To dermatologists, stretch marks are known as striae, but to us they are known as something to get rid of! Stretch marks are effectively a type of scarring that cause discoloration of the skin. They are caused by the tearing of the dermis. It goes without saying that those with stretch marks are looking to get rid of them. Let's become more knowledgeable about what stretch marks are, what causes them and how we can finally get rid of them.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are caused by the rapid stretching of the skin that corresponds with rapid growth often experienced during puberty, weight gain or pregnancy. Yet, stretching is not the sole cause, this condition is also influenced by hormonal changes, diet and exercise. It is the glucocorticoid hormones that hold the blame as they can prevent the formation of collagen and elastin fibers. These elements are those that work to keep rapidly growing skin taut. This combination of rapid growth and hormone changes leads to dermal and epidermal tearing.

What are the Symptoms of Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks commonly appear as reddish or purple lines that eventually fade into lighter shades until they turn white. Affected areas are soft to the touch and appear empty. Stretch mark scarring affects the dermis which is the resilient middle layer of skin that helps maintain skin shape. Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common in places that hold larger amounts of fat including the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs, hips and buttocks.

What are Ways to Get Rid of Marks?

Various treatments are available for the purpose of improving the appearance of existing stretch marks. These include laser treatments, microdermabrasion, and prescription retinoids. There also exist a number of natural skin care products that help to both prevent and remove stretch marks.

A progressive method of fractional laser resurfacing treats with scattered pulses of light that work on segments of the scar over the course of several treatments. This creates microscopic wounds which the body responds to by producing more collagen and epithelium. This treatment reduces appearance but does not eliminate stretch marks. When considering laser treatment, it is vital to also consider the pain and cost of therapy as it often requires multiple sessions.

A specially fitted tool is used in microdermabrasion treatment to scrape away the top layers of skin. A sand blasting technique is done with microscopic particles to firmly exfoliate the skin. This method stimulates the formation of new collagen and elastin which are essential for healing and smooth skin results. However, there are limitations to microdermabrasion in the treatment of stretch marks. Mature white stretch marks will not be affected by microdermabrasion treatment. There are also some types of natural home microdermabrasion creams that are worth looking into that are also mentioned below.

Retinoids are a group of products that include retinol which increases collagen and elastin production. If consistently applied to newly affected areas, these medications could improve the look and feel of stretch marks. However, retinoids are not effective on stretch marks that are already white and mature.

Some natural stretch marks creams that have the right ingredients can work organically with your skin's natural systems to reduce stretch mark appearance. Products that contain Helix Aspersa Muller not only stimulate collagen and elastin proliferation as do other methods, but can also work to improve the skin's metabolism, counter hormonal effects, and dissolve scar tissue. The incredible work of messenger molecules and enzymes found only in certain natural products allow your skin to differentiate healthy cells from damaged cells and to dissolve those that are non-functional while stimulating elements needed to regenerate a healthy skin matrix. This complex system is a natural and effective way to get rid of stretch marks and enjoy beautiful skin.