Stretch marks can be an embarrassing problem to deal with. Stretch marks are caused by many things in life and sometimes it's unclear why we've even developed stretch marks. The simple definition of stretch marks is that they're a sign of your skin stretching in ways it doesn't want to and ultimately you're left with a dissatisfying mark on your body.
Some common reasons for stretch marks are being pregnant as well as growing. Pregnant women have suffered from the unfortunate look of stretch marks for many years. When you're pregnant, your stomach has to stretch out as far as needed to house the baby safely inside you. The process of stretching your skin can leave very distinct marks on your stomach which will follow you for many years and sometimes even for the rest of your life. It can be very dissatisfying to have to deal with stretch marks.
Look for a stretch mark cream that uses liposomes or other mediums to help the moisturizer penetrate and repair the stretched skin. Stretch mark creams with liposomes and emus oil, for example, help your skin absorb the active ingredients to repair and protect your skin.
Consider a stretch mark removal cream with ingredients like elastin, collagen or vitamin E, which can help restore your skin's elasticity and increase circulation in the area. These skin care products help with existing stretch marks while preventing new scars from forming.
Find the best stretch mark cream with Retin-A or Tretinoin, shown to help fade and "repair" stretch marks that have recently appeared. Note that the effectiveness of the ingredient may be less helpful with older stretch marks.
Improve the look of older scars with a stretch mark cream that also has firming agents and moisturizers to improve the texture of your skin. New skin care treatments even feature ingredients like healing garden snail secretions, touted for reducing the discoloration and scarring of older stretch marks, in addition to other skin problems like acne scars or sun spots.
Most over the counter stretch mark creams contain cocoa butter, and a mix of vitamins A and E. These promote the health of the skin, and improve its appearance. Cocoa butter hydrates the skin, improving its elasticity which will aid in the prevention of stretch marks. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the skin. Retinol, or vitamin A, is also beneficial to the skin.
Most prescription stretch mark creams have a higher concentration of vitamin A. They are much stronger than the over the counter preparations, therefore they are generally more successful. Their success generally depends on the age of the stretch mark, and overall skin condition.
Shea butter is a recent addition to the mix. It helps with cell replenishment, and is a natural barrier to UV skin damage. Alpha hydroxy acids are also common in stretch mark ointments, also promoting cell regrowth. Your skin might feel a bit dry when you start using them, because dead skin is being removed.
Stretchmarks
Stretch marks appear as parallel streaks of red or purple, thinned, glossy skin that over time may become depressed and scar like in texture and sometimes white in color.
Stretch marks, or striae develop when the skin is excessively stretched during pregnancy, weight gain or growth spurts. Some medications, including hormones and steroids can also cause stretch marks. Stretch marks occur when rapidly expanding skin is stretched to its limit and tiny tears appear in the supporting layers of skin.
Stretchmarks can appear when elastin in the skin is stretched, as a result of sudden growth, such as during pregnancy, weight gain or loss, or as a result of growth spurts during puberty. 90% of all women suffer from stretchmarks, tell-tale pink or silver lines which are usually found on the breasts, stomach and thighs. And men are not exempt either with the most commonly affected areas including the arms, flanks and back.
Due to the fact that the Dermaroller’s Microneedling stimulates cell regeneration, and proliferation of fibroblasts, in such a dramatic way, several physicians started to use the Dermaroller to treat stretch marks in 2007. The results were beyond expectations and at a recent symposium Dr. Scalvini, of the Milano University in Italy, predicted that Dermarolling stretch marks will result in a success rate of 80% to 90%.
Stretch marks effects all nationalities and all skin types although they may appear different. A person with a lighter skin will have stretch marks with a pink under cast while darker people's stretch marks will be darker than the skin surrounding them. There are different skin types. All creams will work for the varies skin types. The only difference would be how fast the cream works. Deeper scars take longer to heal. Another factor that determines how quickly stretch mark products works is personal habits. A person who drinks alcohol smokes and has a poor diet habit would take longer to heal.
The only way that stretchmarks can be permanently eradicated is to have the affected skin surgically removed. Many times a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty will be performed to remove the damaged skin and excess fat that accompanies rapid weight loss or pregnancy. Lotions, creams and other topical remedies are marketed by the thousands, touting their skin rejuvenating properties that remove stretch marks all together, or supernatural powers to prevent the formation of stretch marks by keeping the skin elastic through extreme moisturization. The problem is that preventing stretch scars is next to impossible as there are many factors at work such as hormonal imbalances, rapid weight or muscle mass gain, and loss of skin elasticity with age. These factors cannot be neutralized with any ordinary lotion or cream.
