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Stretch marks are always a problem for women as they are really ugly to look and it is almost always unavoidable. These form because of the extreme stretching of the skin, especially during adolescence or pregnancy. When the body grows very fast, the skin will also elongate to accommodate the increased size of the body. The skin is naturally elastic and can stretch up to a certain point. But if the body increases in size at a very rapid rate, the skin will not be able to keep up and will eventually break causing the stretch marks to form.

The skin is an elastic tissue capable of stretching and relaxing in order to accommodate the various changes that are happening with the human body. It relies on collagen to provide support whenever the skin needs to stretch. But when the collagen stores are depleted and the skin is forced to stretch beyond its normal capacity, this will result in tearing of the underlying skin which will eventually become stretch marks.

Removal can be done through various methods. The cheaper methods consist mostly of using creams to reduce the color so that it becomes less visible. Creams can either be artificial creams that contain chemicals proven to reduce the appearance of visible scars. Or it can be made of natural ingredients such as cocoa butter or aloe vera, which are generally regarded as effective means of eliminating those unwanted marks.

Other more expensive means are by dermabrasion and laser surgery. Dermabrasion is a procedure that involves the removal of the uppermost layer of the skin through mechanical methods. it removes most marks on the skin, including other scars and dark areas. After the procedure, the skin will appear red and be sensitive due to the thinner skin. It will take several months before the skin fully recovers from the procedure.

Laser surgery on the other hand, is known to be very effective but very expensive as well. It uses concentrated light to pierce the dermis of the skin and burns the scars that are left behind. Once the scars are removed, new cells will then start to form to replace the lost tissue.

Stretch marks are a problem that almost all people have. Prevention can be done by supplying the skin with enough collagen and elastin so that it can withstand excessive stretching. For existing stretch marks, elimination can be done through several techniques depending on what may be suitable for your pocket.