What's a really good way to get RID of STRETCH MARKS?

Question

All the way thru my pregnancy I had ABSOLUTLY NO STRETCH MARKS! Then when I was about 9 months pregnant, my husband and I went to the beach and I got a sunburned. When we started to peel, it started itching on my belly where I got burned, which led to scratching which led to strech marks, I have about 7 total stretch marks, any good ways to get rid of them?! THANKS!

Answer 1

Stretch marks are almost permanent scars that you can lighten, but not get rid of. If they are red, Mederma may work, but if they are the white embedded ones, there is not much you can do for them. I had them with my last pregnancy, and I ended up getting a tummy tuck which removed all the stretch marks below the belly button. Cocoa Butter and vitamin E are said to rid of them, but i think you have to use it everyday BEFORE the chance of stretch marks appear. Good Luck!!

Answer 2

Sorry but once you have them then there is nothing you can do about it. You can use cocoa butter lotion or bio oil to help soften them up but you cannot get rid of them. They fade over time though, so don't worry. I had a few about a year ago and now they are the color of my skin and not that noticeable. BTW, your husband should already know that in a marriage bodies change over time and he just has to accept it. Nobody is perfect and I have not met a single woman in my life that doesn't have a few stretch marks. It is sweet that you want to look your best for him, but if he is really complaining than you should just ignore him.

Answer 3

From personal experience they do lighten with time but using vitamin E oil and cocoa butter helps with the healing. Tanning helps them to not appear red. I have had three children and after about a year they do lighten a lot. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Stretch Marks
How can I get rid of stretch marks?
Surgical methods
Lotions and creams
Diet and exercise
Unfortunately, skin will not bounce back in its pure state if it's been stretched by rapid growth due to pregnancy, weight gain, or extreme weight loss. Instead, it becomes decorated by a form of scarring called stretch marks, or striae. Stretch marks often start off as reddish or purplish in color, then become glossy skin that appears streaked in silver or white.

Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. However, when constantly stretched, the dermis can break down leaving behind stretch marks.

Men and women can get stretch marks on several areas of their bodies, including the abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms or lower back.

What Can I Do About Stretch Marks?

There are several treatment options for stretch marks. If you are serious about dealing with unwanted stretch marks, it's best to be in the care of a surgeon or dermatologist who can recommend your best options. He or she will take a detailed medical history, including medications you are taking. Some medications can cause stretch marks, and it is very important to be open and honest with your doctor. Those medications include hormones and steroids.

Surgical Methods

Dermabrasion or chemical peel can be used to address unwanted stretch marks, and there are new advances in laser surgeries. The degree of success with any treatment will be impacted by your age, your skin tone and even your diet. It's important to note that insurance coverage probably will not cover stretch mark removal because it is a cosmetic procedure (even if the stretch marks are particularly severe).

Lotions and Creams

There are plenty over-the-counter treatments for stretch marks. If you are a woman who is pregnant and you are concerned with stretch marks, let your physician know you want to begin preventative treatment before your stomach starts growing. Often, your physician can recommend creams.

Diet and Exercise

Make sure you are maintaining healthy skin! Mama always told you to drink plenty of water. Maybe she knew this: it helps prevent stretch marks, too! Proper water intake keeps your skin soft and less likely to develop stretch marks. Caffeine can increase your risk of stretch marks. If you're stuck on your caffeinated coffee or tea, make sure you balance the fluids. Drink just as much - or more - water as you drink coffee, tea or soda.

Remember, stretch marks can also result from nutritional deficiency. Be sure to consume foods that promote skin health.

Zinc-rich foods such as nuts or fish
Foods high in vitamins A, C, D, such as carrots, citrus fruits and milk.
Protein-rich foods (such as eggs).
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of Plastic Surgery.
Edited by Cynthia Haines, MD, April 2005.

Portions of this page ©The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2003.

Answer 5

Use vitamin E oil. If used long enough they shall fad. I myself think that stretch marks are sexy on a woman. I love those little flaws. It keeps things real. If your man truly loves you, he will love your flaws. Good luck.- Feel free to e-mail me.- ERICK

Answer 6

Palmer's cocoa butter is good but better still is Bio-Oil X

Answer 7

Vitamin E works good also mederma works good.
Plastic surgery works better!!!

Answer 8

coco butter