Shea Butter – this apparently helps in making stretch marks fade or at least make them less noticeable. But it has to be 100% organic and in its unrefined form. Shea Butter is extracted from Karite Nut tree’s kernel that has healing effects. Apply Shea Butter to affected areas every day and see results after months, depending on the condition of the stretch marks. It is best to use it early on or while stretch marks are still relatively new since it may not be as effective for stretch marks in their advanced stage.

Retin A – a common treatment for wrinkles, Retin A is also used for stretch marks. It can only be purchased with accompanying prescription from your doctor. Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding must not use Retin A due to possible harm it could do to the baby. It is best used within 6th to 12th week after giving birth, while the stretch marks are still pinkish and a bit tender, otherwise, you are not likely to see results.

Surgical procedures – this includes dermabrasion and chemical peel. These are relatively expensive with micro dermabrasion treatment, costing around $100 to $200 per session considering that this treatment requires at least 10 to 12 sessions to complete. Moreover, most insurance companies consider these treatments as cosmetic and not surgical procedure so they are not likely to be covered.

Laser treatment for stretch marks is apparently effective although not everybody has been convinced by such claims as some remain apprehensive or openly dispute claims on its effectiveness when it comes to stretch marks removal.

Despite being challenged by certain sectors, laser treatment is in demand among women who wants to get rid of their stretch marks. Distinct advantages include the absence of the possibility of blood loss and infection. Moreover, since the procedure requires the use of anesthesia, it is considered as a painful process which is a big factor to a lot of people. Compared to surgical process, there is hardly a need for recovery time to keep you within the premises of the hospital longer than necessary. This, is another factor that makes more women prefer to choose laser treatment.

The primary consideration for this treatment is the cost. A session can cost anywhere from $250 to $750 and a full treatment can be at least 3 sessions up to 10 sessions, depending on the person’s genetic makeup aside from how fresh or advanced the stretch marks are. It is usually better if the stretch marks are still a bit reddish in color and still relatively raw. For old stretch marks, however, some difficulties may be encountered with regard to laser detection. But new technological breakthroughs apparently have come to address this concern. Finally, just like other treatments, there is still no 100% guarantee that it will work for everybody.

Stretch marks development, however, is not limited to pregnancy since they can also happen due to sudden weight gain or loss. This is because our skin does not just revert back once it has been overstretched in a short span of time causing skin tissues to tear, leaving scars.

Nevertheless, stretch marks can be prevented or at least minimized, depending on one’s genetic makeup. Here are some ways to prevent the development of stretch marks:

Proper Diet – pregnant or not, it is wise to maintain a healthy diet to avoid rapid changes in weight so the skin can adjust accordingly.

Massage – use a wash cloth, massage glove or body brush and massage the areas prone to stretch marks such as the abdomen (especially the mid- to lower parts), upper thighs, upper arms, breasts, buttocks and hips. Doing so everyday will help improve circulation and the development of new tissues.

Plenty of water intake – hydration is important in maintaining healthy skin. This is particularly crucial if you are a habitual coffee drinker since caffeine dehydrates skin.

Moisturize – apply moisturizer daily to keep skin elastic. For pregnant women, apply them liberally throughout pregnancy. Over-the-counter moisturizers specifically for stretch marks are recommended as they are formulated to enhance collagen production and provide support to the skin to avoid tearing of the tissue caused by over stretching.