Stretch Mark Removal :: Removal Products Reviewed
 Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body where the skin has been stretched. Often stretch marks occur as a result of weight gain or pregnancy. They're most likely to appear in places where fat is stored: the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, thighs and buttocks. They pose absolutely no health risk and don't compromise your body's ability to function healthily; they are purely a cosmetic issue and need to be treated accordingly.
We have three layers of skin: the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the subcutaneous stratum (deepest layer). Stretch marks (also known as stria atrophica and striae distensae) occur in the dermis, the elastic, resilient middle layer that allows skin to retain its shape. If stretch marks formed on the skin's surface, they'd be much easier to treat. When the dermis is constantly stretched over time, the skin becomes less elastic and the connective fibers break. The result is the markings we know as stretch marks.
 Depending on your natural skin coloring, stretch marks begin as raised pink, reddish brown or dark brown striations that then turn a brighter violet or purple. Gradually these bright marks flatten and fade to a color a few shades lighter than your natural skin tone. They usually become less noticeable over time.
 Stretch Mark Removal - A "How To"
There are very few options for the removal of stretch marks. Some over-the-counter skin treatments (oils and lotions) can help the skin to become more supple and soft but they won't remove the stretch marks. The best way is through laser surgery - unfortunately the price puts it out of reach for most people.
StriVectin-SD is currently the most successful over-the-counter product stretch mark removal cream. In addition to reducing the actual length and depth of stretch marks, clinical studies show StriVectin-SD decreases skin irregularity as well as improving skin texture and increasing smoothness.
Prescription creams such as Retin-A have been found to improve the appearance of stretch marks, (reducing the redness in red stretch marks).
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