Natural Methods to Moisturize Skin

Natural Methods to Moisturize Skin

In the modern era, one can find dozens of options for the skincare. Beauty parlors offer different skincare treatments and a number of non-prescription moisturizing creams can be bought quite easily. However, you do not have to spend so much money to make your skin glow. Simple home remedies can be used for this purpose. These remedies are even more efficacious because they contain natural ingredients. But before you try anything keep one thing in mind, always wash and cleanse your face before moisturizing.

Natural Methods to Moisturize SkinCream

On a busy day when you have no time to spare, applying cream over your face is a perfect way to moisturize it. Cream contains lactic acid which exfoliates your skin.

  • Apply the cold cream over your face. A few lemon drops can be added to it as well.
  • Let it dry.
  • After 15 minutes, rinse it off with water.

Honey face pack

Honey has anti-microbic effects because it contain antioxidants. So, it holds moisture within the skin making it silky soft.

  • Before taking a bath apply honey on the face.
  • Leave it there for fifteen minutes.
  • Then wash it off.

Papaya and Yogurt face mask

Papaya is full of vitamin C and E and yoghurt eases itchy and dried out skin. Besides both are full of antioxidants and have good moisturizing abilities.

  • Mix 3 tablespoons of squashed papaya with half cup of curd. Then add some drops of lemon juice and honey.
  • Apply over your face. Leave it on for ten minutes.
  • After that, rinse off your face with chill water.

Do this once every week.

Strawberry mask 
Papaya and Yogurt face mask

The strawberries moisturize skin naturally giving it a natural radiance. Mixing it with some cream or curd makes a refreshing scrub which removes dead cell from skin.

  • Cut and mash some strawberries. Add half cup of cream or curd and one teaspoon of lemon.
  • Cool this mixture in a fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Apply this face mask over face and also your neck. Leave it on for twenty minutes.
  • Scrub gently while removing.Over-ripe banana maskWe generally throw away over-ripe bananas but you can utilize them to rejuvenate your aging skin.
  • Mash two over-ripe bananas and add 2 tablespoons of curd, some oats and a couple of drops of pure honey to it.
  • Blend it well.
  • Apply all over your face with a broad, flat brush.
  • Wash it off after fifteen minutes.Egg and olive oil face maskOlive oil, even alone, is a great moisturizing agent. For dry skin, it can be applied all over the body to get a quick shine. Rub it on dried up areas like knees and elbow for instant softness.
  • Take some olive oil, egg yolk and honey and blend them all together.
  • Apply this face pack and wait for fifteen minutes. This face pack is perfect for hydrating your skin and it gives it an instant glow.Now you do not have to buy costly treatments and cosmetics full of chemicals. These natural remedies are so inexpensive and simple to use yet very effective. So, moisturize your skin using these amazing tricks and say goodbye to the dull and dry skin.

White vs. Red Stretch Marks

White vs. Red Stretch Marks

Stretchmarks are a very common skin problem. Young and old, men and women can be affected by them. Stretch marks are also called “striae” because they look like reddish or whitish colored, rough striations. Colors of the stretch marks vary depending on their age. They can be white, red, light purple or silvery in color. These marks are everlasting and best way to avoid them is to not let them form in the first place. For this you will need to take certain precautionary measures. But before that, you must understand why stretch marks are formed.

White vs. Red Stretch MarksCauses

A number of reasons contribute to the formation of stretch marks, most common being rapid weight gain. Abrupt weight gain is mostly seen in the case of pregnant women, that is why they develop stretch marks mostly. Similarly growth spurts associated with adolescence can lead to formation of these striations. Other causes include medical syndromes like Marfan syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome etc. Moreover, excessive use of steroid rich creams also cause stretch marks.

Aging of Stretch Marks

When a stretch mark forms on our skin, it is reddish or mildly purple in color. Depending on skin color and skin type, its color fades out gradually and it transforms to silvery or whitish lines. A lot of cosmetics make claims of removing stretch marks completely but it is virtually impossible.