Stretch marks, or striae develop when the skin is excessively stretched during pregnancy, weight gain or growth spurts. Some medications, including hormones and steroids can also cause stretch marks. Stretch marks occur when rapidly expanding skin is stretched to its limit and tiny tears appear in the supporting layers of skin.
Stretchmarks can appear when elastin in the skin is stretched, as a result of sudden growth, such as during pregnancy, weight gain or loss, or as a result of growth spurts during puberty. 90% of all women suffer from stretchmarks, tell-tale pink or silver lines which are usually found on the breasts, stomach and thighs. And men are not exempt either with the most commonly affected areas including the arms, flanks and back.
Due to the fact that the Dermaroller’s Microneedling stimulates cell regeneration, and proliferation of fibroblasts, in such a dramatic way, several physicians started to use the Dermaroller to treat stretch marks in 2007. The results were beyond expectations and at a recent symposium Dr. Scalvini, of the Milano University in Italy, predicted that Dermarolling stretch marks will result in a success rate of 80% to 90%.
Stretch marks effects all nationalities and all skin types although they may appear different. A person with a lighter skin will have stretch marks with a pink under cast while darker people's stretch marks will be darker than the skin surrounding them. There are different skin types. All creams will work for the varies skin types. The only difference would be how fast the cream works. Deeper scars take longer to heal. Another factor that determines how quickly stretch mark products works is personal habits. A person who drinks alcohol smokes and has a poor diet habit would take longer to heal.
The only way that stretchmarks can be permanently eradicated is to have the affected skin surgically removed. Many times a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty will be performed to remove the damaged skin and excess fat that accompanies rapid weight loss or pregnancy. Lotions, creams and other topical remedies are marketed by the thousands, touting their skin rejuvenating properties that remove stretch marks all together, or supernatural powers to prevent the formation of stretch marks by keeping the skin elastic through extreme moisturization. The problem is that preventing stretch scars is next to impossible as there are many factors at work such as hormonal imbalances, rapid weight or muscle mass gain, and loss of skin elasticity with age. These factors cannot be neutralized with any ordinary lotion or cream.
Stretch Mark Treatment
Skin stretched by rapid expansion due to pregnancy, weight gain, or extreme weight loss can result in a form of scarring called stretch marks, or “striae distensae”. Stretch marks generally form as reddish or purplish in color, and then fade to glossy silver or white hue. Stretch marks occur in the dermis. Stretch marks can form anywhere on the body, but mostly occur where larger amounts of fat form, such as the abdominal area, hips, breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs (both inner and outer), hips, and buttocks. or lower back.
It’s a myth that men don’t get stretch marks. Men’s skin is thicker and less prone to stretch marks, but actually they are a common problem faced by both men and women. Some skin types are more susceptible to stretch marks than others, and on some people they are very feint and hardly noticeable. For other people, the marks can be very noticeable as raised, ugly white or dark red lines found on the thighs, buttocks, arms, stomach, or breast area. Stretch marks can be unsightly and cause a lot of embarrassment, preventing the sufferer from wearing swimwear or revealing clothes.
On the human body, are three layers of skin: the epidermis (upper layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the subcutaneous stratum (innermost layer). Stretch marks appear in the dermis; the strong middle layer that serves to maintain the shape and elasticity of the skin.
When the dermis is subjected to stress, massive hormonal changes and imbalances, bad nutrition and is constantly stretched over time, it loses its elasticity and then there is tearing of the small connective fibres within this layer. The resultant skin damage is what we see as stretch marks.
The problem is that the actual stretch marks are well beneath the top layers of skin. Topical creams and many of the treatments available in stores are unable to really repair the damage; they simply make the stretch marks look a little better.
Easy Treatments for Stretch Marks
Prevention - In pregnancy, try not to gain weight excessively. Please do this as recommended by your physician. Also understand that stretch mark-laden skin will take pigment differently than regular skin. Sun exposure should therefore be limited (cover clothing, sun screens) or the color difference between the skin with and without stretch marks may become more apparent.
Alpha-hydroxy-acids - These acids encourage lightening of the skin and some deposition of collagen. There are studies suggesting that they may be helpful in stretch mark treatment when used at 8-12% concentrations.
Retin A - Retin A may help fade the color of pigmented stretch marks when used at .1% on newer marks. This again should be done under the direction of a physician. Kinerase is a related compound associated with less irritation than that seen with Retin A.
It’s a myth that men don’t get stretch marks. Men’s skin is thicker and less prone to stretch marks, but actually they are a common problem faced by both men and women. Some skin types are more susceptible to stretch marks than others, and on some people they are very feint and hardly noticeable. For other people, the marks can be very noticeable as raised, ugly white or dark red lines found on the thighs, buttocks, arms, stomach, or breast area. Stretch marks can be unsightly and cause a lot of embarrassment, preventing the sufferer from wearing swimwear or revealing clothes.
