Stretch marks are a scarring of the skin which first appear as reddish or purple lines which then gradually fade to a lighter color. For some people only a few of them appear on their bodies which fade with time and go almost unnoticeable. But people who have a lot of them may not be comfortable with their bodies and look for ways to get rid of stretch marks.
When skin is stretched to its breaking point, similar to elastic losing its elasticity, stretch marks appear. It is the breaking of the collagen fibers in the skin that leaves these scars on the skin.
Stretch marks are known to affect both men and women and are associated with growth spurts during puberty, pregnancy, weight gain and muscle growth. The most common areas affected by stretch marks are the thighs, abdomen, buttocks, hips and breasts.
Most doctors and dermatologists say that there is no cure for stretch marks but that there are ways in which they can be greatly reduced. The medical procedures for getting rid of stretch marks include laser treatments, micro-dermabrasion, chemical peels and more. While most of these medical procedures are considered as very effective, they are also very expensive. And most of the insurance companies do not cover such medical procedures making them ill affordable to a lot of people.
Some inexpensive home remedies for getting rid of stretch marks include application of creams and lotions with cocoa butter, vitamin E, vitamin C. Regular exercise, a healthy diet containing food with vitamin K can also help in achieving well toned and healthy skin. One of the best home remedies for stretch marks is applying lavender oil. Exfoliation may also be useful. All of these treatments can minimize the look of stretch marks.
Stretch marks can be made to almost disappear with the treatments available, both surgical and home based. Successfully reducing them helps people combat with body image issues in addition to elevating their self-esteems and making them more confident.
MK Gardner has been writing articles on real life problems and products relating to women and babies. Visit her website about choosing the safesttoddler booster car seats and Combi Booster Seat for kids.