How to get rid of and prevent stretch marks

What causes these sudden stretches or growths in the skin? Growth. Adolescents may develop stretch marks from sudden growth spurts. Pregnancy. The rapid stretching of the belly skin to accommodate the baby leaves stretch marks. Weight gain. Rapid weight gain may stretch the skin to the point of stretch marks. This is another reason for body stretch marks in pregnant women. Muscle Gain. Rapid muscle expansion can cause the skin to stretch. Many body builders will have stretch marks around areas where they have experienced rapid muscle growth.

Millions of dollars have been poured into research on how to eliminate stretch marks. The results have been inconclusive. There are more creams that temporarily help reduce the look of stretch marks, rather than eliminate them. The only proven way to eliminate stretch marks is through laser surgery. Out patient laser surgery works to resurface the stretch marks and eliminate their existence. It takes several sessions to achieve results. The procedure can cost a few hundred dollars. To achieve results, one can spend into the thousands.

It is easier to prevent stretch marks than to eliminate them. The tear in the skin is due to loss of elasticity. Elasticity is based upon moisture, more specifically collagen. Collagen is the moisture providing substance responsible for skin elasticity. Liberal use of collagen infused lotion will adequately moisturize the skin, thus preventing stretch marks. Oils such as baby oil or olive oil are excellent for retaining skin's elasticity. Oils are more beneficial than lotions because of their deep penetrability. A stretch mark's birth is in the under layers of the skin, and not the surface. To prevent them, moisture must reach the under layers of the skin. One way to ensure penetrability of lotions is to apply it warm. The pores open, as a response to the heat and the lotions texture penetrates into the skin better.

Vitamin E oil tablets are known for its skin nourishing properties. Many pregnant women rub it on their stomach and hips to improve elasticity. Cocoa butter is another favorite. But one should make sure it is a thin consistency of cocoa butter, to better absorb. Most butter (cocoa or shea) is too thick and only coats the skin. Bodybuilders should use oil daily, as their bodies are expanding every day. The same applies to people who find they are gaining weight. A thorough application of moisturizing oil will help prevent stretch marks as the skin accommodates the extra weight.

Preventing stretch marks is much easier than eliminating them, or even eliminating the appearance of stretch marks. Knowing that stretch marks are caused by loss of elasticity, gives you opportunity to enforce preventative measures. Keeping the skin moisturized with penetrating moisturizers will add elasticity to the skin, thus prevent stretch marks.