Which Stretch Mark Remover Will Work Best for You
Is there an ideal stretch mark remover method that will work for all stretch mark sufferers? Not likely. But, there are a number of stretch mark removers that are utilized with different degrees of success. A growing number of these tend to take the natural approach while others involve a more extreme approach, such as cosmetic surgery. As you can see, the removal of stretch marks can be a complex and time-consuming process with the price ranging from around $30 for over-the-counter stretch mark removal products to thousands of dollars for cosmetic surgery or treatments by laser.
Which cure works best for you will be determined by the age of your stretch marks, your skin type, and budgetary constraints. Here is a summary of the more popular ways to eliminate stretch marks:
Be Smart and Hydrate Yourself
Drink just as much or more water as you drink coffee, tea, or soda. Stretch marks can also result from nutritional deficiency. Drink a lot of water (at least two litres daily) – not soda or juices – because it helps your skin in staying elastic. If coffee or tea is your "cup of tea", drink 3 litres of water every day.
Take Skin Supportive Supplements
Vitamin E is a critically key vitamin to take during pregnancy to avoid stretch marks. In addition, a cream or lotion containing Vitamin D will help in preventing stretch marks. But, because Vitamin E by itself will not work due to the large size of their molecule; lanolin, which has smaller molecules, can be used to deliver the ingredients beyond the top layer of skin and help with skin elasticity. If you have existing stretch marks, Vitamin E is believed to improve them by lessening their appearance.
Stretch Mark Removers
Creams and lotions for stretch marks will not totally remove stretch marks, but will generally lessen their appearance whereby the affected skin blends with the surrounding healthy skin. There are many stretch mark lotions and oils that have been made to keep your skin taut and firm throughout pregnancy and actually help in the prevention of stretch marks from beginning. The creams and lotions that penetrate the skin in the deeper layers will provide longer-lasting moisture that is essential to healthy skin. These stretch mark removal creams are usually recommended for evening applications to achieve the best results.
Surgical Options
Surgical treatment is generally the most expensive of the stretch mark elimination methods, though repeated laser treatments can result in similar prices. The truth is that surgical procedures are believed to be the most effective and conventional method in eliminating stretch marks. This approach generally involves the removal of areas of skin where the stretch marks have developed. The 2nd type of surgical procedure that can help remove stretch marks is laser scar removal. This method is essentially non-invasive and doesn’t leave skin damage such as scars or incisions.
The treatment of stretch marks and scarring with lasers is claimed to stimulate collagen production below the skin as the dermal skin layer absorbs the laser light, filling out the skin and assisting to return pigment to the scarred area. However, there is still controversy within the health care circles regarding the use of laser technology to treat scars and stretch marks. Even now, many medical practitioners and plastic surgeons have concluded that lasers cannot successfully treat stretch mark damaged skin.
To sum it up, the stretch mark remover methods listed above are all proven to work to different degrees, depending on the individual’s skin type, age of the stretch marks, and available budget. The least pricey of the stretch mark removers are the creams and lotions, which fade existing stretch marks and allow them to blend in with the surrounding skin. This technique is one of the most pain-free treatments and should be considered first — you may just be very pleased with the results while saving your hard-earned dollars!