Stretch marks. If you have them, you know how frustrating they can be. The good news is that while they’re difficult to get rid of, stretch marks aren’t dangerous or uncommon – in fact, up to 70 percent of pregnant women develop stretch marks. Men can get stretch marks as well, especially athletes, and so can teenagers during their growth spurts. If you’re wondering how you got those stretch marks or want to find out about treatment options, read on.

What do stretch marks look like?

Stretch marks come in all sorts of colors and shapes. When they’re brand new, they sport pink or red hues. As stretch marks age, they begin to fade. You might notice them changing to a pink, white or grayish color.

As far as shape goes, stretch marks might look like miniature lightning bolts, especially when found beneath the abdomen. They might even look like a vein burst underneath your skin. Marks in other places, like under the arms or beneath the breasts, might appear hairy or furry, even when there’s usually no hair in that area.

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks are a tell-tale sign that your skin has gone through some sort of sudden change. Technically, stretch marks are scars, but unlike most scars, it doesn’t take an opening or cut in the top layer of your skin to prompt their appearance. Torn collagen and loss of elasticity cause those unwelcome offenders to pop up across the surface of skin.

• Pregnancy. Many women notice stretch marks on their abdomens during or after pregnancy. When their skin stretches out to accommodate a growing baby, the stretching might be so severe that the collagen beneath loses its strength. When that happens, venous spots appear in the affected areas.
• Rapid growth. Pregnancy isn’t the only way to acquire stretch marks. Changes in body shape can spur them on, too. When a person gains a significant amount of weight, the skin must stretch to accommodate the added mass. And what happens then? You guessed it – skin gets that veiny-looking texture again.
• Diseases. In less common circumstances, individuals can develop stretch marks from diseases like Cushing’s syndrome. However, stretch marks are more likely to appear all over the body in this instance, not just in affected areas.

Can I get rid of my stretch marks?

Getting rid of stretch marks completely is unlikely. Since the damage itself is permanent, it can’t be undone. Stretch marks do tend to fade on their own, but they still leave marks behind. There are treatments that can help, especially if your stretch marks are brand new.

• Lasers. The most effective types involve the use of lasers. For newer stretch marks, pulsed dye laser therapy is thought to kick collagen back into gear and encourage the production of new elasticity. Fractional photothermolysis works similarly, but may cause minimal damage to the skin and skin tone.

Older stretch marks aren’t a lost cause. Therapy from an excimer laser is designed to encourage the skin to produce new melanin, which helps the marks better match the surrounding skin.

• Cosmetic products. You can also try specialized topical stretch mark treatments that contain ingredients like vitamin A, vitamin C and glycolic acid. It’s possible that these remedies can repair or increase skin’s elasticity and improve the look of the marks. But remember that while these creams can improve the tone and firmness of your skin, your stretch marks won’t disappear completely.
• Prescription-strength treatments. Stretch marks may be more likely to respond to stronger prescription treatments than over-the-counter creams available at spas. Prescription creams containing retinoids or glycolic acid deliver a more potent dose of the active ingredient, thereby making the treatment more effective and the results more noticeable. Some doctors may suggest that you take retinoid and glycolic acid treatments at the same time for faster, more visible results.

Product picks:

• StriVectin SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles is one of the leading stretch mark treatments on the market, and it works on wrinkles as well.
• Belli Stretchmark Minimizing Cream is a natural beauty product that uses darutoside and registril, two ingredients shown to be very effective in treating stretch marks.

Where to start

• Do your research. Over-the-counter topical creams are far less expensive than prescription treatments, so they might be a good place to start if you’re wary of committing to something more invasive or expensive. A simple Internet search for getting rid of stretch marks can yield some pretty magnanimous product claims, making it hard to know which products are actually effective and which are just hype. So before making a purchase, read product reviews and talk to a skin specialist or a friend who has tried the product. Many companies offer a return policy if you’re not satisfied.
• Have reasonable expectations. Once you’ve made your purchase, be sure to use the product exactly as directed, and don’t expect miracles. It takes time for the skin to heal and repair itself, so it may be a while before you notice any changes.
• Next steps. If you’re not satisfied with over-the-counter treatments, the next step up involves a doctor-administered procedure or prescription treatment. You might start with a prescription before undergoing the more intense laser treatments, especially if your marks are fairly new. In some cases, fresh stretch marks respond better to prescriptions than old ones.

Stretch marks may be frustrating, but don’t let them get you down. They truly are one of the most common skin conditions, and although you may not be able to erase them, there are numerous ways to reduce their appearance.

See also:

Cellulite Solved: How To Part With Puckering Skin

Caring for Your Body

Exercise For The Body And Soul … And Your Skin!

Easy Skincare & Beauty During Pregnancy