Stretch marks occur when a rapid weight increase or growth of the skin takes place, as during pregnancy, puberty, or even among body builders. Stretch marks appear when skin is stretched to the point of breaking down, like when elastic loses its elasticity. They are initially purplish in color, due to the layers of skin separating, and then become a white or shiny color, due to collagen reformation and loss of pigmentation in that specific area. They occur in the middle layer of the skin, the dermis. It is difficult (and some believe impossible) to remove stretch marks because not many treatments get past the first layer of skin, the epidermis.

It is debatable whether it is possible for stretch mark removal to work completely. There are many effective creams that can help prevent stretch marks by supplying your skin with nutrients to keep it strong and supple. They are also effective at fading existing stretch marks so that they are minimally noticeable, but they have not been proven to remove stretch marks completely. Laser Surgery is also an option for stretch mark removal, but it is necessary to consult with a dermatologist to understand the implications of this procedure. When attempting to remove stretch marks it is essential to understand what they are and why they occur in order to determine the best and most effective treatment option.

How to get rid of stretch marks using the variety of creams on the market: most research has concluded that you can’t completely eliminate stretch marks using creams. They are effective for minimizing stretch marks, softening the skin and helping stretch marks fade to a barely visible line; however, the powerful ingredients contained in these creams are most effective at preventing stretch marks from occurring, not making them disappear. Before purchasing a cream, research how effective each is as some are really pricey. There are hundreds of reviews of each product online but it would also be wise to consult with friends who may have used various products.

How to get rid of stretch marks through surgery: Laser surgery is considered the most effective at completely eliminating stretch marks; although, it is a more expensive than using creams, and as always there is no 100 percent guarantee. During cosmetic laser surgery, lasers are used to stimulate new collagen growth, essentially “filling the stretch mark from the bottom up”. It is a relatively painless process and interestingly doctors recommend that a stretch mark cream be used both before and after surgery. A tummy tuck is a more extreme option involving removing all of the excess skin, however, that procedure will leave its own scar.
Basically, how to get rid of your stretch marks will depend on the severity of them, and how completely you want them to disappear. Both methods have pluses and minuses and should be tailored to fit your individual needs.

With all the options available it’s important to determine which ingredients are essential to an effective stretch mark prevention cream. There isn’t necessarily an answer for which stretch mark cream is the best, although some are definitely better than others, it will depend on the individual person and the make up of their skin.