How to get rid of stretch marks, that was the question I asked my wife just the other day when she looked at my shoulders and noticed some small stretch marks on my shoulders that I have had for years, since high school.

But because of that she begin telling me of the problems some women have with stretch marks.

So, my question to her was is there a way to get rid of stretch marks totally. She said no, so that's when I decided to do some research online and here's what I've found. The best course of action is prevention, if possible. You see, stretch marks have two primary causes" physical and hormonal.

They are normally caused by extreme stretching of the skin, which makes is difficult for the skin to return to its original condition. Some commonly causes of stretch marks are gaining large amounts of weight in a short period of time. Bodybuilders, pregnant women and adolescents that have been through quick growth spurts sometime develop stretch marks.

Stretch marks are deep scars, or scar tissue (mine look more like scar tissue from my old high school football days, forgive me I just had to get that in). They can commonly be found on the stomach, legs, buttocks and breasts but in reality they can appear anywhere that you may experience rapid growth over a short period of time.

Now, when it comes to how to get rid of stretch marks, I read a lot of different articles online but my wife says, "You can’t get rid of stretch marks once you have them, maybe some type of laser treatment." I'll let you know what I found about laser later in this article. Anyhow, there's no common remedy to repair your skin or the skin fibers but there are lots of products and treatment out there that may help them to improve the look of your skin. It probably depend upon your skin and the condition of your marks

Alright, would you like to here about how to improve your skin or the stretch marks?

* Depending on the location and the condition of the scar tissue, exfoliation may be helpful. Taking layers of dead skin and unveiling soft, fresh skin can assist to minimize the appearance of the stretch marks.

* You can use oatmeal or baking soda to make your own preparations or you can choose from the different scented creams on the market. Make sure you apply plenty of moisturizer to keep your skin soft and help prevent hydration after exfoliation. I haven't found it yet but I'm surprised natural honey isn't on someones home remedy list. Maybe so, I just have to keep looking.

*Different creams and lotions may promise to improve the texture of the skin and make it less noticeable but beware of those that promise a total cure. Many can provide some relief, but certain preparations are really meant for use on mostly newer scars. You should carefully read the label on the products before you purchase then so your expectations will be in line with what the product can really do.

*Laser treatment can be used for severe stretch marks. It can be some what expensive and can cause minor to moderate pain. Those method can't repair torn fibers in the skin but you will get dramatic improvement in the appearance of the stretch mark area in most cases.

* Cosmetic surgery is also another option for stretch marks. Abdominal stretch marks usually happen below the belly button. The only way to remove this marks is with a tummy tuck. During a tummy tuck much of the skin is removed below the belly button therefore the stretch marks in that area are removed also.

So with everything said here let me give you a remedy you can do at home on your own that may improve your appearance over time.

1. Rub vitamin E on the stretch mark area repeatily and often. (Make sure the vitamin E is potent)
2. Use other creams if you prefer. Good examples include cocoa butter, mederma cream; Retin A cream (but only if you're not pregnant); Vitamins A, E, or K; caster oil. You may also want to consider shea-butter.

1. Rub one of these products on your stretch marks daily.

Skin brushing or exfoliation a few times a week may also help.

What I really notice about how to get rid of stretch marks... as for my old football scars or marks. I'll probably have them for life. What my wife said. Prevention is better. Patience will go a long way in prevention and helping to make your current marks look better.

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References http://www.infoplasticsurgery.com/bodycontouring/stretchmarks.html, http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-best-way-to-get-rid-of-stretch-marks.htm