Stretch marks are the consequence of over stretched skin. They can appear after growth spurts, during and after pregnancy and due to excessive weight gain and weight loss. They usually develop around the hips, thighs, abdomen, breast and upper arms.

Some experts claim that stretch marks are directly linked to genetics. What this basically means is that if your parents have them, then it's highly likely that you will too, however, you can take steps to prevent or treat them.

Prevention is a method that can be applied to stretch marks that arise due to weight gain or pregnancy. The idea is basically to gain and lose weight as slowly as possible. Also, there are creams that can help make the skin more elastic.

Unfortunately, preventing stretch marks due to growth spurts isn't as easy as preventing stretch marks due to weight fluctuations. In this case, your safest bet is to use make up or clothing to cover up the striae.

Stretch Mark Removal Options

There are two alternatives when it comes to choosing a stretch mark removal option: non-invasive methods and surgical intervention. The one you decide to use will depend on the results you're seeking. If you are looking for a definitive result then surgery is the only way to eliminate damaged skin forever, however, if you prefer a less invasive method you can try and reduce the appearance of stretch marks by using a special stretch mark cream.

If you are interested in less invasive methods then you might want to try using alternatives such creams and microdermabrasion. Stretch mark balms are gentle and can safely help reduce the size and appearance of striae. However, this doesn't mean that you can use any stretch mark cream to treat your condition because the ingredients that make up each product are essential to their success. So before purchasing any type of stretch marks cream, make sure it contains the appropriate ingredients.

Look for products that contain ingredients that can repair collagen and elastin. Having healthy collagen and elastin is essential to healthy and unblemished skin. The basic idea behind these types of products is that they can help remove the damaged, scar tissue and help replace it with a healthy skin structure.

Ingredients such as retinol, neuropeptides, and Vitamin C are just a few products that can help promote the production of collagen. Nano-lipobelle and cynergy TK can help boost your body's production of collagen and elastin.

Avoid products that contain collagen. Collagen molecules are far too large to penetrate the skin pores. So purchasing these types of products will be a waste of money.

Microdermabrasion is a popular treatment option for stretch marks. Through this procedure, the damaged skin layers are removed and replaced by healthy skin cells. Microdermabrasion for stretch marks is usually done in several sessions.

This procedure is a little faster than stretch marks creams, but it is still quite slow.