Stretchmark Removal

Is there a perfect stretch mark remover that will work for everyone?  Not really.  However, there are a number of stretch mark removal methods that are used with varying degrees of success.  Some of these tend to lean toward the natural approach while others involve a more radical approach, such as surgery.  As you can see, removing stretch marks can be an involved and time-consuming endeavor with the investment ranging from around $30 for stretch mark removal creams to thousands of dollars for plastic surgery or laser treatments.  

Which treatment works best for you will be determined by the age of your stretch marks, your type of skin, and budgetary constraints.  A general overview of some of the more popular stretch mark removal methods are detailed below:    

Hydrate Yourself

Drink just as much or more water as you drink coffee, tea, or soda. Stretchmarks may also be caused by some nutritional dificiencies. Drink lots of water (at least 2 litres every day) – not soda or juices – because it helps your skin stay elastic. If you drink a lot of coffee or black/green tea, drink 3l of water a day.

Take Skin Supportive Supplements

Vitamin E is a very important vitamin to take during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks. Also, a lotion containing Vitamin D will help in the prevention of stretch marks. However, because Vitamin E alone will not work due to the large size of their molecule; the addition of lanolin, which has very small molecules, can be used to deliver the ingredients past the top layer of skin and help with skin elasticity.  If you have existing stretch marks, Vitamin E is believed to improve them by fading their appearance.  

Stretch Mark Creams

The fact is that stretch mark creams and lotions will not remove your stretch marks totally, but can generally fade your stretch marks appearance to where the damaged skin blends with the surrounding normal skin.  There are many stetch mark lotions and oils that have been specifically designed to keep your skin taut and firm during pregnancy and actually help prevent stretch marks from developing.  The creams and lotions that penetrate the skin deeply will provide longer-lasting moisture that is essential to healthy skin. These stretch mark remover creams are usually recommended for night applications to achieve the best results.

Surgical Options

Surgical treatment is generally the most expensive of the stretch mark remover methods, though repeated laser treatments can result in similar costs.  The truth is that surgical treatment is considered to be the most effective and conventional method in eliminating stretch marks. This procedure generally involves the removal of areas of skin where the stretch marks have developed.  The second type of surgical treatment that can help remove stretch marks is laser scar removal. This type of procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve scarring or incisions.

Laser treatment of stretch marks and scars are claimed to stimulate collagen production below the skin as the dermal skin layer absorbs the laser light, filling out the skin and helping to return pigment to the scarred area. However, there is still disagreement within the health care industry regarding using lasers to treat scars and stretch marks and many physicians and plastic surgeons believe that lasers cannot treat stretch marks.

In summary, the stretch mark remover methods listed above are all proven to work to varying degrees, depending on the individual’s skin type, age of the stretch marks, and available budget.  The least expensive of the stretch mark removers are the creams and lotions, which fade existing stretch marks and allow them to blend in with the surrounding skin.  This method is one of the easiest treatments and should be considered first — you may just be very pleased with the results while saving your hard-earned dollars!