Get Rid Of Stretch Marks A Guide

Stretch marks are an unsightly skin problem that almost all of us will get sooner or later. Most people assume, incorrectly, that only over weight people or pregnant women will get stretch marks. The real truth is that age and weight fluctuations play a large role in who is going to get stretch marks and who will not.

Our modern technology has come up with many different ways to deal with the problem of stretch marks. You could have them removed with a laser, but this is a very costly option and can potentially leave scars or skin discoloration worse than the stretch marks you’re trying to get rid of.

There is also the process of having your skin peeled repeatedly. This can be painful and expensive too. You can even have cosmetic surgery to help you remove stretch marks. However, none of these methods is guaranteed to work for you.

While each of the previously mentioned methods may work to some degree, there are safer and less stressful ways to achieve your desired result. There are some natural ways to deal with the problem of stretch marks that you may want to try first.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks will appear after the skin has been stretched over a long period of time, and happens when you gain or lose weight rapidly. When stretched the fibers in the skin are pulled or “stretched” to their maximum levels, and eventually cause scars to appear. Men might be less prone to these scars, but it is not unusual to see guys get them. As a matter of fact I noticed that I have some around my abdomen. This is one of the reasons I have been trying to Get Rid Of My Love Handles.

As for women, 70 percent of teenage girls will get stretch marks and more than 90 percent of women will get them at some point in their lives. The reason for this is that teenage girls suffer through fast growth spurts as they go through puberty. These young women will have to endure the fatty tissue development of their breasts, and the spreading of their hips and other bodily changes.

Pregnant women will have to watch as every part of their bodies grows to help aid the development of the life inside of them. Their stomachs will naturally grow at a rapid pace. This sudden growth will inevitably produce stretch marks. If you have fair skin, blond or red hair, dry skin, or constantly dehydrated you’re at an even greater risk of developing stretch marks. Once you have these scars it is tough, but not impossible to get rid of them.

Here’s a quick list of things that may cause stretch marks:

Pregnancy

General growth for adolescent boys and girls

Rapid weight loss or gain

Depression

Long term vitamin and nutrient deficiency

Sudden change of environment or physical conditions

Certain medications such as steroids or hormonal medications

Stretch marks are formed deep within the skin as connective tissue begins to break apart. The tissue continues to break apart from the bottom up until it is visible on the skin’s surface. Although it may seem like this occurs over night, it is a process that happens over a period of time.

Stretch marks can happen to all types of people, men, women, fat, thin, young or old. In most cases they don’t hurt or irritate the skin so most people don’t even realize they have them until they are very noticeable. If you have a fair skin then the marks appear pinkish red. If you have a dark skin the marks will appear darker or lighter than the rest of your skin depending on your complexion. This appearance of the skin is caused by micro blood vessels breaking up from within and bleeding. They will eventually end up being lighter than your overall skin color.

Diet and Stretch Marks

Like every other aspect that it touches in our lives, diet plays a role in whether we will get stretch marks or not. Eating a well balanced and nutritious diet is the key to avoiding stretch marks. A diet consisting of lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, complex carbohydrates, good fats (fish oils, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, etc...), fish, and lean meats will help. Stay away from junk food, fast food, and processed foods as much as possible. And drink plenty of water. Also, getting your recommended daily vitamins and minerals is important too. Vitamins, A, C, E, and the mineral zinc should be apart of your diet to help combat stretch marks.

Do It Yourself Remedies

Things to help You Avoid Stretch Marks

Exercise is the first thing to start if you are not doing it already. Exercise will help you keep your muscles toned and this helps to keep the skin firm thus preventing stretch marks. If you have stretch marks already exercise can help to make them less noticeable over time.

Make sure you are getting plenty of lean proteins in your diet and you are eating foods rich in Vitamins C and E. Vitamins C and E help to promote good tissue growth.

You can also try massaging your body with olive oil or Vitamin E.

You can apply cocoa butter to your skin.

Other Products to help with removing or preventing stretch marks:

Elancyl Stretch Mark Cream

Testimonals from many new moms who have used Elancyl Stretch Mark Cream report no stretch marks in 80 percent of the women who have used it during and shortly after pregnancy.

Dermaglow Stretch Mark Balm

This product is great for those who would like something natural. It is 100% natural.

Strivectin-SD Intensive Concentrate for Existing Stretch Marks

This is a product that is used by celebrities like J Lo and Charlize Theron to reduce wrinkles, but it’s original purpose was to fight stretch marks. That’s what it works best for.

TriLastin-SRA

This product is said to offer rapid, permanent stretch mark removal along with maximum prevention during pregnancy or bodybuilding.

Biotherm

This is a treatment to prevent and reduce stretch marks.

Bliss

This product is used for the thighs and is supposed to slim them too.

Herbal Stretch Mark Gels

There are some who would like a product that is natural or organic to use for combating stretch marks. There are many different herbal stretch mark gels available. I will list the most common ingredients that you can find in them:

butcher’s broom

calendula

centella

chickweed

ginseng

green tea

hibiscus

horsetail

ivy

lady’s mantle

marshmallow

Cheap Remedies

Shea Butter

Olive Oil

Aloe Vera gel

Emu Oil

Baby Oil

By now you have a good amount of information to help you prevent and reduce stretch marks. There are many different ways to deal with this problem. You can have them removed with a laser, you can have your skin peeled, you can apply any one of a various assortment of natural and engineered creams and oils, or you can change your diet and exercise to help you remove them. You have the options to go with an expensive solution or an in-expensive one based on your own individual circumstances. Hopefully the information presented here with help you avoid or get rid of stretch marks.