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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
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| Feb 15 2008, 3:55 PM EST (current) | JoanWild | 597 words added, 3 words deleted |
| Feb 15 2008, 9:32 AM EST | JoanWild | 8 words added, 1 photo added |
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Getting Rid Of Stretch Marks
SubAll You Need to Know About Getting Rid of headerStretch Marks
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Stretch marks, also known as striae gravidarum, are those unsightly jagged lines that appear to be on the skin's surface ranging in color from purple to white, and are caused from extreme stretching of the skin. Getting rid of stretch marks has been puzzling dermatologists for years, and is often the subject of great debate as new methods of treating the bothersome, although harmless, condition are being discovered.
- What Exactly Are Stretch Marks, and where Do They Come From?
Nearly everyone has heard of stretch marks, with a good majority of us actually having them at on at least one area of the body. In fact, one recent study discovered that at least 35% of adolescent girls and 15% of boys will develop stretch marks sometime during puberty. The newer the stretch mark, the redder or more purple it will appear, and over time, they tend to fade to a whitish, silver color. Pregnant women, athletes, body builders, and the overweight will also frequently have stretch marks without taking active measures to prevent them from forming.
Stretch marks actually occur in the dermis, which is the middle elastic layer of skin, although they appear to be on the skin's surface. This layer is comprised of fibrous tissues made of collagens and elastins which act as reinforcement so that skin is able to stretch and quickly snap back into place. Once those collagen fibers are pulled too far apart from each other, the elastins are broken down and deposited in the skin, causing the appearance of stretch marks.
- Getting Rid of Stretch Marks Naturally
Regular exfoliation is important for minimizing the signs of stretch marks, and also for keeping the skin looking its best overall. Many have found success with creams and lotions featuring natural ingredients such as aloe vera, cocoa butter, and vitamins E and A. Most people don't realize that healthy skin also depends on our diets, and whether or not we're getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals to promote the growth of new cells.
- Other Common Methods of Getting Rid of Stretch Marks
- Laser Surgery: One of the most popular methods of getting rid of stretch marks that utilizes the latest in medical technology is laser surgery. This type of treatment method is best for newer stretch marks as the majority of lasers work by detecting the colored pigment that causes the marks to have that reddish or purplish appearance. Although newer lasers are being developed and tested that will hopefully work on older stretch marks that have already faded.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion alone isn't the most effective method of getting rid of stretch marks, however, in combination with other types of treatment, it may help to reduce their appearance. Microdermabrasion involves removing the upper layers of scarred epidermis using thousands of microscopic crystals that work together by eroding away the skin.
- Abdominoplasty: This surgical procedure, also known as a tummy tuck, is perhaps the most drastic, and expensive, of all the methods used for completely eliminating stretch marks. Excess skin and fat are removed along with any stretch marks that are below the navel area.
Getting rid of stretch marks doesn't have to be an effort in futility, as long as you arm yourself with the knowledge you need to understand them, and follow a healthy skin care regimen to not only prevent the appearance of new marks, but also to minimize and reduce the existing ones.
I had great success with This Stretch Mark Prevention Cream....