Treatment for Red Stretch Marks

Red stretch marks are fresh and they respond differently to treatment as compared to old stretch marks. Following options are good for treating red stretch marks.

  • Tretinoin Cream: It contains retin-A. Retin-A helps regenerating collagen and elastin in the damaged skin.
  • Fractional Photothermolysis: It uses pulsed light which is thrown at skin in small quantities and helps in rejuvenating it.
  • Pulsed-dye Laser Therapy: This technique uses laser rays to restore collagen in stretch marks and stimulate healing.

White vs. Red Stretch MarksTreatment for White Stretch Marks

Older stretchmarks are whitish in color and are more resistant to treatments used for red stretch marks. Therefore, more aggressive approach is taken to treat them.

  • Excimer Laser: This method stimulates the formation of melanin which is a skin pigment. This masks stretchmark by making its shade closer to the normal skin tone of the person.
  • Microdermabrasion Technique: This process involves abrasion of skin over the stretchmark with the help of small crystals to improve its appearance.

Preventive Measures

There is no doubt that “prevention is the best policy”. This maxim is especially true in the case of stretch marks. Avoiding weight gain, especially at a sudden pace, is very important to prevent the stretch marks. This can be achieved by maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Although in cases like pregnancy, expansion of abdomen by a baby growing inside it and weight gain is inevitable. But they can use simple home remedies like Aloe vera, vegetable oils etc. and cosmetics available commercially to minimize stretch marks. These methods can neither prevent nor remove stretch marks absolutely but they can make a difference by relieving a bit of the dryness and itching associated with the stretch marks.

Painful Stretch Marks

Painful Stretch Marks

When you stretch an elastic band, it keeps on stretching due to it elastic properties but beyond a certain limit it breaks. Our skin is very similar to an elastic band in this regard. When the skin stretches beyond its natural potential it develops tears and scar tissue forms in those tears eventually. This leads to the formation of stretch marks. These purplish or reddish colored striations are revolting reminders of the skin damage caused by sudden weight gain or growth spurts. Stretch marks are generally harmless but they can disfigure one’s appearance. Also they are itchy and painful.

Painful Stretch MarksSignificance

Changes related to our body growth lead to the development of stretch marks. Whether it is abrupt weight gain, growth spurt or pregnancy, they can all lead to excessive stretching of the skin thus resulting in the formation of stretch marks. Stretchmarks can also be formed by unreasonable consumption of pills and creams rich in steroids. The reason behind it is that steroids alter collagen production in the skin. Stretch marks are painful because they are formed by the stretching of skin. Just imagine your skin being pulled as if it was being pinched, it is definitely going to hurt.

Itching is caused when defense mechanisms of skin are triggered by damage caused to it due to overstretching. Scar tissue is formed, which is harder in consistency compared to normal skin and can cause discomfort.

Preventive measures

  • Maintain your body weight within a healthy range.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Keep a balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, cereals etc.
  • Exercise regularly and moderately.
  • Keep your skin moisturized.
  • If you have a family history of stretch marks, you might be genetically predisposed to this condition. So you should be more careful.

Treatment

Painful Stretch MarksScar tissue in the stretchmarks can constrict blood vessels in the skin thus decreasing blood flow which can cause pain. You can avoid this by rubbing Vitamin E oil or cocoa butter on the scarred area. You should never scratch your stretch marks at any cost even when they hurt. Because stretching them can worsen the damage and make them even more painful. Instead you should try some cooling gel like Aloe gel which reduces redness and swelling.

Expert Advice

Skin experts like dermatologists suggest using creams containing Retnin-A such as tretinoin cream. They advise that it is more effective to use this cream on newly formed stretch marks which are still painful and pink in color. Success rate of tretinoin creams fall from eighty percent to ten percent, once stretch marks turn whitish in color.

