Stretch Mark Therapy : How to Choose the Right Skin Care Regimen to Get Rid of Those Unsightly Stretchmarks Fast

Do you think having stretchmarks is really that bad? Would you want to get rid of them once and for all? Then, you must first try to understand what stretchmarks are, how they develop and why Stretch Mark Therapy is best for you.

What Are Stretchmarks?

Stretchmarks are a normal result of gradual skin stretching and tearing. These are unnoticeable and noticeable irregular lines and marks on your skin that appear as you age or grow older. These marks have somewhat lighter to darker color than your normal, regular skin; they even have a slightly scar-like texture. Most stretchmarks can be found on the lower abdomen, thighs, buttocks area, hips, knees, calves, elbows, breasts and even on the upper arms near the chest and armpits.

Stretchmarks in general are unnoticeable and rarely affect the skin’s condition; however, abdominal stretchmarks which are reddish and even purplish in color are indeed unsightly and ugly. Somehow, these irregular striae (pregnancy-caused stretchmarks) can become a source of poor body image and low self-esteem among women.

        Everybody and anybody can have stretchmarks; young and old, men and women, no one is exempted from this kind of skin condition. However, women are most likely to have stretchmarks because women are generally fatter than men and they are the ones who get pregnant.

       Stretchmarks are basically caused by your body’s adaptation to weight gain, muscle building, pregnancy and many other factors which involve growth and development. The skin adapts by producing more collagen so the skin can be highly stretchable through time but with rapid stretching like in pregnancy, collagen can wear out and epidermal tearing will occur; thus, stretchmarks are produced. The tearing can cause scar-like marks on the skin which eventually reduce skin’s elasticity.

       During puberty, your body will have to undergo changes to produce your secondary sex characteristics, which involve breast development and increase in height. Naturally, these adaptations all involve skin stretching; thus, you develop stretchmarks in areas where growth or increase start. During pregnancy, stretchmarks can be observed on the lower abdomen since it is the first one to stretch.

       Stretchmarks can also increase on the buttocks and thigh area since the woman needs to gain weight for the baby’s health. On the other hand, stretchmarks in men can be observed on areas where muscle builds up like in the upper arms, thighs and buttocks. Increase in abdominal girth will also result in stretchmarks. It is actually very natural to have stretchmarks but it can become bothersome, most especially to women who are overly conscious of their physical appearance.

How Can You Get Rid of Stretchmarks?

            If you really want to get rid of stretchmarks, the first things you need to study and understand are the factors involved in the development and cause of stretchmarks. This way, you are not only getting rid of those unsightly marks you will also be able to prevent the development of stretchmarks in the future.

            So what are the things you need to consider when getting rid of stretchmarks?

            You must consider the following contributing factors in the development of striae:

-          Skin color – Your skin color can either make stretchmarks look more visible or not. Normally, stretchmarks can either be lighter or darker depending on the epidermal tearing that occurred. In abdominal stretchmarks, the rapid growth of the fetus results in rapid tearing and that’s why the stretchmarks on the abdomen of a pregnant woman may look raw and red. This is basically more visible in fair-skinned women than in dark-skinned women.

-          Sensitivity to skin care products

-          Allergies and allergic reactions, skin conditions and disorders

-          Contents of your skin care products - Natural contents like vitamins, minerals, and other organic formulas are generally okay. Chemical formulas like alcohol, bleaching compounds and others are generally not okay.

-          Skin care regimen

-          Exposure to the elements

-          Diet and exercise

-          Vices

-          Weight gain, weight loss and muscle building

-          Distribution of stretchmarks on your body

-          Developmental physical changes – Pregnancy and puberty are examples.

-          Genetics – Genetics will play a part in the development of stretchmarks. This is also why some people have regular-looking stretchmarks while others have very unsightly ones. The genetic make up of an individual dictates the appearance of the stretchmarks.

-          Glucocorticoids (steroid) – Stretchmarks are side effects of steroids, whether natural or synthetic. This chemical – hormone substance can cause stretchmarks to appear on your body. You will also know if a body builder used steroids to gain weight because of the appearance of stretchmarks on his chest and upper arms.

-          Hormones during puberty and pregnancy

-          Epidermal tearing

             The above mentioned contributing factors to the development of stretchmarks are important. These indicators will not only guide you on how to get rid of stretchmarks but will also help you know the right products and interventions you need to choose in order to come up with the best results.

So, what do you need to look for in a product to help you get rid of stretchmarks fast?

After you have fully considered the contributing factors of your stretchmarks, you may now choose a product that is best for your skin type. Of course, products contain different substances and components combined to give you the best resul; however, you must understand that not all skin types respond equally to a certain type of product, and that’s why you must choose wisely. Basically, here are the things you should look for in a skin care product as part of your Stretch Mark Therapy.

