Occasionally, when your body grows quickly, stretch marks can appear. Marks may occur when you gain weight, get pregnant, gain muscle mass or even when you grow as a teenager. The cause is scarring under the skin, due to elastin and collagen breaking as the skin expands, according to Richard G. Glogau, a clinical professor at the University of California on the “Real Simple Magazine” website. Stretch marks can appear on nearly any surface on your body and may look red, pink, white or even silver. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to get rid of stretch marks, but it is possible to decrease the appearance.
Step 1
Wait for the marks to fade with time. It may take several years but eventually the scars will fade and your stretch marks will go away, or fade, naturally according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Apply a stretch mark cream to the affected area at least twice a day. Depending on the thickness of the affected skin and your skin type, the results may vary. Lines, however, should diminish within two to four weeks. However, you should never use tretinoin creams containing Retin-A or Renova during pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you are not pregnant, these tretinoin creams are among the most effective, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 3
Visit a dermatologist. She may be able to offer you several treatment options to include light therapy, chemical peels or microdermabrasion. This provides you with an opportunity to discuss different costs and levels of pain that may be associated with treatment. Furthermore, your dermatologist may be able to suggest several home treatments that are specific to the type of stretch marks you wish to get rid of.
Step 4
Start laser treatments for stretch mark removal. Offered in clinics and spas, these treatments may take up to five months to take full effect, according to the “Real Simple Magazine” website. While expensive, you will likely enjoy the clear results and the treatments are nearly painless with few possible side effects.
Step 5
Remove the stretch marks surgically. A cosmetic surgeon can offer several options for stretch mark removal to include skin removal and treating each mark individually. Treatments are tailored to your desired results and budget.
Warnings
- If you are pregnant, consult a physician about any natural products boasting the ability to treat stretch marks, as they may be dangerous to your child.
Photo Credit
- love symbol image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
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