Warning

In such cases, where the stretch marks are formed in the absence of any common predisposing cause like sudden weight gain, pregnancy etc. then you should see a doctor and get your hormones level checked. Sometimes certain hormone disorder, like Cushing’s syndrome, can be the reason. This is a rare syndrome in which adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of cortisol hormone. Cortisol affects our collagen production thus leading to the formation of stretch marks. In addition to this, certain connective tissue disorders can also cause stretch marks. Examples include Ehler-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome.

Myths about Stretch Marks

Myths about Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are in fact skin tears which are formed when our skin is stretched beyond its normal limit due to factors like pregnancy, weight gain, hormonal changes, drugs etc. This is a worldwide problem faced by many men and women. Stretch marks deface our appearance and for this reason they cause anxiety and depression in billions of people who suffer from such marks. People spend their fortune on useless and overpriced treatments for these marks. In spite of common occurrence, there are several misconceptions related to the stretch marks. Listed below are some of the most frequent myths regarding stretchmarks and expert’s insight about them.

Myths about Stretch MarksMyth No. 1: Only women suffer from the stretch marks

Fact: Both women and men can develop stretch marks. Women mostly suffer from them because of the association of stretch marks with pregnancy. But men can also suffer from such marks because of growth spurts or workouts for building muscles.

Myth No. 2: Stretchmarks form on the abdomen only

Fact: Wrong! Our legs, arms, breast, hips etc. can develop these marks as well. So don’t worry if you find one of these on your arms or legs. Any part of your body that can develop over-stretching of the skin is prone to the formation of stretch marks.

Myth No. 3: Skinny people do not get stretch marks

Fact: Although obese people get stretch marks more commonly but slim people are not entirely risk-free. This is because a number of factors play role in the development of these marks, for example, hormone levels and genetics. So if your mum has stretch marks, you are at risk as well.

Myths about Stretch MarksMyth No.4: Stretch marks are totally unavoidable

Fact: When genetics come into play, the stretch marks are virtually unpreventable. However, a well-organized regime can be formulated to maintain the vitality of skin.

The most important thing is to keep the skin hydrated by moisturizing it on a regular basis. This will keep its elasticity intact, therefore preventing tears in the skin when it over-stretches. Secondly, keep your skin nourished by using products which contain gotu kola, vitamin E, cocoa butter etc.

Finally, prevent undue increase in weight or sudden fluctuations in weight by exercising regularly and maintaining a well-balanced diet. Adopting a healthy and fit lifestyle is a perfect way for keeping your skin supple and flawless.

Myth No. 5: There is no treatment for stretch marks

Fact: The truth is that you can treat stretch marks and manage them well with the help of an expert like a dermatologist. The dermatologist will advise you topical treatments like retinoid and alpha-hydroxy acid cream. Natural sources of alpha-hydoxy acids are sugar and milk. Their mechanism of action is the gentle exfoliation of the top-most skin layer. This will remove all of the dead skin and expose the new skin free from scars and stretch marks. Retinoid can be obtained from the vitamin A. It acts by exfoliating the skin and stimulating the production of collagen. This will make your skin healthy and more resistant to any kind of damage.

There are also a number of procedure which can be used to reduce the stretch marks. These procedures include laser therapy and microdermabrasion.

Methods for Hiding Stretch Marks

Methods for Hiding Your Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are purplish, brown or reddish colored lines that are hideous to look at. Although they gradually fade into whitish or silvery streaks they still deface your appearance. These marks are formed due to excessive skin stretching because of sudden weight gain or weight loss, pregnancy, hormonal imbalance or growth spurts. Stretch marks are permanent marks on your body and these unsightly marks stay forever once formed. But you can try simple tricks like self-tanner and concealer to disguise them instead of going for expensive options like laser therapy and plastic surgery.

Concealer

Methods for Hiding Your Stretch MarksStep # 1

Find a shade of concealer which matches your normal skin tone. Do not go for a very light  shade of concealer that will not hide anything but rather make things worse. Choose a concealer that is heavy so that it does not slide down.

