Stretch mark removal is often at the top a new mother's wish list since many women get skin scarring as a result of the pregnancy. Of course this isn't to say it is only new mothers who have stretch marks. Many times, when an overweight person sheds a significant amount of excess body fat, they too can end up with stretch marks. In some cases, skin scarring may be minimal, and therefore easily treated, but they can also be rather severe, and it's these which often prove to be incredibly stubborn.
The internet is full of conflicting advice regarding the issue of skin scarring. Some websites advocate chemical peels; some recommend microdermabrasion; some say laser treatment works best, and of course some think highly of certain topical treatments and/or home remedies. In the paragraphs that follow, we'll be taking a brief look at the pros and cons of each option.
Chemical Peels
Irrespective of what you might have read, chemical peels are not effective when it comes to stretch mark removal. Part of the problem with skin scarring, is the fact that elastin fibers in the affected areas have been damaged, and a chemical peel isn't capable of repairing these fibers. Additionally, while it may look as if the marks are on the surface of the skin, they are not. The damage is actually in the dermis, and it's simply not possible to remove so much skin.
Microdermabrasion
There seems to be a lot of conflicting advice regarding the effectiveness of microdermabrasion. Some say it does work, while others say it's a total waste of money, so let's take a look at the facts. As with chemical peels, microdermabrasion can't repair damaged elastin fibers, so already we know it cannot eliminate skin scarring entirely. In cases where the severity of the marks is minimal, this procedure can reduce the appearance of the marks, but only marginally. In more severe cases, microdermabrasion will have virtually no effect at all. In fact, the only effect you'll be able to notice, will be a significantly reduced bank balance. Most of the sites advocating this treatment for stretch marks are either affiliated to clinics offering the treatment, or to companies that sell microdermabrasion kits which allow you to treat yourself at home.
Laser Treatments
Once again, there are plenty of conflicting opinions regarding laser treatment. However, if you discuss the subject of stretch marks with doctors who specialize in this field of work, they will gladly tell you scarring of skin is one of those conditions which can be improved, but cannot be cured. In other words, no single treatment can eliminate stretch marks completely.
While no amount of laser treatment can rid you of stretch marks, it can admittedly make the marks less noticeable. Depending on the severity of the marks, laser treatment can improve them to a point where they become barely noticeable, but they'll still be there. The biggest drawback with this option is that it can end up costing thousands of dollars.
Topical Treatments
Many skin care manufacturers claim their products can reduce or eliminate scarring of skin. The minute they mention the word "eliminate", they're not to be trusted, since we know there is no such treatment available on the planet as of yet. Furthermore, many of the brand name products designed for stretch mark removal contain dangerously harsh chemicals, many of which can lead to serious consequences as far as one's health in concerned.
Some of the mainstream brands that do actually manage to reduce the appearance of skin scars permanently are only able to do so because they contain certain natural ingredients such as grape seed oil for example. Now, considering one can buy all-natural products which contain the same natural ingredients, but in higher concentrations, it makes no sense to buy one of the chemical based ones.
While you cannot rid yourself entirely of stretch marks, you can certainly make them fade, and providing you keep at it, you will reach a point where you'll hardly be able to see them. One of the best things about this approach is that it works as well, if not better than the other treatments, and the costs aren't even comparable.
No comments:
Post a Comment