Unfortunately, stretch marks are a common part of life. They can appear during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss and during growth spurts. To make matters worse, experts affirm that no treatment seems to be effective in eliminating them completely.

Stretch marks or striae are a type of scarring that is caused when the dermis tears due to over stretching. At first, these scars appear as reddish lines on the skin, especially around the abdomen, breasts, thighs, upper arms, hips and buttocks. They slowly fade and become light, silvery lines.

There are no health risks associated with these striae, but since they affect the look of your skin they could lead to self esteem problems. For this reason, there has always been an ardent search for stretch marks remedies or better yet the ultimate solution of stretch mark removal.

Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy has been proven through the use of daily creams containing centella asiatica extract, vitamin E, and hydrolysates. Some women swear by cocoa butter, but this claim has not been proven by any studies.

Alternatives for Reducing Stretch Marks

Nevertheless, surgery is the foremost solution for the removal of stretch marks. Laser treatments and dermabrasion are also being used to reduce the appearance of the scarring produced by stretch marks.

Lately, natural skin care lotions are becoming an increasingly important to people searching for a non-invasive treatment for stretch marks and other skin care concerns. These types of lotions are usually composed of retinoids, glycolic acid and vitamin C. This combination helps increase the production of collagen and elastin which supplies the skin with more elasticity, therefore, reducing the possibility of scarring. They also improve circulation and, in turn, improve the general aspect of the skin.

Remember, nothing can guarantee the removal of 100% of the scar tissue produced by stretch marks. The key to stretch marks is prevention. There are skin care lotions that will supply your skin with the moisture it needs to decrease your possibilities of developing unsightly stretch marks.