It does not take a rocket scientist to know that no one wants to get stretch marks. Unfortunately, though, stretch marks can be ruthless. Getting stretch marks is like getting hit by lightning; no one is really safe from it. Young, old, fat, thin, woman, or man, stretch marks are common skin woes that many people get embarrassed about in a world where beauty equates to perfection. Fortunately no one is perfect, however, many still strive to be so for individual reasons.

What causes stretch marks? These are generally scars caused by excessive pulling of the skin. The overstretching disrupted the collagen and elastic fibers comprising the bulk of the skin. Improper healing of the disrupted skin results in stretch mark formations.

Aggressive Treatments

Today, the two most successful treatments to get rid of stretch marks are laser therapy and chemical peeling. Laser therapy works by intentionally wounding the affected skin then allowing a certain period of time enough for the body to naturally produce new and healthy collagen and elastic fibers similar to that of normal skin. The laser not only stimulates collagen and elastin formation but also seals off blood capillaries that had burst.

The other way is through chemical peeling which makes use corrosive solutions (usually acids) in sloughing off the scarred topmost epidermal tier of the stretch mark resulting to younger skin cells to surface up. Skin removal is also an option for those who have excessive loose skin left over after tremendous weight loss. Light therapy is the latest technology involving light and gel to remove the stretch marks.

Milder Treatments

Of course, there are other milder options for stretch mark treatment. Topical medications in the form of lotions, creams, and ointments are available in your local pharmacies and beauty bars. Ingredients such as retinoids (i.e. retinaldehyde, tretinoin, and isotretinoin) alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), antioxidants (e.g. vitamins A, C, and E), lipids (wheatgerm oil, jojoba), and exfoliating products such as mineral crystals are also effective in fading stretch marks after appropriate and consistent use. The massaging application of such medications hastens skin healing by promoting blood to flow to the affected area.

Treatments From The Inside Out

Try developing a healthier diet. Improve your eating habits. Try to meet your daily nutrient requirements in particular protein, vitamins, and certain minerals such as zinc, all of which are vital for good skin. Collagen and elastic fibers are made of proteins, thus, eating proteins ensures that the body has a lot of material to work on for proper skin reconstruction.

Water therapy is another option. Drink lots of water to maintain a well-hydrated complexion. Allow yourself a few minutes under the sun to promote vitamin D production in your skin.

Who Needs Treatment?

One does not have to remove the stretch marks per se for them not to be seen. Camouflage the eyesores with the use of concealers, foundations and other forms of body make-up. Remember to select the two shades your natural skin tone lies between to guarantee that the most suitable combination that matches your actual color.

In some cases, stretch marks fade on their own over time. To facilitate the elimination of stretch marks, it would help if you figure out the cause of the stretch marks such as try to lose weight or exercise to toned up skin or avoid excessive use of corticosteroid creams.

When it comes to stretch mark, the saying that goes that it is better to avoid stretch marks than to have to treat them could not be more true. Our skin is the largest organ in our body and is also therefore the most visible. Nobody wants to have stretch marks, the silver streaks on your skin which are the result of rapid body expansion. They are technically categorized as scars even if they are located on a deeper layer. Hence, they are very difficult to get rid of once they form. They are not always easy to prevent either but there are some strategies that you can try.

Drink Lots of Water

It is true what doctors say about water – that it is the best hydrating agent in the world. By supplying your body with sufficient amounts, you are keeping your skin well moisturized. This can help stop marks from forming because hydrated skin is firm and elastic. These qualities are necessary to maximize skin tolerance to rapid stretching. You can worry less about your skin tissues tearing easily.

Exercise Regularly

If there is one solution to most health and beauty problems, that would be exercise. Exercise is always good for the body in general. It has distinct benefits for the skin in particular. Regular aerobic exercise promotes proper blood circulation. This in turn ensures proper nutrient supply to all the cells of the body including those of the skin. It can therefore help ensure that the skin has everything it needs to develop well. Regular muscle strengthening exercises also help tone the body. This can make streaks less obvious.

Eat Nutritious Food

There are various vitamins that especially target the skin. These include vitamins A, E, K and D. One of the best natural sources of vitamins is nutritious food. Although you cant always get every vitamin from eating right, a good diet will always benefit your skin. Eat lots of vegetables, fruits and nuts.

Watch Your Weight

There may be instances when it is almost impossible to avoid stretch marks. This is even if you are a weight control freak. This is simply because there are some points in our lives when rapid expansion is simply unavoidable. We all pass through puberty for example and lots of women get pregnant. Even so, it may help if you kept close to your ideal weight for your age and height. Controlling how much weight you gain can lessen the streaks on your skin.

Use Natural Products

Other topical alternatives may be necessary since you can not get all the nutrients you need from food. You can help your skin stay firm and elastic by using creams and lotions that contain natural ingredients and skin nutrients. Some of these skin products can also help rejuvenate old or scarred skin.

Monitor Your Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is imperative. Some of your habits may be damaging your skin. If you can help it, avoid smoking too much, sleeping late, eating junk food and getting into stressful situations. These can ruin the quality and strength of your skin and make it more prone to dryness and tearing. Take care of your skin by managing your lifestyle choices.

It may be hard for you to avoid stretch marks. You can only do your very best. Follow these basic tips religiously and you will be on your way to clearer, firmer, more beautiful skin.