Sigh... Stretchmarks... Most commonly associated with childbirth, these battle scars for mommies are quite a pain to remove and prevent. Stretchmarks are caused by rapid stretching of the skin and most likely if your mother had them, you will too.
Best thing to do if you see a stretchmark appearing on your awesome bod is to treat it as early as possible. This is when your body will most readily respond to treatment. According to WebMD, stretch marks are still in the early stages when a reddish or purple color. If your stretchmark is silver or white, it is more set in the skin and will be harder to treat.
Hydrate and moisturize your skin at least three times a day with a cream whose primary ingredient is shea or cocoa butter. The more moisturized your skin is the better the elasticity, allowing your skin to stretch better and decreasing your chances of stretch marks appearing. For best results, combine with a few drops of Vitamin E to help repair skin damage.
Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that boosts collagen production in your skin. Collagen helps to repair damages and improve overall skin condition. Products can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies. A recent search on Amazon.com unveiled glycolic acid items on sale for just $22-$35. However, if you're looking for something with a little more "umph", glycolic acid can be administered by a dermatologist in higher dosages. This route can be a little pricey, costing about $100 per treatment. It is said that you can expect to see results in as little as three to four office visits.
Vitamin C is said to improve the look of stretch marks while still in the early stages. Vitamin C increases the production of collagen, but is at its best when paired with a glycolic acid. Opt for at least 500 milligrams of Vitamin C at least three times a day for best results.
Laser treatment is a trend that is used by many dermatologists. This type of treatment promotes the synthesis of healthy new collagen which have been damaged by the appearance of stretch marks. Expect to pay at least $450 per session and attend at least three to six sessions before your see any results. According to WebMD, most women saw at least a 30% improvement in their scars. However, dermatologists warn that the mark itself may not completely fade.
Retina is thought to boost your collagen production, help skin stretch, and avoid nasty tears in the skin. However, do not use this product if you are pregnant or nursing and limit sun exposure when possible. WebMD claims that the product won't be as effective on old stretch marks. Also, estheticians and massage therapists report that undesirable side effects can occur from using these types of products.
To sum it all up remember to moisturize and eat your vitamins with every meal! If all else fails and you are dying to rid yourself of your stretchmark stripes, practice your budgeting skills and save up for a treatment!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelsie_Ozeki
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