Stretch marks (also known as striae) are caused by the rapid stretching of the skin. This usually occurs during pregnancy or a very quick growth or weight gain. When the skin stretch very quickly tears in the dermis (which is the second layer of the skin next to the topmost layer called the epidermis) occur and results in scarring that appears like striations that are off-color (red and purple at first) but usually fades away in time.

Stretch marks usually tug at the vanity strings of many people which usually leads them to the impulse find ways to get rid of them. While waiting it out can be a good strategy, some people just cannot wait that long so they try to find what stretch marks removal options are available.

In searching for the best stretch mark therapy out there, you will quickly notice that most of them offer very similar strategies to the treatment of other skin conditions. In fact, you will notice that many stretch mark removal products like creams, serums, lotions, etc., will contain similar ingredients as wrinkle and cellulite removal products.

This is no coincidence because although stretch marks (or scars), wrinkles and cellulite are three distinct issues involving very different biological processes, the common denominator between the three of them is that the skin is having some underlying structural issues.

Two substances that give the skin its healthy structure are collagen and elastin.

Collagen is a protein that forms connective tissues of the skin. It is essential to maintaining the thickness and suppleness of the skin and is very important to skin healing in cases of injury like wounds. Elastin, on the other hand, is also a protein that gives the skin that ability to return to its original state when stretched. Depending on how healthy your skin’s collagen and elastin content and its capacity to produce them, your skin could experience issues such as wrinkles, cellulite, hypertrophic/recessed scarring and stretch marks that do not heal (even with time).

That is why many stretch mark removal products employ the same strategy as wrinkle and cellulite treatment products: to optimize the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.

But this does not mean that stretch mark treatment creams can be used to treat the other mentioned skin issues. After all, the collagen and elastin aspects are not the only factors to consider when treating either

As always, if you are having issues with your skin, your best first step is to consult a dermatologist for professional advice.

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