On the human body, are three layers of skin: the epidermis (upper layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the subcutaneous stratum (innermost layer). Stretch marks appear in the dermis; the strong middle layer that serves to maintain the shape and elasticity of the skin.
When the dermis is subjected to stress, massive hormonal changes and imbalances, bad nutrition and is constantly stretched over time, it loses its elasticity and then there is tearing of the small connective fibres within this layer. The resultant skin damage is what we see as stretch marks.
The problem is that the actual stretch marks are well beneath the top layers of skin. Topical creams and many of the treatments available in stores are unable to really repair the damage; they simply make the stretch marks look a little better.
Easy Treatments for Stretch Marks
Prevention - In pregnancy, try not to gain weight excessively. Please do this as recommended by your physician. Also understand that stretch mark-laden skin will take pigment differently than regular skin. Sun exposure should therefore be limited (cover clothing, sun screens) or the color difference between the skin with and without stretch marks may become more apparent.
Alpha-hydroxy-acids - These acids encourage lightening of the skin and some deposition of collagen. There are studies suggesting that they may be helpful in stretch mark treatment when used at 8-12% concentrations.
Retin A - Retin A may help fade the color of pigmented stretch marks when used at .1% on newer marks. This again should be done under the direction of a physician. Kinerase is a related compound associated with less irritation than that seen with Retin A.
Stretch Mark Removal Surgery
Stretch marks are one of the most frustrating problems facing both physicians and patients today. The linear areas of scaring that occur with rapid changes in weight or pregnancy, often effect more women than men, and up until recently, had no successful treatment option available with proven clinical results.
Finally, with new FDA Approval, the Starlux laser system is the only effective treatment for stretch marks!! Some other treatments used until now, has not had long term effects with improvement and did not last. (surgery, topical tretinoin, IPL, Co2 lasers have all been tried).
Laser stretch mark removal surgery is one of the most popular forms of surgery for stretch marks but it is also a relatively expensive treatment option. Laser surgery won’t completely remove your stretch marks but it can have significant success in improving their appearance. The techniques involved are similar to those used to treat scars. A narrow beam of light transmits through the skin, helping to stimulate the cells in the dermis to create new tissue. At this stage most lasers only recognize color pigment, so they are not effective in treating mature stretch marks that have turned silver-white. However, there is currently new laser technology being developed that can treat white or pale scars. Most laser treatments require between five and six sessions.
For the laser surgery to be more successful in eliminating stretch marks, there are some ways that you should follow.
Upon deciding that you want to undergo a laser surgery to remove your stretch mark, you should look for the right center that will accommodate your needs. The center that you should go to must be managed by a physician. He should be a certified laser therapist.
You should see to it that the physician evaluates your stretch marks according to the size and age. He should then discuss how many sessions it may take before the stretch marks will fade away. Do not be hesitant to ask the cost and if there are any risks of complication.
There are different kinds of laser surgeries and it may vary according to the center. Discuss with the physician the best type of laser surgery for you. Do this with the consideration of the duration of treatment, result, and cost.
Once you’ve chosen a specific kind of laser surgery, you can then set when to do the actual process. A more practical choice would be to have a schedule wherein you can go home after the procedure. Just ask your physician if there is a particular wound dressing technique that can aid in faster healing.
You should see visible results after at least three sessions. However, if the stretch marks do not fade after five sessions then you should discontinue the process. It might not be the right treatment for you.
Finally, with new FDA Approval, the Starlux laser system is the only effective treatment for stretch marks!! Some other treatments used until now, has not had long term effects with improvement and did not last. (surgery, topical tretinoin, IPL, Co2 lasers have all been tried).
Laser stretch mark removal surgery is one of the most popular forms of surgery for stretch marks but it is also a relatively expensive treatment option. Laser surgery won’t completely remove your stretch marks but it can have significant success in improving their appearance. The techniques involved are similar to those used to treat scars. A narrow beam of light transmits through the skin, helping to stimulate the cells in the dermis to create new tissue. At this stage most lasers only recognize color pigment, so they are not effective in treating mature stretch marks that have turned silver-white. However, there is currently new laser technology being developed that can treat white or pale scars. Most laser treatments require between five and six sessions.
For the laser surgery to be more successful in eliminating stretch marks, there are some ways that you should follow.
Upon deciding that you want to undergo a laser surgery to remove your stretch mark, you should look for the right center that will accommodate your needs. The center that you should go to must be managed by a physician. He should be a certified laser therapist.
You should see to it that the physician evaluates your stretch marks according to the size and age. He should then discuss how many sessions it may take before the stretch marks will fade away. Do not be hesitant to ask the cost and if there are any risks of complication.
