Tummy Tucks

The only real way to completely remove a stretch mark is to surgically remove the skin and any fat behind it. This is only able to be done in the area of the stomach, be means of a tummy tuck. Tummy tucks are not just a cosmetic procedure to take lightly, but rather an actual invasive surgery with all of the risks and potential complications. In addition, these are incredibly expensive, running anywhere from $5,00 to $10,000.

Alternatives

Even if a person had the money to waste on a tummy tuck, what about the stretch marks everywhere else? Stretch marks can actually occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on the thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts, arms, and stomach. Since surgery is not an option for locations other than the stomach, a number of techniques have been developed for addressing these areas.

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons may recommend laser treatment or radio frequency treatment. These techniques are also prohibitively expensive, without guaranteed results. In addition, any potential results must be maintained by regular follow-up treatments.

The Most Cost- Effective Treatment

With results comparable to those of laser and radio treatment, stretch mark cream is an affordable alternative. A variety of different products are available on the market, with most not only treating existing stretch marks but also preventing future ones from occurring. For more information about the best stretch mark creams available, check out our home page.

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks appear as lines in the skin that are initially red or purple, fading over time to a pale pink or a silvery color. They can show up anywhere, but are much more likely in areas where there are more fat deposits, such as the stomach, underarms, thighs, hips, buttocks, and breasts. Stretch marks do not post health risks of any kind, causing annoyance more than anything else.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

There are a number of potential causes of stretch marks. Pregnancy is the most common cause, due to the necessary skin stretching during the gestational period. Stretch marks are common during any period of significant weight gain or loss, such as during the teenage years of random growth spurts. Genetics also play a significant role- a daughter is likely to have stretch marks if her mother had them. Another less likely cause is intense weight lifting.

How Are Stretch Marks Prevented?

For women, it is virtually impossible to prevent ever getting a stretch mark, unless there is no genetic predisposition. Those that are not so lucky should attempt to prevent sudden weight gain or weight loss. Anyone looking to lose weight should strive for the healthy goal of losing no more than 1 or 2 pounds per week. Losing more than this is not only unhealthy; it can also result in stretch marks. Teenagers or pregnant women can utilize moisturizing stretch mark creams for prevention, applied up to four times per day. Thoroughly moisturized skin is more elastic, allowing for skin to stretch slightly without causing stretch marks.

How Are Stretch Marks Removed?

Treatment of stretch marks is most effective when they first appear as red or purple lines. There are a number of creams and lotions available on the market, most of which claim to be “miracle” products. Though some products are little more than typical lotions, others contain ingredients based on scientific research. Some of these valuable ingredients include Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, Wheat Germ Oil, Retinoids, and Relastin. For more information on the best stretch mark creams on the market, check out the home page here at stretchmarkscare.com.

Another treatment option for stretch marks is laser treatment. This treatment is especially popular with dermatologists, as it can treat stretch marks at any phase of development. Though this stretch mark treatment is considered to be more effective than creams or lotions, dermatologists expect an appearance improvement of only about 30%. Laser treatment is generally not covered by health insurance, and can run anywhere from $450 to $1000 per session, with a general minimum of three sessions.

Regardless of the cause of your stretch marks, over-the-counter stretch mark creams and lotions are the most cost-effective treatment to reduce their appearance. Since some products work better for some people than others, feel free to try different products until you find the one perfect for you.

Laser Treatment

Dermatologists report that laser treatment is the best stretch mark treatment available, with research confirming this claim. A new laser treatment option, known as fractional laser resurfacing, has had relatively impressive results in research trials, with 65% of study participants reporting being extremely satisfied with their results. This therapy required 6 weekly sessions, and current market prices would put the total cost of this treatment at anywhere from $4000 to $9000, a high price to pay for a cosmetic procedure. In addition, fractional laser resurfacing also requires expensive regular follow-ups.

Stretch Mark Cream

Few reliable studies exist confirming the benefits of any one specific stretch mark cream. However, the best creams on the market utilize research conducted on specific ingredients that have been indicated to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, such as:

• Vitamin E
• Glycolic Acid
• Grapefruit Seed Extract
• Squalene Oil
• Vitamin A Palmitate
• Aloe Vera
• Vitamin D

Even the best stretch mark creams may not be able to safely combine all of the best ingredients together in just one product. Since all ingredients interact with each other in different ways, it would likely be unsafe to try to combine all of the ingredients. With that in mind, look for a product that contains a number of these effective ingredients, but be aware that it is unlikely to find a cream containing them all.

