Stretch Mark Treatment Options (Part II)

April 18th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

reduce stretch marksThe Retinoid Option

These are retinoid medications that work by removing the layers of damaged skin a little at a time. This allows for new skin to form, providing a more natural color and texture. They go by the more common names of tretinoin, isotretinoin and retinaldehyde (retin A).

This remedy can be effective, but a common side effect is skin irritation. These compounds generally require a prescription and the treatments need to be done under proper medical supervision. Obviously, the cost of these treatments is much higher than the home therapy option.

Laser Therapy at Work

This is a relatively new stretch mark remedy and is starting to become a more popular treatment option for stretch mark removal. It works by repairing your skin’s natural synthesis of collagen, helping to fill in the stretch mark. A benefit of laser therapy is that it can penetrate deeper into the skin than the stretch mark creams and reach the layer where the collagen is produced.

The procedures are relatively pain-free, but the number of sessions required will depend on the size of the stretch marks and the area being treated. The downside of this option is that it involves a major time commitment and major investment.

The Ultimate in Stretch Mark Removers - Cosmetic Surgery

This is the only treatment that can claim to be a permanent solution to stretch mark removal. In this procedure, the damaged skin is actually removed. But don’t get too excited yet! This is a serious medical procedure that has its risks. So before you consider this option seriously, a consultation with your dermatologist is recommended. Another downside to this solution is that this type of procedure is usually not covered by medical insurance and the costs can be EXORBITANT.

To find the best stretch mark treatment for you will require some serious thought on your part. Remember – be flexible in trying different stretch mark remedies and keep an open mind. And above all, be patient! Your stretch marks didn’t appear overnight, so they will take time to respond to your selected treatment.


Stretch Mark Treatment Options (Part I)

April 10th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

reduce stretch marksAs you have probably read, a stretch mark treatment can come in a variety of forms. They range from skin creams to skin massage to the most radical form - surgery. Each of these treatments has its pros and cons. The good news is that they are all effective to varying degree.

We believe that the best stretch mark treatment is the one that works for you. Forget all the claims and marketing hype. It is a fact that some people respond better to a certain stretch mark remedy than others. Unfortunately, finding the right option may involve a little trial and error on your part, so you need to be flexible and keep an open mind when evaluating each remedy. Here are some of the most popular stretch mark treatments available today:

Stretch Mark Creams

These stretch mark remedies are the easiest to use and can be very effective at reducing the appearance of the stretch marks. Can they eliminate the stretch mark itself – of course not. They work by repairing and rejuvenating the damaged skin. In the process, the skin will appear more natural and will fade the stretch marks.

Some of the better creams are quite effective at repairing the damaged skin. The results are quite impressive with the stretch marks becoming barely visible. This approach to stretch mark treatment is the most convenient approach because it can be done at home without a doctor’s prescription. If this option is attractive to you, and many women do swear by these creams, stick with the higher quality stretch mark cream products. You will see results quicker and the effects will be more dramatic.
Note: We will continue this post in the next post with a discussion of more radical stretch mark solutions and the pros and cons of each approach.


The Best Stretch Mark Solution for You

January 31st, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Most women are particularly sensitive about their appearance, and especially their bodies.  Some like to show off their curves by wearing sexy clothing, while others choose a more conservative style of dress.  But when it comes to stretch marks, no one likes to put them on display.   So, if you believe that it’s time to take action against these skin “flaws”, then shouldn’t you choose the best stretch mark solution that will work for you?  Of course you should!

But to rid yourself of stretch marks permanently, you need to understand the cause of stretch marks and what you can do to repair them.

What is the Cause of Stretch Marks?

When a considerable weight gain is experienced, either through pregnancy overeating or lack of exercise, then the skin stretches to support the amount of weight that is now being carried. Collagen and elastin, the two types of skin tissue that maintain the skin’s elasticity, can tear due to the stress of weight gain, thus resulting in stretch marks. Statistics reveal that stretch marks appear in up to 90% of pregnant women, and the severity of stretch marks depends upon the person’s skin elasticity, and how much weight they have gained.

How to Treat Stretch Marks

As you search to find a possible stretch mark solution, you will discover that there are a few good approaches to take to eliminate your strecth marks.  Although some dermatologists would say that there is no known cure to completely eradicate stretch marks, there are solutions that can be undertaken to reduce or fade the appearance of your stretch marks.   Common solutions are:

Time
One stretch mark solution is to simply let time fade the stretch mark scar.  Some stretch marks will fade away approximately 12 months after giving birth.   This is probably the least effective method, but involves little or no effort.

Prescription Topical Creams
A prescribed topical cream, like Tretinoin, will greatly reduce the appearance of stretch marks when used as prescribed. The only problem with using this cream is that it cannot be taken if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding; and most times doctors will only prescribe it to those who were pregnant.

Over-The-Counter Topical Creams and Ointments
This stretch mark remedy will generally contain more natural ingredients, like cocoa butter and vitamin E, and can be quite effective in reducing the appearance of these marks.

As you can see, there is more than one stretch mark solution available that will help to reduce the look and appearance of your stretch marks.  But the best stretch mark solution for you may be that one particular treatment, or maybe a combination of treatments, that gives you the best skin results.