How to get rid of stretch marks?

[blaundee]

Perhaps this is posted in the wrong place, if so forgive me as I'm new. How do you get rid of stretch marks?

[Frankie]

Hello!
I'm afraid that, short of surgery, there is no getting rid of them, really. You can minimize them, though.
1. Drink lots of water, stay hydrated.
2. Daily moisturizing.
3. Exfoliating a couple times a week.
4. Consider self tanning lotion. The marks tend to be less noticible on tanned skin.
5. Exercise daily and strength train. A little muscle will improve the general look of your bod tremendously.

Hope this helps! And welcome to the boards!

[teiganb]

Exactly what Frankie said, you cannot get rid of them short of surgey, that would be skin tightening and laser resurfacing, believe me if there was a way, after 4 kids I would have done it!!
Great post Franksta!!

[blaundee]

Thanks and Thanks!

What got me to wondering about this was the article i read about Chady (Cover model this month) and she said something about gaining weight, having kids, etc, and I don't see ONE stretch mark on her hiney... so I wondered if it was airbrushing, surgery, etc.

[lauras]

With the models on mag covers, they are airbrushed. Every 7 years, bnecase it takes that long for all of our cells to be replaced, we will lose some of them. I have had 4 kids, and lost and gained, and re lost, at least 500 LBS. I still have some stretch marks, and spider veins. (There is no losing them w/out surgical removal.) But they are not as bad as they were when I was younger. Also, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

[kimanddianna]

But you can airbrush your own photos with tools like www.fotoflexer.com

[Michelle0720]

I have four kids and I'm covered in stretch marks..lol. But I have had a little work done and my plastic surgeon recommended Mederma. I have heard that it works, but you do have to use it for awhile. I just started using it, so ask me in 6 months how it works..lol.

[gymbunny]

I use vitamin E. By the gel caps and stick a pin in them. Alot of times vitamins are BOGO at the drugstore- 2 bottles for like $10.

[torrrii]

Hello,
If you’re more concerned with getting rid of stretch marks than preventing them, read on. There are many methods to choose from, ranging from home remedies for stretch marks, to medical and cosmetic procedures. You will notice that every single one of these remedies also helps promote the overall health of your skin – the healthier your skin is, the better it can heal itself. Always consult your doctor before undergoing any treatment, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

Home Remedies to Remove Stretch Marks

* Time – Stretch marks, like all types of scarring fade over time.
* Retin-A (Tretinoin) – 0.1% Tretinoin creams have been shown to significantly reduce the appearance of stretch marks in a study published in the May 1996 Archives of Dermatology. See your doctor for a prescription. These creams work best when used on fresh stretch marks. WARNING: Do not use tretinoin treatments if you are pregnant of breast feeding as the active ingredient may be passed to the unborn child or the breast milk.
* Vick's Vapor Rub Exfoliate daily – use a loofah or scrunchy to remove daily.
* Vic’s Vapor Rub – Many people have reported success using Vic’s Vapor rub by applying it to a washcloth or paper towel and rubbing it forcefully into the scarred skin on a nightly basis for a few weeks.
* Increase Circulation – by taking hot baths and massaging the areas regularly.
* Tanning – Go sunbathing! Tanning can diminish and even eliminate minor stretch marks. Be sure to use sun screen. (For information on Tanning, learn the guide to Tanning)
* Vitamin E Gel Vitamin E Gel – Break open vitamin E capsules and rub the oil into the skin over the stretch marks daily for 2 weeks.
* Unstretch the skin – After the skin returns to its normal, unstretched size, stretch marks often become nearly invisible.
* Stretch Mark Creams and Lotions – Using stretch mark creams and stretch mark lotions that heal and beautify your skin can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The following ingredients are widely accepted as beneficial for this purpose:
o Cocoa butter
o Rose hip oil
o Emu oil
o Jojoba oil

thanks!!

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nose right

[teiganb]

Unfortunately for established strecth marks, we are all stuck with them, you can reduce the appearnce of them and the redness and of course they will fade over time, but sadly the ONLY way to "get rid" of them and even then it is not guaranteed is surgery. Stretch marks are created when the dermis and the epidermis are strectched beyond their capacity at a rapid rate such as pregnancy and sudden growth and weight gain. The dermis (underlying layer) of the skin is actually torn apart and the the epidermis, the top layer which is the skin is streched over it but still holds it together, with strecth marks all kinds of damage is done under the skin, blood vessels are broken, which is why they are often a dark purple to begin with and as that healso ver time we are left with the white/silvery marks. Even men have them!! YES ladies, the next time you look at your significant other, check out his butt...lol thats right I said BUTT, because males grow so rapidly during puberty you will find "growth marks" on their butts from them shooting upwards!! SO dont be ashamed, everyone has them, they are all a part of life, but if you dont want to have them anymore at all that would involve serious plastic or cosmetic surgery.
Have a great day!

[Ramona]

It is good to talk about “Stretch marks” as it is problem faced by most females. Despite of age girls as well as matured women get them. Girls who are over weight are most likely to get them. There are creams to remove stretch marks I the market. But make sure you buy a branded recognized one if you want to go for such creams. Mothers will also get stretch marks after giving birth to a child.
I have heard that it could be cured from laser surgeries. But wonder whether they have side effects later
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