There are different kinds of laser surgeries and it may vary according to the center. Discuss with the physician the best type of laser surgery for you. Do this with the consideration of the duration of treatment, result, and cost.
Once you’ve chosen a specific kind of laser surgery, you can then set when to do the actual process. A more practical choice would be to have a schedule wherein you can go home after the procedure. Just ask your physician if there is a particular wound dressing technique that can aid in faster healing.
You should see visible results after at least three sessions. However, if the stretch marks do not fade after five sessions then you should discontinue the process. It might not be the right treatment for you.
Stretch Mark Removal Cream
Stretch marks are regarded as a type of scar and from the time they show up, they are often quite challenging to eliminate. They could have an impact on men and women and sometimes they begin to show up following adolescence stage pursuant to hormonal adjustments.
Stretch marks may also be quite normal for some women that are pregnant, both males and females who have experienced unexpected extra weight or loss, and in many case weight training men who boost their muscular size in merely a short period of time. Although stretch marks might be no more than scars and really do not trigger medical issues, they’re an issue that men and women wish to eliminate.
So how can you choose one that can work very well for you? Here are some things you should include in your checklist when buying a stretch mark cream.
1. Customer testimonials Testimonials - the positive, encouraging ones - are usually seen on the product website to encourage sales. They may be biased to make you buy their product, but somehow these testimonials can help because it means that other people have bought it and have come to their attention. It also means there is a chance it might work for you, too. Or it might not, it’s a gamble.
2. Ingredients There are certain vitamins, nutrients and other types of ingredients that are commonly found in stretch mark removal creams, because they are proven to help promote collagen increase, as well as skin elasticity.
3. Refund policy You should ensure they honor they guarantee by reading their refund policy before you buy. These merchant sites have a refund policy in which they return your investment in case nothing worked, or you are not satisfied with the product you bought.
4. Unbiased opinions You can search for more reviews in other places online. You can find them specifically on forums, websites and general consumer review sites like Epinions.com where you will get to read more about the opinions of other customers who bought the same product.
Having a baby or losing weight or building muscle does not happen overnight so don't expect your stretch mark removal cream results overnight either. The important thing is to be consistent. Look for a cream that is non greasy and doesn’t have any fragrance so that you can apply it more frequently under your clothes and no one will be the wiser.
Another thing to look for when ordering a stretch mark removal cream is that the product should have a risk-free guarantee. Great companies stand behind their products and offer refunds if you are not satisfied with the product. This way you can try a couple of stretch mark removal creams without breaking the bank. Make sure to read all the fine print and pay for shipping and handling in most cases.
If you have tried various stretch mark removal creams and have not seen any major improvements, then you might want to consider stretch mark removal surgery. This however should be the last resort after you have tried over the counter and prescription products.
Stretch marks may also be quite normal for some women that are pregnant, both males and females who have experienced unexpected extra weight or loss, and in many case weight training men who boost their muscular size in merely a short period of time. Although stretch marks might be no more than scars and really do not trigger medical issues, they’re an issue that men and women wish to eliminate.
So how can you choose one that can work very well for you? Here are some things you should include in your checklist when buying a stretch mark cream.
1. Customer testimonials Testimonials - the positive, encouraging ones - are usually seen on the product website to encourage sales. They may be biased to make you buy their product, but somehow these testimonials can help because it means that other people have bought it and have come to their attention. It also means there is a chance it might work for you, too. Or it might not, it’s a gamble.
2. Ingredients There are certain vitamins, nutrients and other types of ingredients that are commonly found in stretch mark removal creams, because they are proven to help promote collagen increase, as well as skin elasticity.
3. Refund policy You should ensure they honor they guarantee by reading their refund policy before you buy. These merchant sites have a refund policy in which they return your investment in case nothing worked, or you are not satisfied with the product you bought.
4. Unbiased opinions You can search for more reviews in other places online. You can find them specifically on forums, websites and general consumer review sites like Epinions.com where you will get to read more about the opinions of other customers who bought the same product.
Having a baby or losing weight or building muscle does not happen overnight so don't expect your stretch mark removal cream results overnight either. The important thing is to be consistent. Look for a cream that is non greasy and doesn’t have any fragrance so that you can apply it more frequently under your clothes and no one will be the wiser.
Another thing to look for when ordering a stretch mark removal cream is that the product should have a risk-free guarantee. Great companies stand behind their products and offer refunds if you are not satisfied with the product. This way you can try a couple of stretch mark removal creams without breaking the bank. Make sure to read all the fine print and pay for shipping and handling in most cases.
If you have tried various stretch mark removal creams and have not seen any major improvements, then you might want to consider stretch mark removal surgery. This however should be the last resort after you have tried over the counter and prescription products.
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