Stretch Marks

Stretch marks come from overstretching of the skin and are often due to pregnancy, puberty, or obesity.  Stretch marks are scars usually created when pregnancy, puberty, or obesity affect the production of collagen. 

Although stretch marks are softer than normal skin and first appear to be purple or red, they tend to slowly fade into a lighter color.  Stretch marks are usually found in the dermis layer of skin, which is the layer that makes skin stay in the same shape.  Stretch marks occur when they overstretch and the fibers within the dermis lose their elasticity. 

More than seventy-five percent of women who are pregnant get stretch marks.  Stretch marks are most common around the abdomen, breasts, arms and legs.  Fortunately, there are many forms of treatment and cures that exist solely to get rid of stretch marks.  However, there is no precise method which guarantees the removal of them.  Many of the popular treatments include laser surgery, dermabrasion and various applications. 

Although stretch marks are not really unhealthy but rather just a cosmetic problem, there are many topical ointments out there such as cocoa butter.  Treatments in the form of tretinoin, isotretinoin and adapelen can be used to try to remove stretch marks.  However, these treatments have not necessarily been found to be effective and should only be used if there is a major concern when it comes to stretch marks' appearance. 

The best thing to do when it comes to removing stretch marks is to contact a dermatologist or surgeon.  They are able to help a person and show them what the best options are.  In fact, some medications, such as steroids and hormones, can actually cause stretch marks, which is why it is important to just let your doctor know what is going on. 

Surgery is the most reliable form of treatment, since it makes stretch marks completely disappear.  Topical applications, on the other hand, prevent stretch marks by simply having them fade or by giving the skin some more flexibility.  With many improvements in technology relating to laser surgery, dermabrasion can be a good method to rid of stretch marks.  However, the kind of success one might get from the treatment varies from person to person as it depends on various factors such as age and diet.  Physicians are also able to recommend various kind of over-the-counter creams which prevent stretch marks. 

Diet and exercise are also quite important ways to prevent stretch marks, as they can determine how healthy your skin is.  Drinking water is very important for the skin as it keeps it soft, while drinks with caffeine can often increase the chance of stretch marks. 

Since stretch marks can be cause by a bad diet, it is also important to eat healthy and have foods that are good for the skin.  Foods that are high in zinc, such as fish and nuts and protein, such as eggs, are quite healthy for the skin.  A healthy diet and plenty of exercise can be a great way to prevent stretch marks.  If one needs more help though, it is best to just go to a professional such as a dermatologist and ask them for advice.