How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks and Scars
Stretch scars are another name for stretch marks, or striae. In any case, it helps to learn how they form and how you can get rid of them.
Causes
Any number of life circumstances and changes can result in the formation of stretch scars. Adolescent growth spurts, pregnancy, or bodybuilding are the three main reasons these rather long reddish or purplish lines might appear. Obesity is another primary cause.
Simple Home Treatment Tips
Endless methods of reducing or eliminating stretch scars have been tried. They all work in varying degrees and it is up to you to find the course of treatment that will work best for you.
Some home methods of treatment that have been applied to stretch scars and marks include the following:
- Creams that are made with a 0.1% concentration of Tretinoin (form of Retin-A) were proven to be very helpful. Research results compiled and released by the Archives of Dermatology in May of 1996 back up this claim.
- ***IMPORTANT WARNING: Tretinoin should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding. It can be used in just about any other circumstance though. Make sure you do not use it on your stomach if you are a woman carrying an unborn child. It could cause serious damage.
- Gently cleansing and scrubbing your skin on a daily basis also seems to do great wonders for your skin. This can help remove any unwanted blemishes much more quickly.
- Sometimes you can use various means of hiding your stretch marks. One way you can conceal them is by going tanning. You can also use a sunless tanning cream.
- WARNING: You could risk your health by exposing yourself to excess UV light, though. You could also risk discoloration of your skin at least temporarily using tanning cream. Therefore, be careful.
- Another way to hide these blemishes without risking your health by exposing yourself to UV lights or harsh chemicals is to use a tinted sunscreen or tinted body makeup with safe ingredients in it.
- Vitamin E in a gel form can help you. It often is found in capsules which you can break open just for this purpose and rub it on your belly, thighs, or anywhere else the striae appears. (Usually this condition shows up in areas where your body stores the most cellulite.
Countless other treatments are used which can also be applied at home. Most of the remedies mentioned are effective in mild cases. Medical treatments such as laser surgery, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels might be helpful in certain instances, too.