BooBop

AUSTIN, Texas--Stretch marks are not a happy subject for women or men--and tanners, looking for a healthy appearance, would rather they disappear altogether. Although most information is purely speculative about the cause and "cure" for stretch marks, there are still a few ways to treat them in various stages.

According to Joanne Kabak, writer for drkoop.com, doctors are unsure what causes stretch marks in the first place, nor are they sure how many people actually suffer from the condition; however, there are some things that can be done to change the appearance of stretch marks, or eliminate them completely.

According to Dr. Charles J. Lockwood, chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at New York University School of Medicine, stretch marks actually are tears in the dermis, the layer of tissue under the skin. A breakdown of skin elastin, the elastic fibers that make skin stretch, creates a scar and that scar cannot be erased.

However, according to Dr. Jeffrey Sklar, director for the Center of Aesthetic Dermatology in Woodbury, N.Y., people do not recognize stretch marks when they start--often they are thought to be a rash. However, this is the best time to treat them. Doctors advise topical applications and massage during this early period.

Doctors also say laser and surgical procedures can be used; however, the procedures themselves may not be cost effective or could leave a scar of their own.

As it stands, people are recommended to use cocoa butter or lotion and massage their skin during periods of life when the skin is stretching, such as puberty, pregnancy or even when weight lifting. Most likely, simple treatments can change, though maybe not eliminate, the largest of scars.

Taken from Looking Fit

fungirlz

microdermabrasion can help stretch marks.. having the treatment done once every 10 days for 6 visits can show very good improvement in the area.

wickedtan

Strtch marks ahhh just had an agruement with my boyfrined about thet very subject this weekend. I experienced them when I was pregnant and tried everything could to help prevent them and now I have a few on one side of my check and they are here to stay unforuntatly. But just Sunday morning he came into wake me up and noticed them more so since I had been tanning again. He laughed and said "man you must of really been huge"! AHHH I was so hurt. I wieght a whopping 110 lbs 5'3" wieghted 129 the day i gave birth. I did an excellent job with my wieght during pregnancy.I lift wieghts, spin 2x weekly, roller blade and watch my diet. I take very good care of myself and he has the nerve to make such a hurtful comment. Of course he says he was just playing. Right! Sensitive subject no doubt. Men can be so cruel and critical such as he is.