If you have stretchmarks on your body now, you'll know how embarrasssing they can be. If you don't have it yet but are likely to get them in the near future, its time you do something about it BEFORE they cause damage to your skin - permanently.
So what are these dreaded stretchmarks? Why do they look so horrible? Is it possible to remove them? And why should you worry about getting them?
We try to answer these and other interesting questions here and in the process help you decide what to do with them. Read on...
What are stretchmarks and why do they look so horrible ?
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Stretchmarks are very unsightly "scars" that appear on your skin, especially on your thighs, belly and even arms. They sometimes look like those ugly pock-marks you see on a convict's face or long strips of extremely wrinkled skin.
Stretchmarks are caused by a tearing of the skin layer due to execessive stretching (see next question). Stretchmarks are a major concern for women who care about looking good (and who doesn't?) |
Horrible looking stretchmarks around a woman's naval
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What causes stretchmarks ?
Our skin is made up 3 layers: the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the subcutaneous stratum (innermost layer). When our body expands (due to pregnancy or obesity, for example), it over-stretches the middle layer (dermis) and eventually causes the skin fiber to break - a tear known as stretchmarks.Who gets stretchmarks?
About 90% of pregnant women get stretchmarks due to the fast expansion their bodies undergo during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can also disrupt the production of collagen thereby resulting in scars called ‘stretchmarks’.Stretchmarks can also occur in young people because of excessive and sudden growth. They affect 70% of adolescent females and about 40% of young males. Young women get them on their breasts, thighs, hips, abdomen and even buttocks.
Certain body-altering sports such as weightlifting or steroid drugs can also result in stretchmarks s among the young.
Can stretchmarks be prevented?
Stretchmarks can be prevented by making your skin more elastic and supple. You can achieve this by using stretchmark creams that contain powerful ingredients that strengthen the skin, improve collagen structure, and increase natural elasticity. Some popular brands are reviewed below .
Can stretchmarks be removed?
Unfortunately, stretchmarks are permanent after they occur. The only way to remove it is a drastic "tummy tuck" surgery but I seriously doubt anyone would want to do it.Surgery, such as a tummy tuck, may be effective in removing stretchmarks s but it will still leave a BIG scar of its own across your abdomen. I doubt you want to cough up about $8,000 for a procedure that is basically an abdominal tightening procedure - and get another ugly scar!
Laser treatment can reduce the appearance of stretchmarks but cannot remove them. This is also a very expensive treatment that can set you back at least $3,000.
The more affordable stretchmarks creams and oils can help reduce the appearance of stretchmarks and make them less visible, though. They are definitely a wiser use of your hard-earned money.