The removal of stretch marks is a tricky thing. Most experts agree that the best form of treatment is prevention. However, there are other solutions which deal with skin that has already been affected by this type of scar tissue: laser surgery and cosmetic products to cover up those areas.

Laser Surgery for Stretch Marks

There are two types of laser surgery that are common when it comes to dealing with stretch marks. The first, pulsed-dye laser surgery, works best with new or red stretch marks. The second option is fractional laser treatment for older stretch marks that have already lost their color.

Pulsed-dye surgery helps minimize the redness and inflammation that is inherent to new stretch marks. It can also help with the collagen and elastin production, which will obviously improve the look and feel of the skin. Once the stretch marks have turned white, this type of treatment has a minimal effect.

For white stretch marks, experts usually choose fractional laser treatments. In this case, small parts of the stretch marks are zapped with by a laser stimulating the production of new epithelial cells and collagen. It has been reported that this sort of treatment for stretch marks also improves the look of the skin as well as the mature, white stretch marks.

Stretch Marks and Cosmetic Solutions

Make-up can be used to cover up stretch marks, making them less noticeable. However, it is sometimes difficult to reach certain spots of your body without help. Also, the make-up can dye your clothes.

The best choice seems to be self tanning lotions or spray-on tans. They both offer even coverage and help you elude harmful UV rays. Sun tanning is probably the worst thing you can do because a suntan will either irritate your existing stretch marks or not tan them at all. Preventing Stretch Marks

Prevention is still the main solution for stretch marks. By keeping your skin moisturized with natural skin care lotions, for example, you can prepare your skin to handle the stretching of your body. Also remember, genetics plays an important role in the development of stretch marks.