stretch marks

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Stretch marks are tears in the connective tissue. Unfortunately, there is no way to get rid of stretch marks.

Stretch marks happen due to rapid stretching of the skin. It can happen to people who gain weight, gain muscle, pregnant women, and girl and boys going through puberty. You can't make them vanish but they'll fade over time.

There are some treatments you can try to fade them a bit. If it's a new stretch mark a tretinoin cream may help. You can also try laser therapy. Mostly though, just give it time.

I've had great results with Cocoa Butter. Saw a difference in colour almost right away. But they are scars, so you'll never get rid of them. But think of it this way:

These are your battle scars, what you're left with after your fight with losing weight.

And scars are just tattoos with better stories!

Cocoa Butter can help, but I've found that Bio-Oil has worked wonders for me. The marks are still there, but not nearly as noticeable as they once were - to the point where you only really see them in the right(wrong) light. The only thing you need to look out for, though, is that it can stain your clothing if you use too much.

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Cocoa Butter can help, but I've found that Bio-Oil has worked wonders for me. The marks are still there, but not nearly as noticeable as they once were - to the point where you only really see them in the right(wrong) light. The only thing you need to look out for, though, is that it can stain your clothing if you use too much.

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This happens naturally over time anyway though. Not saying people should avoid cocoa butter or Bio-Oil if they like it, just questioning whether it has the effect that folks are attributing to it.

If you've got stretch marks.. you have got stretch marks. Period.
Once the initial redness fades you are left with fine silvery scars. There is no magical way to get rid of them other than having the skin surgically removed. Personally I think that's a tad drastic. I have seen good results on surgical scars with Bio Oil. It's worth a try.

They do fade over time, I don't look at them as a negative and just like my other scars they are a part of who I am. Some from my pregnancies, others from gaining all my weight. I can't get rid of the scar on my chin from a stupid high school activity but I look at it and have the memory, and I feel the same with my stretch marks.

I gave you the abridged version in my previous comment because I did not feel like delving into the science of stretch marks, but since you have been told to ignore me, get ready for some MFing science. (Insert Jesse Pinkman quote here.)

I am a pre-med student, so please do not think I am just blowing smoke up your skirt. Unless there are any dermatologists on this post who will contradict me, I daresay this will be the most accurate and informative reply to your question. K? Leggo. And you better read this. I'll know if you don't.

Stretch marks are largely genetic. This is not to be confused with hereditarity; just because your mother (for example) did not experience stretch marks does not mean she passed the "anti-stretch mark" gene to you. My mother has 0 stretch marks and 3 children, while I have 1 child and my midsection resembles an Atlas road map. Collagen and elastin are the proteins responsible for allowing the skin to stretch. However, when the skin stretches faster than collagen and elastin can be produced (during body-building, pregnancy, weight gain, etc.), the connective tissue begins to tear, still allowing the skin to stretch further, thus creating the deep tissue scars we know and see as stretch marks. The production of the collagen and elastin proteins is determined by genetics and can be effected by hormones.

THERE IS NO MAGIC "STRETCH MARK REMOVAL" POTION, nor is there a legitimate surgery (although some people would argue that a Tummy Tuck is a viable option, but that is neither here nor there). Educate yourself/ves in basic dermatology before you advertise a false product, like Bio-Oil, Palmer's, Strivectin, etc. The truth is that stretch marks occur in the connective tissue beneath the dermis. There is NO APPLICATION be it cream, lotion, oil, pill, or wrap that has the capacity to penetrate the dermal layers and repair the SCARS we see as "stretch marks." Cellular regeneration (the exfoliation/sloughing off of dead skin cells, and the "turning over" of new skin cells) combined with contracted blood vessels helps your stretch marks evolve from the initial purple-to-red color to flesh toned. This happens naturally and gradually. Unfortunately, people confuse this natural process with the effectiveness of moisturizing, "stretch-mark reducing" products. These products are obsolete, as there is no need to "help" the process. You cannot speed it along, no matter how many expensive products you purchase and apply to your skin. As an alternative, try focusing on building muscle in your arms. The skin will stretch around your expanding muscle(s), giving the stretch marks a less concentrated appearance. Plus, no one will care about your stretch marks if they are sitting atop a ripping bicep! Don't fret, my friend. Girls aren't as shallow as you probably think we are.

Good luck!

I use a rather cheap version of cocoa butter (like Dollar General), and my stretch marks have gotten less visible. I agree nothing will take it away, but with weight loss and keeping the skin hydrated I don't believe they will be as noticeable as they are now. A lot of it is the fact my belly is so big and it makes them look bigger. The butter just helped with the discoloration mainly, and the weight loss is turning them from ditches to cracks. Best way I can explain it.