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Stretch marks are known in dermatology as striae, but to us they just represent something we want to get rid of! Stretch marks are effectively a type of scarring that cause discoloration of the skin. The tearing of the dermis is what causes them. Those who have stretch marks would love to find that perfect solution to get rid of them. Let's look more into what stretch marks are, what causes them and what ways are the most successful in getting rid of them.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are often the result of the rapid stretching of the skin which is usually associated with rapid growth common in puberty, weight gain, or pregnancy. However, stretching alone is not the cause, they can also be influenced by changes in hormone levels as well as diet and exercise. It is the glucocorticoid hormones that hold the blame as they can prevent the formation of collagen and elastin fibers. These fibers are necessary to keep rapidly growing skin taut. Situations of rapid growth along with hormonal changes are those that lead to dermal and epidermal tearing.

What are the Symptoms of Stretch Marks?

Newly developed stretch marks appear as red or purple lines that will later mature and turn white. Affected areas are soft to the touch and appear empty. This type of scarring affects the dermis, the resilient middle layer of the skin that helps it to retain its shape. Stretch marks generally appear on areas that have the most fat which include the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs, hips and buttocks.

What are Ways to Get Rid of Marks?

Various treatments are available for the purpose of improving the appearance of existing stretch marks. These include laser treatments, microdermabrasion, and prescription retinoids. There are also natural skin care products that help in both prevention and removal.

A progressive method of fractional laser resurfacing treats with scattered pulses of light that work on segments of the scar over the course of several treatments. This approach creates microscopic wounds that the skin's biology responds to by forming more collagen and epithelium. This laser therapy has been known to improve appearance, but does not completely remove stretch marks. When considering laser treatment, it is vital to also consider the pain and cost of therapy as it often requires multiple sessions.

A specially fitted tool is used in microdermabrasion treatment to scrape away the top layers of skin. Microscopic particles firmly exfoliate the skin in a medical sand blasting technique. Microdermabrasion stimulates the development of collagen and elastin, vital in smoothing and healing the skin. However, there are limitations to microdermabrasion in the treatment of stretch marks. Microdermabrasion may not be effective with stretch marks that have already reached the mature white phase. There are also some types of natural home microdermabrasion creams that are worth looking into that are also mentioned below.

Retinoids refer to products that contain retinol, an element known to increase collagen and elastin production. If massaged into red or purple areas, retinoids can improve the look and feel of stretch marks. However, retinoids are not effective on stretch marks that are already white and mature.

Some natural stretch marks creams that have the right ingredients can work organically with your skin's natural systems to reduce stretch mark appearance. Organic products that boast Helix Aspersa Muller complex not only stimulate collagen and elastin production as do other methods, but also dissolve scar tissue, fight the effects of hormones, and improve the skin's metabolism. Enzymes and messenger cells can tell apart damaged cells from good ones, getting rid of those that are non functional and working to rejuvenate healthy cells for the skin's matrix. This comprehensive system is a nonabrasive, natural and sure way to get rid of stretch marks and enjoy healthy skin.