Lifestyle Changes for Prevention

To prevent stretch marks from occurring on your body, there are a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to increase the health of your skin.

• Exercise regularly, both aerobic and strength-training exercises. Vary your exercise routine to prevent boredom.
• Take a daily multivitamin.
• Stop smoking. Smoking decreases blood flow throughout your body, including to your skin cells.
• Limit alcohol. Alcohol is partially secreted through the skin, and since it is poison to your body, it affects the skin cells as well.
• Drink plenty of water. By hydrating your body, you also hydrate your skin, helping it to retain elasticity.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fresh (or frozen) fruits and vegetables. By giving your body the appropriate fuel, you allow it to work at optimum capacity.
• Use a stretch mark cream as directed (at least once daily), especially in areas in which stretch marks are more likely. This helps to maintain your skin’s ability to stretch, helping to prevent stretch marks.

If money is no object, then laser treatment is definitely the way to go when it comes to stretch mark removal. However, if you are like 99% of consumers, you have to live within a limited budget, but still want to look your best. If this is you, look for a highly rated stretch mark removal cream or lotion that fits your lifestyle and budget. With all of the products available on the market today, you are sure to find one perfect for you.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is obtained from fruit. As an acid, it should only be used in small doses, or the user risks a trip to the emergency room. Look for products that do not list glycolic acid in the first few ingredients, especially if you suffer from sensitive skin. Since many of these products are not regulated by the FDA, you could be risking a chemical burn, particularly if you use a product that is almost exclusively made of glycolic acid.

• Increases collagen production.
• Natural ingredient.
• Gently removes the upper layer of the skin.

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

• Hydrates deep within the skin’s layers.
• Assists in reconstructing the skin.
• No reported side effects or allergic reactions.
• Stimulates the natural production of collagen.

Retinyl Palmitate

• Makes skin look younger.
• Increases the metabolic rate of the skin.
• Soothes irritated skin.
• Usually is placed in capsules that gradually release it into the skin, allowing for it to work longer than most other ingredients.
• Superior to other retinoids as it does not cause sun sensitivity or skin irritation.

Shea Butter

• Natural- extracted from the shea tree.
• Incredible moisturizing abilities.
• Used since ancient times for its non-irritating moisturizing abilities.
• Great at helping to prevent stretch marks.

Siegesbeckia Orientalis

• Natural herb used for hundreds of years.
• Quickly helps remove stretch marks- in as little as 4 weeks!
• Eliminates the appearance of skin imperfections (such as stretch marks.)
• Encourages collagen regeneration.
• No reported side effects.

A recent study on Siegesbeckia Orientalis showed an amazing 52% reduction of stretch mark visibility on participants. In addition, it also increased skin’s general appearance by reducing the appearance of other skin imperfections.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide- 3

• Helps to repair damaged skin.
• Increases collagen production.
• Improves generation of elastin, which helps allow skin to stretch, thereby helping to prevent stretch marks.
• Safe- no side effects or allergic reactions.
• No skin irritation or sensitivity to light as with retinol.

Aloe Vera

Used worldwide since ancient times for almost every skin malady known to man, aloe vera is a shoe-in for almost any skin care problem. In fact, many resourceful individuals even keep an aloe plant at home to treat everything from sunburns to eczema.

• Completely natural- from the aloe plant.
• Allows cells to regenerate more quickly.
• Great moisturizing ability.
• Best when used daily.
• Naturally exfoliates, sloughing off dead skin cells and removing toxins. This allows for smoother, more healthy-looking skin.

By looking for stretch mark cream with some of these effective ingredients listed, you can be sure to find a product that works for your specific skin type. With benefits to your skin beyond just removing stretch marks, you can’t go wrong looking for stretch mark removal cream utilizing the benefits of some of these ingredients.

Over- the -Counter Options

When it comes to stretch mark products, the options for creams and lotions seems almost endless. In order to select the best product, consider the ingredients present in some of the most popular products.

• Aloe Vera: All natural, amazing moisturizing abilities.
• Palmitoyl Pentapeptide- 3: Increases production of collagen and elastin, repairing damaged skin.
• Siegesbeckia Orientalis: Quickly helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks through increased collagen regeneration.
• Shea Butter: Helps prevent stretch marks by moisturizing the skin.
• Retinyl Palmitate: No side effects, makes skin look young and healthy.
• Palmitoyl Oligopeptide: Deep hydration abilities, improves the skin’s ability to produce collagen.

