Maybe you’ve just had a baby or have experienced rapid weight gain or weight loss. Perhaps your skin has stretched out and created ugly stretch marks as a result. Many will tell you that you’ll just have to learn to live with the problem, because there’s no truly effective way to get rid of stretch marks. But this isn’t the whole story.
It’s true that there are no “perfect” stretch mark treatments. But there are methods you can use to make them look significantly better and less obvious.
Your genes will largely determine whether or not you’re likely to get stretch marks. Regrettably, science has not yet advanced to the point that you can alter your DNA. However, diet can play a critical role in preventing and even treating stretch marks. Eating specific foods isn’t too likely to actually cause stretch marks. However, substantial weight gain or loss can definitely be a factor. So if you watch what you eat and control your weight, you can prevent stretch marks from appearing in the first place.
There are numerous oils, lotions and creams available to help get rid of stretch marks. Unfortunately, many of them aren’t particularly effective. During pregnancy, many women painstakingly apply lotions and creams to their abdomens in an effort to prevent stretch marks, but find in the end that there was no stopping them.
Other creams, however, are indeed effective as a stretch mark treatment. Alpha hydroxy acids and Retin-A medications combined with topical steroid creams are one such treatment. They can reduce inflammation and prevent the hormones in the skin from creating stretch marks. They also aid in the renewal of elastin and collagen in the skin, improving its overall appearance. These kinds of stretch mark treatment creams require a prescription.
Laser treatments are another popular way to get rid of stretch marks. Although results can vary, doctors have experienced much success with those whose stretch marks are still red in color. The lasers are able to lessen the redness and halt inflammation.
Other ways to rid yourself of stretch marks include plastic surgery, chemical peels and microdermabrasion; however, the outcome isn’t always what you expect. When it comes to stretch mark surgery, the scars it leaves behind might be more unsightly than the original stretch marks.
To discover the stretch mark treatment most suited to you, discuss this information with your physician to point you in the right direction. Even though a certain stretch mark treatment may work for some, it might not have the same results for others. The only way to find out which stretch mark treatment will have the best results for you is to try them yourself.
