Unfortunately, for many living with stretch marks, they can be uncomfortable and a source of embarrassment. Stretch marks occur due to a sudden need for the skin to expand to compensate for a large size change - muscle gain, pregnancy, or puberty are a few examples. Whatever the reason, stretch marks can hinder a person's confidence. Luckily, there are several stretch mark removal techniques that may help either reduce the appearance of stretch marks or remove them from the skin entirely. The most effective treatment of stretch marks is actually all about timing - try to treat the stretch marks during their earliest appearance; this stage is marked by their reddish tint.

Many women suffer the presence of stretch marks on their lower bodies (specifically the hip and stomach area) due to pregnancy. These areas can prove particularly troublesome to remove stretch marks. Instead of using expensive lotions or creams, trying to tighten the affected skin is actually a more efficient method. Using exercises like leg raises and/or swings are effective and most certainly necessary to firm and tighten the skin area. Included below are explanations for both exercises:
- Leg Raises: Lay on your side with your legs resting atop one another. Slowly raise the top leg in a controlled motion.
- Leg Swings: While standing, swing one leg back and forth in a slow, steady motion.

Aside from exercises, there are stretch mark creams that actually do help aid the removal process. But it should be noted that exercise remains the best method of stretch mark removal. When looking for a cream, select those containing high vitamin c levels and be sure that very little collagen is present in the formula. Although collagen is very effective combating wrinkles and tightening skin, it should be unnecessary if the cream has an appropriate level of vitamin C. Vitamin C will promote production of natural collagen, making extra levels of collagen unessential.

In addition to vitamin C, be sure to achieve the necessary daily levels of minerals and vitamins in your diet. The following foods should prove helpful with stretch mark removal and likely should be incorporated into your diet:
- Grains
- Nuts
- Beans
- Organic Vegetables (specifically root vegetables)
- Fish All of the aforementioned ingredients help rehydrate and rejuvenate your skin. Additionally, sea foods such as crabs or oysters are excellent sources of zinc, a mineral necessary for healthy skin. Vegetables like beet root or soy beans contain high levels of Silca, used to promote the body's production of collagen.

A final method for stretch mark removal to consider is laser surgery. This method should be used as a last resort, if all other previous method attempts fail to provide desired results. Be forewarned, there is nothing guaranteed to remove the marks completely. Rather, these methods will dramatically reduce their appearances. Therefore, consider trying alternative methods before choosing laser surgery.

Remember, that no method is right for everyone, as personal preferences play a large role in how to treat stretch marks. Regardless of the method you ultimately choose, all of the options will help reduce stretch marks with varying results. Attempt each method by itself to find which will work best for your unique skin.