STRETCH MARKS - WHAT ARE THEY?

If you’ve ever been pregnant or have been overweight, chances are you have stretch marks (striae or striae atrophica). Some teens also get stretch marks during puberty.

Most people detest stretch marks because of their appearance. Newer stretch marks can be red or purplish, but over time they’ll fade to a lighter color and won’t be as noticeable.

Stretch marks can appear anywhere, but they most commonly form on the abdomen, thighs, hips, breasts, and butt. (I’m lucky enough to have them in each one of those places, and also on the insides of my knees.)

TIPS TO AVOID STRETCH MARKS

My best advice to avoid getting stretch marks is to stay as healthy as possible, both inside and out.

Keep your skin in its best condition by eating healthy and moisturizing daily.

Avoid rapid weight gain. Better yet, avoid weight gain altogether.

Pregnancy is a different story however. Weight gain is going to happen and in most cases, stretch marks are inevitable.

I dreaded getting stretch marks, so during my first pregnancy I applied a cocoa butter lotion with Vitamin E on my stomach every day. I got lazy after awhile and stopped using it. Less than a week later I got my first stretch mark.

Experts say that creams don’t prevent stretch marks. In my case, it could have been a mere coincidence. Either way, it doesn’t hurt to try.

CAN STRETCH MARKS GO AWAY?

Unfortunately, stretch marks are almost impossible to get rid of, despite all the claims of the many creams and lotions you can find on the market. Stretch marks are essentially scarred skin. Removing stretch marks is like trying to remove a scar from surgery or an old injury.

You may not be able to get rid of stretch marks completely, but you may be able to reduce their appearance.

The best way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks is by visiting a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. There are various procedures you can try that may work, but you have to outweigh the pros and cons when it comes to money and any risks that may accompany the procedures.

You can also try some natural home remedies like creams, vitamins and oils. Some women swear by these solutions, others say it doesn’t make a bit of difference. But again, it doesn’t hurt to try.