• Vitamins and Minerals – Vitamin-rich products are very good for any skin color and type and they do not have any effect on the color of your regular skin except on the stretchmark itself. Vitamin C is responsible for cellular regeneration, toning, and collagen formation. Basically, this vitamin can help lessen the redness of stretchmarks and can also help reduce their scar-like texture. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is a natural antioxidant which can help get rid of free radicals and toxins, and increase skin elasticity and collagen formation on the skin. A Vitamin E-rich skin is not prone to stretchmarks. Another vitamin that will play a crucial role in the removal of stretchmarks is Vitamin A. Generally, the benefit of Vitamin A to the skin is to make it look young and healthy, well-hydrated and supple. The last vitamin you need to consider is Vitamin D, which is responsible for the absorption of calcium. Calcium is a mineral that can make your skin more absorbent to nutrients. It helps the good exchange of nutrients and toxins between the skin cells and the blood thus helping you get rid of toxins in your body. Zinc and Selenium also play an important role in your skin’s health. These two can help in collagen formation and can increase the elasticity of the skin for you to be able to prevent stretchmarks.
• Gold Dust – Gold (Au) can be found in really expensive skin care products. Gold is a mineral than can accumulate heat and when applied on the skin, it generates sufficient amount of heat to reduce fat, get rid of cellulites and even reduce the presence of stretchmarks. Of course, this may only be a part of your Stretch Mark Therapy. If you do, however, use this kind of product, you won’t be disappointe
• Aloe Vera Extract – Aloe Vera is a very good and organic substance that does not only help you get rid of stretchmarks by generally increasing the elasticity of your skin but it also helps in the overall health of your skin. Aloe Vera is a natural source of moisture and Vitamin E. It can hydrate dry areas of the skin which are prone to stretchmarks, and it also helps heal and soothe sore and reddened skin.
• Tea Tree Oil and Extract – Tea has a small amount of caffeine in it and caffeine contains natural antioxidants like Vitamin E. Tea tree oil and extract are also soothing and most of all it can help reduce redness, dryness and itchiness.
• Lemon Juice or Lime Juice – Lemon or Lime contains Vitamin C, which helps reduce dark stretchmarks and lightens the skin. This is good for stretchmarks due to pregnancy and weight gain. Since Vitamin C is also responsible for collagen formation, it can significantly reduce stretchmarks and increase skin flexibility and health
• Essential Oils – Lanolin, Coconut, Sunflower and olive oil are essential oils which can be applied on the skin or stretchmarks to reduce its visibility. It can be applied twice a day for best results. Essential oils are very rich in Vitamins A and E, which are both responsible for increasing skin flexibility and its antioxidant properties that are helpful in removing toxins from the body. Some products don’t have essential oils but you can actually purchase these oils individually and use them in combination or not. The best essential oil you can use for stubborn stretchmarks is olive oil because it has a higher content of Vitamin E than other oils.
• Milk Extract – Milk has a natural ability to lighten the skin. Not only that, it also contains significant amounts of calcium and zinc and other vitamins like Vitamin A and minerals, which are basically good for the skin. You can either choose a product that has milk extracts or simply buy a carton of fresh milk and apply the milk using cotton balls all over your stretchmarks.

On the other hand, aside from natural Stretch Mark Therapy, you can also settle for a more radical and aggressive procedure to fully reduce stretchmarks by 90%. Here are some procedures and Stretch Mark Therapy alternatives you might want to consider.

- Prescription methods – You will be prescribed medicines that have the ability to reduce stretchmarks. These products contain the chemical tretinoin and retinoids, which are very effective in reducing stretchmarks over a short period of time. These chemicals can also prevent the development of stretchmarks during pregnancy.

- Laser Method – Laser therapy can help address your concern when it comes to stubborn stretchmarks. Laser treatment is often advised to women after pregnancy since this can really help remove scar like stretchmarks on the abdomen due to epidermal tearing. Of course, this intervention is expensive than regular lotions, oils, creams and moisturizers but it can help you have the normal skin you used to have before pregnancy fast.

- Dermabrasion – This is another method you might want to consider to remove stretchmarks anywhere in your body. Dermabrasion is a surgical intervention which involves the gradual and careful removal of the top dead skin layers and help the skin regrow to a more supple skin. It does require anesthetics because it is painful and can cause your skin to look raw and red afterwards.

- Tummy tuck – This is a very aggressive surgical procedure to remove the lower portion of the abdominal skin where stretchmarks usually occur to keep the abdomen firmer like before. This procedure is often recommended to women to reduce skin excess and stretchmarks as well.

So there you have it, the different ways on how you can get rid of and prevent stretchmarks through natural methods and through surgical and medical procedures. Now that you are armed with this information, what are you waiting for? See what you can do about those unsightly stretchmarks on your body that are making you feel insecure and unconfident. Be sure that you do choose the best product or intervention for you.