Stretch Mark Treatments That Really Work
Stretch marks are a form of scarring that can occur when a person’s skin is overstretched. Stretch marks have the initial appearance of purple or red looking lines. Over time, they will fade until they are pale in color.
Obesity and pregnancy are the most common reasons for the development of stretch marks. Stretch marks are a very common condition. A large percentage of the population has been overweight or pregnant at some time in their lives! Stretch marks are not just confined to the female population. Few people realize that they are a common complaint of male body builders as well.
Fortunately, there are some very effective scientific remedies available to treat stretch marks. Here’s a look at three of the most common ways to deal with this condition.
1. Dermabrasion. This is a type of stretch mark surgery that takes place under general anesthetic. The aim of dermabrasion is to remove or lessen the appearance of scars, damage from the sun or dark spots. The surface of the skin is literally sanded off during this procedure.
This procedure is most effective is the scar is raised above the skin’s surface. It’s generally much less effective when used to treat sunken scars. The procedure is very painful and the healing process can take several months. However, the results can be truly amazing.
2. Microdermabrasion. Often referred to as microderm, this is a far less invasive procedure. You can easily undergo this procedure at any number of convenient providers, and you won’t need an anesthetic to dull the pain. A special tool is used to gently sand the surface layer of the skin in order to remove it. People like microdermabrasion because it has a reputation for being a safe, painless procedure.
3. Creams and lotions. The market is overflowing with stretch mark creams and lotions that promise to get rid of your problem. Some people swear by remedies such as Vitamin A cream, cocoa butter or various specially formulated creams.
Some of these products have a lot of research behind them and can be quite effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Revitol, NuVectin and Trilastin are stretch mark treatments that many people have had good results with. Keep in mind that these products are generally more effective at preventing stretch marks than eliminating them.
However, many products tend to overstate their ability to get rid of stretch marks. It’s important that you read some independent customer reviews on any stretch mark product before you buy it. Do a web search for the product you’re considering, and examine sites that aren’t associated with the manufacturer. Be sure to investigate the manufacturer’s website and research the source of their product claims if you can.
