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Dealing with stretch marks

Although it is hard to eliminate stretch marks without laser surgery, iVillagers offer some advice on how to minimise them

Stretch marks are usually a result of weight gain or growth spurts, and are scars caused by the skin 'tearing' when it gets stretched past its limit of elasticity. To prevent them as much as possible, you should use a daily body lotion to keep your skin moist, and to add elasticity to it.
ladyinpublic

I hear that bio-oil is really good for fading scars, and is also meant to be fantastic for stretch marks. It isn't available everywhere, but you can get it from larger chemists, or they can order it for you.
jane1733

Stretch marks will fade with time; otherwise, over the counter stretch mark creams may help, although it has been proven that the ingredients of these creams make little difference. Daily massaging of the area increases the blood flow, which will help because it accelerates healing.
ashleysmom_lisa

I use Vitamin E cream on stretch marks. It makes them less visible and isn't that expensive to buy.
comeasyouare

A self-tanning lotion will help to conceal them. I don't believe creams work, not with what causes them and what happens to the skin.
cl.leo.lou

Retin A is a really good option for stretch marks - just ask your dermatologist. Also, keep out of the sun because tanning will make them more obvious.
pixie_434

It takes time for stretch marks to fade, and only laser surgery can eliminate them. The majority of women have some stretch marks. I used Palmers Lotion in my teens, when I was getting stretch marks on my hips, and it seemed to work. They have several formulas now, the best for stretch marks are those that contain collagen elastin and Vitamin E. I've been using Palmers for ten years as my body lotion, and I have no new stretch marks. It didn't get rid of the stretch marks completely, but it did help them fade, and they are hardly noticeable now.
lynnegirl24

Why not chat with other iVillagers about skin care and beauty on the Skin Care message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place right now on the board:

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