Step # 2

Pick a small make up brush and dab it on the concealer. Pat it over the stretch marks using light and gentle strokes. Apply lighter layer of the concealer for the best results.

Step # 3

Here is a beauty hack! To set the makeup in situ, disperse a jot of translucent powder over it.

Step # 4

Use a pearly cream. Apply a tinge of cream on the stretch marks. This cream will reflect light making these marks less noticeable.

Self-Tanner

Step # 1

Take a wash cloth and dip it in some warm water. Massage your skin in small and circular motions with this wet washcloth. This will help exfoliate the skin so that self-tanner is absorbed more easily and effectively. Pat yourself dry with a cotton towel.

Step # 2

Methods for Hiding Your Stretch MarksSelect a good self-tanner. Now take some self-tanner in your palm and apply in on your torso, thighs, legs, arms and massage it well in circular motion. Make sure you apply it all over the area and not just over the stretch marks. If you just apply the self-tanner over the stretchmarks, then it will make them even more noticeable.

Step # 3

As you apply the self-tanner continue lightly from the ankles to the feet and from the wrist to the hands. This trick will give a more natural look to your tan.

Step # 4

If your stretchmarks are visible even when your self-tanner has dried, then apply a bit more of it. This can happen when your stretchmarks are whiter in color. Take a cotton ball and dunk it in the self-tanner. Now use this cotton ball to dab each stretch mark individually to get a more perfect look.

Step # 5

Take the damp washcloth once more to softly rub your ankles, knees and elbow. These are the areas which absorb the most color compared to other body parts.

Step # 6

Wait for a minimum of ten minutes to let the self-tanner dry, before you get dressed. And abstain from any strenuous exercise or physical activity, sweating etc. for at least 3 hours after artificial tanning.

Warnings

Despite exaggerated claims made by lush beauty products, containing fancy ingredients like Aloe vera and shea butter, studies have shown that they are not as effective as they claim.

Which Foods can Prevent Stretch Marks?

Which Foods can Prevent Stretch Marks?

Sudden weight gain and pregnancy can lead to the formation of stretch marks. Other causes of the stretch marks include syndromes like Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome. The basic mechanism which leads to the formation of such marks is over-stretching of the skin. Since stretch marks are permanent, the best way to deal with them is to not let them form on your skin at all. Here are a number of ways to prevent the formation of stretchmark on your skin.

Which Foods can Prevent the Stretch Marks?Drink Lots of Water

Make sure you drink adequate amount of water to maintain softness and vitality of your skin. This will prevent stretch marks from scarring your skin. Drinking water is not the same as drinking caffeinated beverages. In fact, caffeinated beverages like coffee, soda or tea etc. dry out your skin and make it more susceptible to stretch marks. So, drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.

Keep a Balanced Diet

To keep your skin healthy and radiant, eat a variety of food items in order to make sure that you are getting all nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, Omega 3’s, zinc, proteins etc.

  • Protein can be obtained from the foods like eggs and meat.
  • Eat the food like nuts, seeds, fish etc. to add zinc to your diet.
  • For vitamin A, eat carrots, mango, sweet potatoes and red pepper etc.
  • Consume limes, oranges and lemons etc. to get vitamin C.
  • Eat lots of broccoli, blueberries, papayas, olives, seeds, nuts, collard greens and avocados for vitamin E.
  • Sea foods like fish and oysters are rich in omega 3’s.

Remember that a well-balanced diet is essential for a perfect skin. So do not forget to eat the above mentioned food items.

Which Foods can Prevent the Stretch Marks?Watch Your Weight

Rapid weight gain is a major cause for the formation of stretch marks. Sudden weight loss has the same effect. Therefore you should keep a healthy weight to prevent this from happening. Plan a balanced diet which contains food from all food groups like cereals, lean meats, fruits, vegetables and dairy. You can also consult a dietician to plan your diet. Exercise regularly to maintain your weight. When you are pregnant, exercise is essential to make sure you do not gain weight abruptly.

