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How to Cosmetically Get Rid of Stretch Marks

by Contributing Writer

  • Overview

    Stretch marks occur after periods of rapid growth. They often happen as a result of pregnancy, weight gain or muscle growth. Though they may occur on any part of the body, they are most common on the buttocks, thighs, hips, stomach, chest, back, and upper arms. If you wish to get of stretch marks, there are several things you can do to fade them. Some treatments you can do yourself, whereas others must be performed by a licensed practitioner. Over time, your stretch marks will become less noticeable.
 

  • Step 1

    Apply a bleaching cream to your stretch marks. Fading and bleaching creams will help to lighten your stretch marks if they are darker than the surrounding skin. You must use the cream regularly for 4 to 6 weeks in order to see results.

  • Step 2

    Use scar treatment creams on your stretch marks. Since stretch marks are scars on the skin's surface, you can use over-the-counter creams which fade scars. Creams such as Mederma contain onion extract which has positive effects on scars. You should apply the cream twice a day diligently. Generally, it takes between 8 to 12 weeks to lighten scars with such creams.

  • Step 3

    See a dermatologist about prescription treatment creams. While you can find bleaching and scar treatment creams at most cosmetic and drug stores, you can obtain stronger topical treatments from a doctor. Prescription creams have higher concentrations of lightening and fading chemicals so they generally work more effectively at getting rid of stretch marks.

  • Step 4

    Get regular chemical peels. Chemicals will be applied to your stretch marks which burn the skin in the area. Your skin will be red and irritated following a peel due to the burn. Once the skin heals, the stretch marks will be less noticeable since younger, less damaged skin takes the place of the burned skin. In order to get rid of stretch marks via chemical peels, a series of peels are necessary.

  • Step 5

    Start laser therapy treatments. A dermatologist will apply concentrated laser light to your stretch marks. The light encourages collagen production in the area. This makes the skin appear firmer, younger and more even-toned. It also breaks up pigment in stretch marks, helping to fade them away. As laser therapy is a cosmetic treatment, it is usually not covered by insurance.

  • Step 6

    Massage your stretch marks. Regular massage will help to increase blood flow to the area, thereby helping to heal the scarred skin more quickly. Gently massage your stretch marks for about one minute at least three times per day.

  • Step 7

    Exercise daily. Exercise improves circulation, helping blood and nutrients to reach the skin more readily. With this increased nutritional flow to the skin, your scarred areas will be better equipped to heal more quickly. Aim for at least 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise daily.
  • 3
  • Bleaching cream Dermatologist Scar treatment cream Chemical peels Laser therapy treatments Massage Exercise
  • Bleaching cream
  • Dermatologist
  • Scar treatment cream
  • Chemical peels
  • Laser therapy treatments
  • Massage
  • Exercise
  • Be gentle on your skin. Areas with stretch marks are damaged and more sensitive.
  • Be gentle on your skin. Areas with stretch marks are damaged and more sensitive.
  • Laser treatments and chemical peels can be quite painful. Your skin will be incredibly sensitive and irritated after such treatments.
  • Laser treatments and chemical peels can be quite painful. Your skin will be incredibly sensitive and irritated after such treatments.

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