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Three
Treatment Options for Stretch Marks
by Ally McNeal
Stretch marks are a type of skin scar, often caused by rapid
pulling of the skin, such as occurs in pregnancy, or with sudden
weight gain. Stretch marks can also appear after fast weight
loss.
They arise due to breakdown of the dermis, the middle layer
of skin which is responsible for maintaining the skin’s structure
and tone. When the dermis breaks down, the surface of the skin
will show stretch marks. These normally start out a reddish-purplish
color and then gradually fade to a glossy white or silver.
The best way to manage stretch marks is to do your best to prevent
them. Drinking plenty of water will keep your skin soft and
well hydrated, allowing it to have more “give” before it breaks.
Minimizing caffeine intake, and eating foods high in zinc, protein,
and the A, C, and D vitamins can also give your skin a bit more
elasticity, thereby reducing the likelihood of stretch marks.
You can also boost your skin’s hydration and “stretch-ability”
from the outside, by keeping your skin well moisturized. Using
an oil rich
lotion, such as one made from cocoa butter or shea butter,
will reduce your chances of developing stretch marks.
Sometimes, though, total prevention is not possible, and you
develop stretch marks anyway. When this happens, what are your
treatment options?
Treatment Option #1: Surgical methods
Dermabrasion or chemical peels may be your best surgical options
for addressing stretch marks. New advances in laser surgery
also make this another possibility. The best treatment for you
will depend on your age, skin tone, severity of stretch marks,
and level of health.
Laser stretch mark treatment works by building new collagen
and repairing the stretch mark from the inside out.
Surgical options can be expensive and may not be covered by
your medical insurance.
Treatment Option #2: Lotions or Creams
There are many stretch mark treatments on the market, many of
which promise amazing results. Unfortunately, it’s difficult
to determine which creams really work. Your best plan would
be to get direct referrals from your doctor, or from trusted
family or friends who have successfully treated their stretch
marks. Be sure to select lotions or creams which have research
and proven results. If you’re not totally certain that a cream
will work for you, consider asking for a sample or trial size
container so you can try it out before committing to a full
size container.
Treatment Option #3: Patience
This option refers to being patient, as your stretch marks will
fade naturally over time. (Not the fastest treatment option,
that’s for sure!)
Again, remember that it’s better to prevent stretch marks than
it is to have to treat them. Maintain a healthy diet, keep your
skin well moisturized, and avoid excess caffeine. If you do
all this, but still have a stretch mark or two, consider a lotion
or cream to treat them. If your stretch marks are severe, talk
to your doctor about the best surgical treatment options for
you, based on your age, skin tone, and stretch mark severity.
About the Author:
Ally McNeal enjoys learning and teaching about skin care. Learn
more about the best
skin care treatments for you
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