Options Available at a Dermatologist

Dermatologists have the ability to offer a number of additional options to remove stretch marks. However, as with any medical procedure, there comes a significant price tag included with these treatments, particularly since insurance does not cover such cosmetic procedures. If you are one of the lucky ones with piles of money to throw around, there are a few different treatments your dermatologist or plastic surgeon may recommend.

• Micro dermabrasion
  • Buffs impurities off the skin, reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
  • Minimum of 12 treatments.
  • $75- $200 per treatment.
  • Does not completely remove stretch marks, rather it makes them less noticeable.
  • Increases skin elasticity by improving collagen production.

• Laser Surgery
  • Effective on red or purple stretch marks.
  • Not effective on silver stretch marks.
  • Effective only on lighter skin tones.
  • Total price of $5,000- $10,000.
  • Touted by cosmetic surgeons, disputed by many dermatologists.
  • Requires regular follow-up visits to maintain any results.

• Tummy Tuck Surgery
  • Originally designed to remove stomach fat, tummy tucks are now being used to remove excess skin, including stretch marks.
  • Comes with the risks inherit in any major surgery, including infection and even death.
  • May require additional surgery in case of any mistakes.
  • Costs $3,000- $8,500

• Radio Frequency
  • Relatively new treatment with few reliable studies conducted.
  • Heats up the deep layers of the skin to improve collagen production.
  • $600- $1000 per visit.
  • Requires between 4 and 6 sessions generally.
  • Completely pain-free and without side effects.

As may be seen, there are a number of options to choose from when selecting a method of reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Quite frankly, physicians report that the only real way to completely remove stretch marks is by surgical removal, or a tummy tuck. Stretch marks occurring elsewhere will require treatment via other methods.

Anyone looking for an affordable method of reducing the appearance of their stretch marks should strongly consider choosing a stretch mark cream specifically designed with this in mind.

Some Home Remedied to Help Get Rid of Stretch Marks

There are many methods to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, including surgery, medical treatments, and over-the-counter creams. Diet and exercise also go a long way in ensuring stretch marks do not become permanent. In case of pregnancy, be sure to always consult a gynecologist or obstetrician before trying any new treatments, including even those that are completely natural. Here are a few ideas that may be tried at home:

* Massaging with olive oil is a natural, effective method. It improves blood circulation and exfoliates the area on which it is applied. Rub gently in the area of the stretch marks twice daily, and results should begin to be noticeable in about one week.

* A solution of calendula oil and wheat germ oil in equal proportions works wonders to get rid of stretch marks. Apply daily, and expect results in about a month or so.

* A mixture of Almond oil, chamomile oil and lavender oil works fine on a majority of skin types but may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with sensitive skin should steer clear of this treatment. Discontinue use if it causes a mild burning sensation.

The Best Advice for Getting Rid of Stretch Marks

Most importantly, taking eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water go a long way to get rid of stretch marks. The more hydrated the body, the more flexible skin becomes. As the skin become more elastic, the less obvious skin imperfections can be, also preventing new stretch marks from forming.

Leading a healthy lifestyle in addition to treating stretch marks directly is the absolute best advice to reduce stretch marks and help prevent them. Though the previously listed home remedies may work for some people, stretch mark cream has been tested and designed specifically for this purpose. With a combination of lifestyle changes and professionally-designed creams, stretch marks can now be a problem of the past.

Around the world, women are trying to find a method to prevent stretch marks from appearing. This is particularly the case for pregnant mothers, who are especially likely to suffer from these embarrassing skin imperfections.

Pregnancy and Stretch Marks

Though pregnancy is indeed an absolute miracle, often described as the most influential experience in a woman’s life, it does indeed have drawbacks. With odd food cravings, morning sickness, headaches, and other related effects, the last thing a woman wants to worry about is the effects of pregnancy on their skin. There are indeed a select few women who have been blessed with genes that prevent stretch marks, but for the rest of us, there is indeed hope.

Preventing Stretch Marks during Pregnancy

A natural result of carrying a child in one’s body is significant stretching of the skin. This often happens very quickly during the third trimester, making this the key period of time to work to prevent stretch marks. Many stretch mark removal creams are also designed to help prevent these unsightly blemishes from appearing in the first place, making them perfect for almost any woman.

The vast majority of stretch mark creams are 100% natural and completely safe for a developing fetus. However, women with sensitive or acne-prone skin should first test any new skin care product on a very small area first, or face the potential consequences of a rash or breakout. With just one or two applications per day of stretch mark cream, concerns about stretch marks can be the least of their worries, and more focus can be placed on the upcoming joy of a newborn.

