Many claim that it is impossible to remove stretch marks unless they are treated surgically. There is some truth to this especially if the scars are quite old and deep. However, with the help of modern medicine and technology, there are ways to reduce the appearance of these scars without having to undergo risky and, not to mention, costly surgery.

Stretch marks are generally an aesthetic problem. In fact , it has been reported to be one of the top causes of anxiety, apprehension, and embarrassment for the female race. Sad to say, almost everyone, men or women will have stretch in one point of their life or another. In fact, 80% of women who get pregnant will get them after giving birth. Some moms even call these marks their “badge of honor”.

Before we can begin to treat these embarrassing and unsightly marks, it would be best to understand what causes them in the first place. There are 3 layers of the skin - the outer layer, which is called the epidermis, and the layers underneath: dermis and the subcutaneous fat. The epidermis is actually the thinnest layer; the dermis and subcutaneous fat makes up most of the thickness of the skin. In this article, we will focus on the dermis since this is where collagen and microscopic elastic fibers are located. It is also where the blood vessels are.

Stretch marks are scars that are not formed on the outer layer of the skin but instead they are tears or damages that are located in the dermis. When the skin is stretched beyond its elasticity limit, collagen and the elastic fibers tear leaving the epidermis intact. That is the reason why stretch marks can be quite stubborn and seem to be permanent. Scars on the epidermis can easily heal or can be treated by topical medicated creams. This is not the case when trying to treat the scars in the dermis area. Not all creams can easily penetrate the epidermis to reach the layer where stretch marks are formed.

Skin is naturally elastic; however, it can only stretch so far so fast. During pregnancy, spurt growth, sudden weight gain and weight loss, bodybuilding and the likes, the skin is stretched to accommodate the sudden change of volume of the body. The problem is, in most of these instances, the skin has to stretch beyond its natural elasticity limit. This will cause the small tissues, elastin and collagen to tear. The first thing you will notice is a considerable change of the appearance of the skin. The area affected will look discolored and striated. At first, the lines may look purple in color. After a while, though, the discoloration will lighten to silvery lines. Unless you do something to try to remove stretch marks, do not expect it to go away on its own.

Of course, the best way to keep your skin from having stretch marks is through prevention. Keeping a healthy diet and not allowing your body to undergo sudden weight changes will keep those stretch marks away. Also, it is highly important to keep your body hydrated at all times by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily. Always moisturize your skin especially when pregnant. Cocoa butter creams applied to the abdominal area at least twice a day has been proven to prevent stretch marks when pregnant by at least 90%. And along with moisturizing, make it a habit to exfoliate at least twice a week.

As mentioned earlier, many people believe and it may even be scientifically proven, that it is impossible to remove stretch marks. For old and deep marks, there is some truth to this statement. Fortunately, there are skin creams that have been proven to remove stretch marks that are relatively new. In fact, there are amazing topical creams that can significantly reduce the appearance of these unsightly scars no matter how old or deep they may be.

With so many creams for stretch marks advertised and sold in the market today, which of them can effectively remove stretch marks? Since you already know that stretch marks are caused by tearing and damages in the collagen and fibers of the dermis layer - the best solution is to increase the production of collagen and the density of the microscopic fibers. Yes, it is possible to increase/enhance the production of collagen.

How? There are creams and patches available in your local drugstores or online that have proven to effectively stimulate and nourish the fibroblasts (these are the cells in the body, which are responsible in the production of collagen.Check the label. Look for creams that have Vitamins E and A, AHA, cocoa butter, and essential oils in them. Better yet, ask your skin doctor to recommend stretch mark remover creams that are rich with these components

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