subject: You Can Get Rid Of Those Unsightly Stretch Marks [print this page] For many of us, stretch marks are simply an unavoidable part of life. Anyone can get them, and they can happen at any time; they are caused by damage to the skin as the result of overstretching. Some of the most common triggers of stretch marks are puberty, pregnancy, weight gain or bodybuilding. Of course, the easiest way to deal with stretch marks is to avoid them in the first place. You can do this by increasing the skins elasticity (ability to stretch) by applying lotions or creams topically, increasing your intake of skin-supporting vitamins such as A, E, and C, and/or making sure that you always remain properly hydrated.
Of course, if you are trying to get rid of stretch marks, prevention is no longer an issue. And once they have formed, it may seem as though they are never going to go away. While this is partially true (as they are technically scar tissue, the only way to actually get rid of them is to have them surgically removed), there are treatments out there that can diminish stretch marks to the point that they are virtually invisible. And isnt that all you can really ask for?
Within the last decade, a multitude of highly effective OTC treatments for getting rid of stretch marks have hit the market. Most work to some degree for most people. Some of the most effective all around topical OTC are simple moisturizers with higher than normal concentrations of skin-building vitamins, as well as cocoa butter, shea butter, castor oil and rose hip oil. If you have tried these standard methods to no avail, there is now a large market for specialty stretch mark removal creams. Many of these are quite effective; however it is always important to check the unbiased track record of any product you are planning on investing your money on.
If you have given up on OTC products all together, there are also numerous products available by prescription. Simply making an appointment with your dermatologist can be the best first step toward being free from unsightly stretch marks.
Finally, like most scars, stretch marks will become less visible over time, even without treatment. Once your body has unstretched, the healing process will begin on its own. Simple practices like exfoliation and good daily skin hydration can go a long way toward aiding your body in reducing the visibility of your stretch marks over time, naturally.