Ways to Cure

Commercial market offers a number of products which claim to remove the stretch marks from the skin completely. But these products are very expensive and their claims are misleading mostly. If you do go for such products, prefer the ones which contain glycolic acid, vitamin E or cocoa butter. A better alternative is to use home remedies because they are natural, cheaper and more effective. Here are a few examples of such home remedies.

  • Massage castor oil or coconut oil over the affected skin.
  • Olive oil is also effective for lightening the stretch marks.
  • Egg white is rich in protein which makes it potent for decreasing the stretch marks.
  • Use seaweed wrap over your stretch marks to lessen them.
  • Fruits acids are also very efficacious for these marks.

Using Tattoos As A Way To Cover Stretch Marks?

Using Tattoos As A Way To Cover Stretch Marks?

If your skin stretches quickly, it may damage the dermal layer of the skin and this damage can cause visible scars. The chance that they will naturally fade away is unfortunately quite slim, and in any case would take a long time. Having a tattoo applied over the scar has the advantage of being visually expressive, allowing you to evoke a message or emotion, while at the same time covering up the stretch marks. Tattoos can transform what was once an embarrassing scar you wished to hide from the world to a striking piece of artistic expression that you can confidently show off.

Using Tattoos As A Way To Cover Stretch Marks? | SkinOverhaulTattoos provide a solution for what to do with your stretch marks, but you should be careful about deciding whether or not it is the right choice for you, and where to go for one. First, you should be aware that there is the risk of some problems that emerge from applying a tattoo to your scars. If you have quite a young stretch mark, for example one that is one or two years old, you might experience quite sharp pains from the tattoo.

If your stretch marks have not fully formed and you apply a tattoo too early there is a risk that the image will become distorted as the scar grows. On the other hand, if your stretch marks are very large or deep you might find that much more ink is required to create a tattoo, which will need more time and money. Finally, the larger and deeper the scar is, the more difficult it is to create a neat-looking tattoo. Keep these points in mind when deciding whether or not getting a tattoo is right for you.

Using Tattoos As A Way To Cover Stretch Marks? | SkinOverhaulDo not rush into getting a tattoo – sound advice whether you have stretch marks or not. You want to be as sure as possible that no complications will emerge from your new tattoo, and the main way to prevent these is to use an experienced tattoo artist. Visit a few tattoo artists, and if one sounds absolutely positive that they will make a perfect tattoo do not immediately agree to them working on you. Ask around, look at reviews, and most importantly find an artist that has worked with stretch mark tattoos successfully in the past. When you have decided on one, consult them about whether it is a good idea to have it applied to your particular scar tissue. It is important that you listen to their opinions; they are the ones with experience in working with different skin conditions, and they will be able to tell you about any potential complications that can emerge in the future. If you are satisfied with your tattoo artist, then go ahead and agree upon a design. We mentioned above that one risk of having a tattoo applied is that there can be complications if your stretch marks are not fully formed, resulting in a distorted tattoo. A similar problem occurs when there is the chance of new stretch marks forming, either through weight gain, a subsequent pregnancy, or another reason.

Rather than having to worry about ruining your tattoo, or going through the bother of covering up new stretch marks, you can take a few precautions to prevent stretch marks forming.  Stretch marks form when damage to the skin extends to the dermal layer and there is not enough elastin or collagen for the skin to regain its former shape. These two proteins allow the skin to “bounce back” and grow back into its natural smooth shape. You can ensure that you have enough of these micro-nutrients by drinking plenty of water, keeping to a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals, and following a healthy lifestyle. You can also use stretch mark prevention creams. These creams are specially designed to deliver these essential micro-nutrients directly to the dermal layer of your skin, where they can immediately go to work restoring its strength.

