Stretch marks, or striae, occur if you gain more than average weight during your pregnancy or if you have a family history of stretch marks.  Ethnicity makes a difference: African-American women are less likely to get stretch marks. For 50-90% of women, pregnancy and stretch marks go hand in hand. Pregnancy stretch marks are also the most common form of stretch marks. Even though they are so common, many women are bothered by them. Luckily there are a number of ways for you to permanently get rid of your stretch marks after pregnancy, including through plastic surgery.
Stretch marks can appear anywhere on your body where skin is stretched, or overstretched. The normal production of collagen gets disrupted and as a result stretch marks appear. They are most likely to appear in the places where fat is stored â the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, thighs and buttocks. These marks are not harmful. These are simply a cosmetic issue, and need to be treated accordingly.
For women who are just recently pregnant, or men who are bulk weight training, moisturizers may help prevent stretch marks. Though nothing is scientifically proven, anecdotal evidence supports the idea that using moisturizers fortified with vitamin A and vitamin E may help prevent stretch marks. Vitamin A and E are, after all, essential components in the epidermal (skin) maintenance system. Helping your body regulate and in some cases speed up the growth of new skin cells may help reduce the appearance and number of stretch marks when overall body volume is finally lost.
There are, however, ways to try to get rid of stretch marks. Lasers can be used to fade stretch marks.Sometimes, the laser lessens the red scars. The laser works by burning off the top layers of scarred skin, with very little pain and no bleeding. Even though this form of laser treatment of stretch marks is not an industry standard, the technique is definitely gaining in popularity.
Procedure Highlights
The laser stimulates the production of new collagen which results in younger looking skin. It improves the tone, texture and appearance of skin that has stretch marks. The results are long lasting. One session takes about 30 minutes.
What can you do about stretch marks? Be patient. Your reddish-purplish marks will eventually fade in color. Whether or not the marks disappear has to do with your skin type; the depth of the stretch marks and your determination to treat them. If you want a barometer of how your body will handle stretch marks, think of how your scars fade. Stretch marks are, in fact, tiny scars, formed when the lower layers of skin tear because they don’t stretch as fast as upper layers of skin.
Sandy Klocinski
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Comments
Stretch Marks?
I have horrible red stretch marks on my inner thighs and on my breasts. I’m not fat either. Is there any home remedies I can make? Everyone says Palmers Cocoa Butter, but I’m too embarrassed to ask my parents to take me. Please help!
just say your friend has it and you liked the smell so you want it…..people don’t just use it for stretch marks
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I have them and I got them from growing tall too fast. Palmer’s cocoa butter would help, couldn’t you just say you wanted it for a moisturiser? They will fade in time.
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It’s a very good lotion. Just tell them that your skin is dry, and that you love the smell or something.. It does have a very distinct smell.
I am currently using it for my (potential) stretch marks because I am 13 weeks pregnant, and I have an amazing tattoo on my stomach/hip that I want to keep looking nice!!
As far as I know, I heard that stretch marks happen when the skin is too dry (and don’t scratch it a lot if it itches because I’m told that will make it worse..?), and also if you gain or lose weight too easily. But I hope that Palmer’s helps you!!
Why are you afraid to ask your parents? You never know - they may be very sympathetic with you, but I don’t know your situation…
And if that doesn’t work, maybe it will be possible to borrow money (if you don’t have your own) and go with a friend instead?
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there is nothing on the market that can take stretch marks away completely. the only sure thing is if you got a tummy tuck or a body lift. sounds to me you don’t need that.
i really don’t understand why you are scared to ask you parents for lotion(?)
just go ahead and ask. the worst they can say is now. Palmer’s will help lighten your stretch marks over time. you have to used it regularly-several times a day.
if you are up to them and your parents can afford it, there is always Retin-A. Again it won’t take away the stretch marks, but they will fade. you have to go to a dermatologist to get it though.
i hope i helped! good luck
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I can’ t say that I’m a fan of my stretch marks either and because of them, I have a hard time trying to find a swimsuit that I’m comfortable in. I’m also nervous about wearing shorts because of the stretch marks on the back of my knees. I also have stretch marks on my hips, buttocks, and my inner thighs and like you, I’m not fat either. Eventually you, me, and other girls and women around the world will just have to get over our embarrassment and just accept our flaws for what they are. In the meantime, I heard Mederma is really good for stretch marks, acne scars, burns, scars from surgeries, and scars in general. You should visit their website for more info. From looking at the prices in stores, I know that Mederma is close to $30.00. I’ve been wanting to try it myself but, I just haven’t had the money. I hope my advice helps you out because, I know how you feel.
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http://www.mederma.com