Skin Details

Is there a way to fade stretch marks? Fortunately, yes. Make stretch marks disappear? Unfortunately this is still a no. Despite the many advances in skin care technology, no treatment has yet successfully made these often than not embarrassing stripes totally disappear. However, there are now many available treatments to make stretch marks appear less conspicuous and ease associated signs (such as skin dryness) that may arise with having these marks.

Basic Facts About Your Skin and Stretch Marks

Causes

The skin is usually a very elastic organ able to spring back to its original state. However, there are instances when the skin becomes too overstretched damaging the epidermis. The epidermal layer is responsible for secreting collagen and elastic fibers, two substances that are give skin its elasticity. Below are common causes of stretch marks:

- Sudden Weight Change - When one rapidly gains weight, the skin is not given adequate time to adjust to the added mass, thus, the skin becomes overstretched. These stretch marks become more evident when one then loses the weight as they now have more texture. - Pregnancy. Common sense tells us that stretch marks occur in the abdominal region as the body accommodates the growing child. - Growth spurts. Puberty may cause certain individuals to experience rapid growth in height and muscles. - Bulking of muscles. Stretch marks associated with athletes in particular bodybuilders.

Appearance

- Color of the Marks - Initially stretch marks are seen as red to pinkish to purple in color that eventually become a more permanent silvery-white - Shape - crooked bands or lines or stripes that vary in length and width appearing mostly as wavelike streaks - Texture - can be flat, depressed, ridged/bumpy, or glossy

Associated Symptoms

- Dryness - Itchiness - Thickening or raised skin - Pain - Tenderness

Common Location for Stretch Marks

In general, stretch marks are seen in areas of the body where weight gain is most evident namely:

- Abdomen - Thighs - Hips - Breast - Upper arms and axillary area

Stretch Mark Treatment

Cosmetic

- Laser therapy and chemical peels - work by removing the scarred topmost layer of the skin allowing newer and healthier skin to emerge using laser or chemicals that are acidic in nature - Microdermabrasion - exfoliates the topmost layer of the skin using very small crystals - Skin removal - usually done to those people who have loss dramatic weight resulting to excess skin Nonsurgical Intervention - Topical medications - include lotions and creams that are massaged into the skin. Most of these topical creams share similar ingredients such as vitamins A and E. Tretinoin-based cream is said to be effective in fading stretch creams. Keep in mind that since topical medications are not as aggressive as surgical ones more time is required for results to show. An added perk to topical treatments is the alleviation of other symptoms (such as creams give added moisture to dry skin). - Lifestyle improvement - healthy and clean living is recommended to keep one's weight stable and in check. A balanced diet will provide one sufficient nutrients essential for healthy skin.

Shop for brand name skin care products below:

	Elicina Crema de Caracol Snail Cream Eliminates & Softens Wrinkles, Acne, Rosacea, Scars, Burns, Age Spots & Stretch Marks Sale Price: $19.99
	Be one of those to enjoy the great and real benefits that only can be offered by the inventors and creators of the Snail Cream. Your skin deserves the Original.

	Murad Acne & Wrinkle Reducer 2 oz List Price: $58.00 Sale Price: $35.68
	What it is:An advanced formula that's clinically proven to reduce acne while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.What it is formulated to do:This multi-active treatment rapidly improves skin's appearance by alleviating existing adult acne, preventing the development of new acne, and restoring collagen to more youthful levels...

	RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, 1-Ounce Tube List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $10.46
	RoC RETINOL CORREXION Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is a moisturizer that's clinically proven to give 10 years back to the look of your skin*. This exclusive combination contains pure RoC RETINOL plus an essential mineral complex and is clinically proven to visibly reduce wrinkles while you sleep...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night, 1 ounce List Price: $18.20 Sale Price: $8.50

It's a new era in anti-aging. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer contains Accelerated Retinol SA, the fastest retinol formula available. Accelerated Retinol SA combines the highest concentration of Neutrogena's Retinol SA with glucose complex, an exclusive booster that delivers pure stabilized retinol into the skin's surface quickly and effectively, leaving skin feeling smoother and younger-looking...

	Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream, 1.4 Ounce List Price: $19.47 Sale Price: $9.88
	Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream Night is a dermatologist recommended Retinol anti-wrinkle cream clinically proven to visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. This patented formula contains Retinol, Vitamin A in its purest form, to work deep within skin's surface where wrinkles develop...

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