Acting Properly In The Case of Red Stretch Marks | SkinOverhaul

Acting Properly In The Case of Red Stretch Marks | SkinOverhaul

What we do when we first discover that we have a skin condition can have an affect on the way the condition progresses or is treated – especially if the skin condition we have are stretch marks. Most stretchmarks are considered unsightly because they are bright red and some can be very large. If they are left untreated, they never go away though they may change color. Stretchmarks that are left untreated remain like big sores on your body for the rest of your life because the skin is not as strong as it needs to be to treat them on its own.

Acting Properly In The Case of Red Stretch Marks | SkinOverhaulIf begin to treat stretchmarks while they are still bright red and before they begin to turn white or silver in color, then you can have an affect on their visibility. When they are new and still red, the body can heal them faster when you give it a little bit of help. Women whose stretch marks have grown older can make some changes but the help won’t be as dramatic as it can before new stretch marks because they have become a part of your skin and consequently more difficult to remove.

Red stretch marks appear because the the second layer of the skin has stretched or ripped and the first layer of the skin becomes stretched and thin. When your skin has finished stretching, it often leaves behind a scar that some people describe tiger stripes or scratches from a claw because they are red lines that are not entirely uniform. Depending on how health your skin it, your first layer of skin may rebuild slowly and become tighter again after a period of time however stretch marks only very rarely heal completely.

Helping to heal your stretch marks should be done as soon as you notice them and this should not be done with specialty products alone.making sure your whole body is healthy is the first priority and using minerals and vitamins is essential. Helping your skin with a health lifestyle, creams, surgery and other treatments for stretch marks is most effective when you have a healthy body and skin.

Acting Properly In The Case of Red Stretch Marks | SkinOverhaulMoving quickly to treat these marks is the best thing you can do for them and this is why the reviews of products and treatments are not always entirely positive – because after a certain time frame there is not much you can do for your stretch marks. The first thing to know when treating your stretch marks or anything else is that if you do not take action, nothing will change. Simply being unhappy with the appearance of stretch marks does not heal them. It is important to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet alongside living an active lifestyle. The healthier you are, the healthier your skin will be and the easier it is to heal yourself. To treat your stretch marks, you can try a variety of products on the market. Some will be store bought and some homemade and natural, you may need to try a few to figure out what works for you.

Moisturizing your skin is also very important, keeping it moist will keep you happy and your skin healthy! Again, you should begin treatments as soon as possible because the younger your skin is the faster it can repair itself. Finally, healing your skin may be easier if you are a woman because women have higher collagen production levels then men and collagen is essential for skin elasticity.

Stretch Mark Prevention Creams – Do they even work? | SkinOverhaul

Stretch Mark Prevention Creams – Do they even work? | SkinOverhaul

Wrinkles can be scary, and almost everyone will have to face the prospect at some point in their life. However, scars caused by skin stretching can be much more troublesome, especially that caused by pregnancy. Thankfully, stretch marks are not incurable, and creams have been produced designed to target the causes of skin scarring. Follow our science-based approach as we outline what happens to your skin when you develop stretch marks, how they can be prevented, and why you should.

Stretch Mark Prevention Creams - Do they even work? | SkinOverhaulTo understand why you need to make use of stretch mark prevention creams, you must first understand how stretch marks occur in the first place. By closely examining the structure of your skin, you will see why stretch scarring occurs, and how it can be easily prevented.

Your skin is made up of a number of layers. The topmost is the epidermal layer, with the thicker dermis just below it. The epidermis is extremely thin, and is constantly growing new skin cells and shedding off old layers. Any damage to the epidermis, like a light scratch, will quickly and naturally be repaired by this process. Underneath is the dermis, where sweat is produced, hair is grown, and blood is brought to the skin.

Skin in general is pretty stretchy, as it has a protein called elastin. Just as it sounds, it is a stretchy protein that allows skin to “bounce back” like an elastic band. Another protein present is collagen, which provides robust scaffolding that gives the skin its structural integrity. When damage extends to the dermal layer of the skin and there is not enough elastin or collagen for the skin to regain its former shape it is repaired with generic “fix-it” cells that leave behind a scar.

