There is no denying that many people have stretch marks. Sometimes they can be a beauty dilemma. Though they are mostly associated with pregnancy, any person - male or female - can get stretch marks. The weight gain from pregnancy can be dramatic, and it can also cause some severe stretching of your skin. Some people are lucky and never have to deal with them, while others seem to get them no matter what they do. Pregnancy stretch marks are common, so there is no need to feel embarrassed by them. It is possible to remove stretch marks in a variety of ways. However, some of the extreme methods are invasive and costly. This article will examine extreme and not-so-extreme ways to remove stretch marks.

Stretch marks? Exactly what are they?

A stretch mark is a scar or disfiguring lesion. It is also known as Striae, and Striae Distensae (SD). The scars appear as whitish or pinkish patches on your skin after your skin stretches or shrinks rapidly. The protein collagen makes your skin more elastic and supports it. As your skin heals any changes or tears in your collagen, you may develop stretch marks. Usually, they appear on the abdomen, torso, hips, buttocks, back, shoulder, arms, thigh, or breasts. Often, there is also extreme itchiness associated with newly developed stretch marks, which can occur during pregnancy and other weight changes. Generally, stretch marks develop on areas of the body where you have gained a lot of weight in a short period. It also includes weight gain from non-pregnancy factors, such as puberty. Stretch marks present no health risks.

Stretch Mark: Causes

Physically, stretch marks do not pose a threat to health, but they may cause problems with anxiety and self-image. According to health experts, stretch marks appear when your body undergoes rapid growth spurts like weight gain, pregnancy, or increased muscle mass. Growth spurts cause the skin to stretch, causing collagen to separate. As your skin stretches, it tears your dermis, a layer below the epidermis, resulting in stretch marks. When the dermis tears, what lies below fills in and causes stretch marks. Skin gets thicker when you gain weight rapidly, and your body must compensate for the increase in weight. Experts believe when the skin ceases to grow, it may appear lined or wrinkled because the same amount of collagen underneath does not support it. With dermal tearing, your nerves trigger an itchy sensation. New stretch marks are more prone to itching, and they become white with time and run vertically, but sometimes they also run horizontally.

How to get rid of stretch marks

Most people consider stretch marks to be cosmetic issues. They are permanent; however, they can fade over time. Stretch marks result from deep tearing of the skin and are not entirely curable. Treatments can, however, make them less noticeable. If you are trying to get rid of stretch marks, you are not alone. Here are some extreme and not-so-extreme ways to achieve that goal.

The Extreme Ways

Below are a few extreme ways that people try to get rid of stretch marks.

Laser Therapy: One of the most extreme ways to get rid of stretch marks is through laser therapy. This treatment uses powerful lasers to break up the stretch mark tissue. It's a costly procedure, and it's also quite painful. However, it can be very effective. The laser treatment is a fairly new procedure that utilizes a laser beam to break down the collagen, causing stretch marks. Despite the lack of long-term studies, some people have had positive results from using it. However, it is an expensive option, and it can be excruciating.

Microdermabrasion: This is a less invasive way to treat stretch marks. Microdermabrasion is a treatment that uses tiny crystals to exfoliate the skin. It can heal and exfoliate damaged skin, which improves the skin's texture. A microdermabrasion procedure removes dead skin, allowing new, healthier skin to emerge in its place. This product is commonly used to treat frown lines and wrinkles, but it also effectively treats stretch marks.

Surgery: If you want to remove your stretch marks surgically, you can opt for surgeries such as a tummy tuck or a breast augmentation. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the procedure can remove many of your problematic stretch marks. If you developed stretch marks on your lower abdomen, you could remove them with a tummy tuck. This procedure permanently removes the skin below the belly button and replaces it with the upper skin to achieve a flatter and smoother abdomen. However, these procedures are expensive and invasive.

Chemical Peel: Some people use chemical peels. However, this can be dangerous if not performed correctly. Chemical peels can help improve skin texture and fade scarring caused by acne, burns, and stretch marks. Chemical peels remove the skin's outer layer of dead cells to reveal a smooth, fresh layer beneath. Additionally, a skin peel stimulates collagen production and skin cell regeneration, which help heal skin damage.

Not-so-Extreme Ways

It is easy to find lotions and creams that promise to get rid of stretch marks. While some of them may be effective, others are not. The good news is that some remedies can reduce the visibility of stretch marks and help them fade faster.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a retinoid that makes your skin appear smoother and younger. Researchers found that retinoids reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Taking vitamin A extract or vitamin A supplements can improve the appearance and health of your skin.

Sugar Scrubs: Sugar is often cited as an effective natural microdermabrasion method. Sugar scrubs exfoliate your skin. It is great for brightening the appearance of tired, dull skin. In addition, it fights skin aging naturally, and it is based on the proven concept of microdermabrasion. Perhaps this home remedy will also be effective.

Aloe vera: It is unknown whether aloe vera can heal stretch marks, but it is a natural healer and a skin softener. As such, it is a good home remedy to try for stretch marks. After taking a shower, apply pure aloe vera directly to your stretch marks.

Conclusion

Prevention is the key to treating stretch marks. You can keep your skin's elastin from scarring by keeping it hydrated. By using creams, lotions, and oils, you can keep your skin moisturized and prevent stretch marks from developing. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also prevent stretch marks caused by sudden weight loss or gain. However, it is good to know that there are other effective methods of removing stretch marks, whether they are extreme or not-so-extreme.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.