Stretch Marks Defined

Stretch marks are the innumerable lines that appear on the skin’s surface that make skin look uneven and rough. They usually appear as pale, silvery-colored lines that gradually evolve into dark red or purple colors if left untreated.

When skin is stretched too far, it will begin to literally break down. Stretch marks are a direct result of losing collagen and elastin in the skin caused by this breaking down. When the skin loses these two essential components, lines on the skin become prominent.

Causes of Stretch Marks

New stretch marks are most common in women during after pregnancy and during puberty. Both of these time periods cause significant stress on the skin, stretching it out due to sudden, quick weight changes. Stretch marks can also be caused by bodybuilding and obesity, both which require the skin to stretch beyond current limits. Any periods of extreme hormonal changes can effect the skin, including taking medications such as steroids and cortisone.

Prevention and Treatment

Early intervention is the key to reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Once the pale, silvery lines of a stretch mark appear, it is time to take action and apply a stretch mark cream. The best strategy, however, is to prevent these in the first place. Most stretch mark removal creams actually have the ability to help prevent stretch marks as well. By using a cream as directed during periods such as pregnancy and puberty, most stretch marks will be prevented.

Another factor effecting skin’s elasticity is a healthy lifestyle. When the body’s cells have the proper nutrients and hydration, they are able to work more effectively. This includes the prevention of stretch marks. Drinking plenty of water, eating healthy, exercising, and quitting smoking all contribute to healthy skin. By adding a reputable stretch mark cream, your skin will look like a super star’s in no time!

Stretch mark are hideous prominent lines on skin?s surface that always appear in countless number.

It sometimes covers a big area of the skin, making the skin looks very ugly. In some worst cases, stretch marks are so deep it makes the person who is suffering from it would not like to see the part of their skin that has it. Many people are suffering from stretch marks nowadays especially women. Having a problem like this makes them lose their self-esteem. Many women become like that, but nobody can blame them. Of course, they will think that because of this certain skin problem their skin now becomes ugly.

Stretch mark affects the personality of a woman

And it will reflect to their whole personality and they think that they are really ugly in and out. As a result, many women who have stretch mark are becoming more and more concern about what they look. They become very conscious on what clothes to wear just to go out. Since they want to cover their stretch marks, they are having a hard time choosing the right clothes. Especially when they are on the beach, they can?t wear sexy bikinis even if they wanted to.

Because of this problem, many women around the world are searching for the easiest way to diminish stretch marks. Most women who have a lot of money to spend consult to famous and respected dermatologist to cure the skin part that is affected. But having a dermatologist to cure stretch mark may cost big money and many can?t afford to pay.

But there is another way to fight against having stretch mark.

And many women have their trust on this one as the best way to fight against having such skin problem. This is by using the stretch marks removal creams. Many kinds of stretch mark removal creams are available in the market and they work like wonders and termed as miracle creams.

Vitamin E and stretch marks have long been co-related. Vitamin E helps us remove stretch marks very effectively. Most of the skin care products have vitamin E as an essential ingredient. It is also known to reverse the aging process to some extent. What is it in Vitamin that it has become so popular in recent years?

How Vitamin E works to cure stretch marks

As vitamin E is a natural antioxidant, it works wonder for all the diseases caused by free radical loss. It is also expected to treat Alzheimer?s and cancer in future. Any anti oxidant?s main job is to replenish the free radical loss.VitaminE takes care of it very effective. Our skin is made of collagen elastin .enough consumption of Vitamin E ensures that elastin and collagen structure of skin remains intact.

As stretch marks are formed when the elasticity of skin exceeds it limits thereby causing damage to both elastin and collagen. If we somehow increase the consumption of Vitamin E this effect can be reversed or stopped to aggravate further. This is exactly what vitamin E capsules do and cure stretch marks. When we consume vitamin E or apply it locally on stretch marks, skin utilizes the antioxidants for vitamin e to stop any damage or to replenish the damage already caused.

Solutions of Vitamin E to cure stretch marks

Different solutions of vitamin E can be prepared depending upon the requirement to cure stretch marks. Vitamin e, if mixed with olive oil and ground coffee with some petroleum jelly is very effective stretch marks removal cream. You can store it in jar and use it regularly until the stretch marks are completely gone. Caffeine alone is known to work wonders for stretch mark removal if you apply it locally. Different variations of above mentioned solution can be used or vitamin e capsule can be broken and the oil can be applied directly on skin for faster effects. This way you can cure stretch marks.

Almost all the stretch marks removal creams or general skin creams have Vitamin E. Herbal creams with Vitamin E is the an ideal cream to cure stretch marks.