Stretch marks are known in dermatology as striae, but to us they just represent something we want to get rid of! Stretch marks are a type of scarring that causes a discoloration of the skin. The cause is the tearing of the dermis. Those who have stretch marks would love to find that perfect solution to get rid of them. Let's become more knowledgeable about what stretch marks are, what causes them and how we can finally get rid of them.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are a result of rapid stretching of the skin linked to rapid growth which we usually see during times of puberty, weight gain, or pregnancy. However, stretching alone is not the cause, they can also be influenced by changes in hormone levels as well as diet and exercise. Glucocorticoid hormones are those that influence stretch mark development as they prevent fibroblasts from forming collagen and elastin fibers. These are the fibers that keep skin taut as it rapidly grows. This combination of rapid growth and hormone changes leads to dermal and epidermal tearing.

What are the Symptoms of Stretch Marks?

Newly developed stretch marks appear as red or purple lines that will later mature and turn white. Affected areas are soft to the touch and appear empty. The middle resilient dermal layer is affected by stretch mark scarring which affects the skin's ability to retain its shape. Stretch marks generally appear on areas that have the most fat which include the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs, hips and buttocks.

What are Ways to Get Rid of Marks?

Laser treatments, microdermabrasion and prescription retinoids are a few of the various treatment options available for the purpose of improving the appearance of existing stretch marks. Natural skin care products are also successful in both prevention and removal.

A progressive method of fractional laser resurfacing treats with scattered pulses of light that work on segments of the scar over the course of several treatments. The body then responds to these microscopic wounds by developing more collagen and epithelium. This laser therapy has been known to improve appearance, but does not completely remove stretch marks. If you are thinking about laser treatment, you should consider the pain of therapy as well as the expense as several sessions are often necessary.

Treatment done with microdermabrasion uses a special tool to scrape away outer layers of skin. The skin is firmly exfoliated with a sand blasting technique using microscopic particles. This method stimulates the formation of new collagen and elastin which are essential for healing and smooth skin results. However, there are limitations to microdermabrasion treatment. Microdermabrasion may not be effective with stretch marks that have already reached the mature white phase. There are some natural home microdermabrasion creams that are worth considering and are also mentioned below.

Retinoids are any type of product that contain retinol known to increase collagen and elastin proliferation. If consistently applied to newly affected areas, these medications could improve the look and feel of stretch marks. However, retinoids will have no affect on mature stretch marks.

Some types of natural stretch marks cream, that have the right ingredients, can exfoliate, penetrate deep into the dermis and work with your skin's natural systems to reduce stretch mark appearance. Organic products that boast Helix Aspersa Muller complex not only stimulate collagen and elastin production as do other methods, but also dissolve scar tissue, fight the effects of hormones, and improve the skin's metabolism. Enzymes and messenger cells can tell apart damaged cells from good ones, getting rid of those that are non functional and working to rejuvenate healthy cells for the skin's matrix. This complex system is a natural and effective way to get rid of stretch marks and enjoy beautiful skin.