Stretch Mark Prevention Creams - Do they even work? | SkinOverhaulStretch mark prevention creams are designed to increase the production of elastin and collagen, allowing the skin to grow back into its natural smooth shape. These creams are designed to bring these vital proteins straight to the dermal layer, so that they can instantly start working on repairing any skin damage.

After a period of time regularly using these creams, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, you will find your stretch marks fading away until they eventually disappear. Over 90% of women develop permanent stretch marks if nothing is done to prevent them during a stretching period. This is a particular risk when pregnant, when it is vital to start treating the skin as soon as possible to prevent long-term marks. This is why over 60% of stretch mark prevention creams have been tailor-made for pregnant women.

Thousands of stretch mark prevention creams have been created, and it might feel bewildering and intimidating to choose one from so many options. Thankfully, there have been people trying these creams out, figuring out which work in decreasing stretch marks and which are bogus. What remains is an easily accessible selection of tried and tested creams, supported by reviews and ratings, allowing you to narrow down your search for the perfect cream.

Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks

Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks

The idea that a doctor could simply make someone’s stretch marks disappear using laser therapy is a very exciting idea. Everyone wants to be able to get rid of those bright red scars that are often located in the most delicate areas. Unfortunately, there is no simple solution to the problem of stretch marks and while some treatments like laser therapy are wholeheartedly advocated by doctors, not everyone is convinced that they work. However, there is some evidence that laser therapy may be able to offer some relief in the appearance and color of stretch marks.

About Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks | LIVESTRONG.COMStretch marks happen in the second layer of the skin called the dermis. The dermis lies between the skin’s surface and another layer below it. Although many ointments and lotions claim to be able to relieve stretch marks, most over the counter products cannot penetrate the skin below the epidermis, or the first layer of skin and so they cannot reach the area that is most affected by stretching. Stretch marks occur when the skin must stretch quickly. Whether you are growing, gaining weight or muscle or you quickly put on pregnancy weight, your skin needs to stretch to be able to cover your growing body. This stretching is what causes stretch marks. Sometimes, people grow so quickly that the proteins in the skin like elastin or collagen are not able to keep up and therefore the dermis tears a bit so that the skin can keep growing. There are several types of laser treatments available on the market. One of these is the pulsed dye laser, which attempts to stimulate elastin and collagen production in the dermis layer of skin. This would seem to suggest that the torn parts of the dermis would be filled in again. This treatment works better for newer stretch marks that are bright red rather than older stretch marks. The procedure is not painless and may cause some discomfort as the laser is targeting a deeper layer of skin. You may require several sessions to see results and there may be side effects like bleeding or bruising from the procedure.

About Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks | LIVESTRONG.COMA second type of laser treatment is available from an exciser laser. An exciser laser works differently from a pulsed dye laser as it attempts to change the color of stretch marks by inducing a higher production of melanin which regulates skin color.

This kind of therapy will require at least 10 treatment sessions with a laser and even if the desired results are achieved, maintenance treatments will still be required to maintain the color of the scars. One treatment session every two or three months may be required to for the upkeep of the color however the scar itself will not disappear so you will still be able to feel the break in the skin.

These treatments are often expensive and some treatments cost $350 and over for a single treatment. $350 can add up quickly when 10 or more treatments are required and support from a medical insurance fund is not likely as the procedure is mostly cosmetic. This can be very expensive especially as the procedures offer no guarantees to their effectiveness. With the amount of money that would be spent on laser therapy, it may be just as effective to consider a tummy tuck procedure. A tummy tuck procedure is one of the only real ways to consider getting rid of stretch marks permanently however it requires an operation that does have complications and it can cost around $8,000. During a tummy tuck procedure, a surgeon will remove excess skin from the abdominal or tummy area. Many women who have pregnancy stretch marks find that they are located here. This surgery works because it not only surgically removes the skin but it also works to tone and tighten the muscles in the abdominal area which provides a more aesthetically pleasing appearance for some.