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Friday, February 27, 2009

Effective Treatments for Stretch Marks Do Exist

By Charlene Sim

Stretch marks are a form of scarring that can occur when a person's skin is overstretched. Stretch marks have the initial appearance of purple or red looking lines. Over time, they will fade until they are pale in color.

Obesity and pregnancy are the most common reasons for the development of stretch marks. Many people will get stretch marks at one time or another. A large percentage of the population has been overweight or pregnant at some time in their lives! It's not just women who get stretch marks, either. Few people realize that they are a common complaint of male body builders as well.

The good news is that there are several treatments for stretch marks that have been shown to be highly effective. Here's a look at three of the most common ways to deal with this condition.

1. Dermabrasion. This is a type of stretch mark surgery that takes place under general anesthetic. Dermabrasion is useful for reducing the visibility of abnormalities on your skin such as sun damage, dark spots and scars. The surface of the skin is literally sanded off during this procedure.

Dermabrasion works best when the scar or mark being treated is above the surface of the skin. For the treatment of sunken scars, though, it's not nearly as effective. The procedure is very painful and the healing process can take several months.

2. Microdermabrasion. Often referred to as microderm, this is a far less invasive procedure. It's a popular, easily accessible treatment that doesn't require an anesthetic. It involves removing the surface layer of the skin by using a special wand with a roughened surface to lightly sand the skin. Microdermabrasion enjoys a reputation as a painless treatment that is perfectly safe.

3. Creams and lotions. The market is overflowing with stretch mark creams and lotions that promise to get rid of your problem. Creams and lotions containing Vitamin A, cocoa butter or an assortment of other ingredients are highly popular.

Some of these products have a lot of research behind them and can be quite effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Some of the more effective treatments for stretch marks are Trilastin, Revitol and NuVectin. You should be aware that most of these products are best for preventing rather than eliminating stretch marks.

Use caution, though, because some of these products don't get rid of stretch marks as effectively as they claim to. It's important that you read some independent customer reviews on any stretch mark product before you buy it. Search the internet, and look for sites that aren't tied to the product being sold. Also, check out the company's website and try to follow through on any of their claims.

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