ten to twelve sessions for noticeable results. The proof of this method does not have solid ground, as it appears to redistribute fat rather than improve the skin’s flaws.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Method #8: Mesotherapy
Some people turn to mesotherapy, but this method is controversial in it’s application in getting rid of stretch marks. It also requires between ten to twelve sessions of vitamin, medication, or plant extract injections. Although this procedure is performed by physicians, the desired result is not guaranteed.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Method #9: Wraps
Another unproven, no- guarantee method, wraps are offered at beauty salons and mainly reduce fluid retention. They are temporary and not a medical treatment.
There are numerous other therapies, treatments and solutions, all holding on to the claim that your stretch marks will vanish, but don’t be fooled! Research, read carefully, and choose wisely. Talk to a dermatologist, and if you cannot afford expensive treatment, go with the next best option. Every person is unique and bodies respond to different treatments in different ways. What works for one may not work for another. You may find a cream, diet, or way of life that will improve your skin’s overall health and possibly make your stretch marks less noticeable. This information should be enough to stop you from giving those hideous lines the look and stare treatment all day (which is the least effective treatment by the way) and get you started on living your life in a skin streak free!