curious333
10-05-2003, 01:30 PM
I was wondering if there was anyone way to get rid of or make strech marks less visible
thanx
thanx
Sponsor
marcen
10-07-2003, 12:21 AM
hi! this is julia girl's sister writing. i had stretch marks on my legs and i had a skin treatment called microdermabrasion done.i paid $1200 for a package of 6 treatments and the stretch marks are about 85% better. i'm getting another 3 microdermabrasion treatments soon and that should completely remove them.i don't know where you're from but i had mine done at a great place in vancouver,british columbia and i would be happy to give you the telephone number if you would like more information.i got a really good deal for the amount of treatments i received so i really recommend them.good luck!
lilytooth
10-07-2003, 01:54 PM
Some people are prone to stretch marks by over producing steroids or by taking corticosteroids. Prednisone is the biggest culprit.
A deficiency in zinc can also make stretch marks more apparent. Try taking a zinc supplement.
Massaging firming cream with collagen on marks 3x a day will stimulate blood flow and help the healing process.
Using harsh soaps destroys collagen. Try cocoa butter bar instead.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to moisture skin from inside.
Here is an interesting home remedy:
Apply thin layer of egg white to marks, let dry, and remove with ice-cold water. Do this 3x a day and marks will vanish. (I can’t do this one. I'm allergic to eggs)
After soaking in tub, apply vitamin e oil then apricot scrub and with a wooden pegged massager, massage marks in quick small circles to exfoliate damaged skin to reveal new skin. After massage, apply mederma gel and natural aloe vera, let dry then apply collagen cream. Do the massage every 3 days to allow healing in between. Apply mederma gel 3x a day. This one works for me. My marks are almost gone after 4 months!
A deficiency in zinc can also make stretch marks more apparent. Try taking a zinc supplement.
Massaging firming cream with collagen on marks 3x a day will stimulate blood flow and help the healing process.
Using harsh soaps destroys collagen. Try cocoa butter bar instead.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to moisture skin from inside.
Here is an interesting home remedy:
Apply thin layer of egg white to marks, let dry, and remove with ice-cold water. Do this 3x a day and marks will vanish. (I can’t do this one. I'm allergic to eggs)
After soaking in tub, apply vitamin e oil then apricot scrub and with a wooden pegged massager, massage marks in quick small circles to exfoliate damaged skin to reveal new skin. After massage, apply mederma gel and natural aloe vera, let dry then apply collagen cream. Do the massage every 3 days to allow healing in between. Apply mederma gel 3x a day. This one works for me. My marks are almost gone after 4 months!
Trinity Star
10-07-2003, 09:39 PM
Stretch marks are partial tears in the skin from the inside and are basically scars. They never re align (sp?) themselves. Stretch marks start as being red / purple. After a certain amount of time they turn white on their own. When they are red, you can try retin-A. That helps reduce (but does not completely eliminate) stretch marks. Also, there are some laser treatments you can try. You will always have better results when they are red /purple. There are, however, repigment lasers for the white ones. From my exstensive research on the internet and talking to doctors, there is no method that will completely get rid of stretch marks 100%.
Micro dermabrasion is another good idea. That can help improve the look of stretch marks. The bad side of it, is a risk of hyperpigmentation and scaring. Sounds like Julia is having a good experience with micro dermabrasion. I talked to a doctor who said that micro dermabrasion and therma cool laser may help with some stretch marks. No promise there.
Julia, are your strech marks white or red?
You can do alot of research on the internet about stretch marks. Creams that say they get rid of stretch marks really do not get rid of them.
[This message has been edited by Trinity Star (edited 10-07-2003).]
Micro dermabrasion is another good idea. That can help improve the look of stretch marks. The bad side of it, is a risk of hyperpigmentation and scaring. Sounds like Julia is having a good experience with micro dermabrasion. I talked to a doctor who said that micro dermabrasion and therma cool laser may help with some stretch marks. No promise there.
Julia, are your strech marks white or red?
You can do alot of research on the internet about stretch marks. Creams that say they get rid of stretch marks really do not get rid of them.
[This message has been edited by Trinity Star (edited 10-07-2003).]
marcen
10-07-2003, 09:57 PM
my stretch marks were purple.they were caused from an illness i had for four years.in some very rare cases you can completely have stretch marks removed but it also depends on your age;it's best to have it done when your young as the skin heals better.in my opinion,microdermabrasion is the best treatment for stretch marks as doctors told me that lasers have very little affect on stretch marks.however, i read that there is 1 laser they are using in the u.s. that is supposed to work well, but it's very expensive.
Trinity Star
10-07-2003, 10:05 PM
Hi Julia,
Do you know what that laser is called? I am thinking it is the relume laser. The relume laser is the newer one that is getting alot of attention. But it only repigments the skin to make it less noticable. That is for white stretch marks. It doesn't take the stretch marks away sadly.
[This message has been edited by Trinity Star (edited 10-07-2003).]
Do you know what that laser is called? I am thinking it is the relume laser. The relume laser is the newer one that is getting alot of attention. But it only repigments the skin to make it less noticable. That is for white stretch marks. It doesn't take the stretch marks away sadly.
[This message has been edited by Trinity Star (edited 10-07-2003).]
Scooterman
10-07-2003, 10:27 PM
I have many on my back and personally I will stop at no cost to get rid of them. I'm only 16 BTW.
They are seriously ruining my life. I can only pray microdermabrasion works......
They are seriously ruining my life. I can only pray microdermabrasion works......
Baby_hands
10-08-2003, 05:02 AM
Hey lilytooth...
Do those remedies you talked about REALLY work?
And also...do they work only on new marks? or all?
Thanks!
Do those remedies you talked about REALLY work?
And also...do they work only on new marks? or all?
Thanks!
lilytooth
10-08-2003, 12:22 PM
Baby_hands,
They do work for me. My marks are 13 yrs. old from pregnancy. I started this treatment 4 months ago. I have/had marks on my abdomen, hips, thighs, backs and sides of knees, and some minor marks on buttocks. The leg ones killed me the most because I could not wear shorts or short skirts. I love swimming but would hardly go for fear of being seen in a bathing suit.
I talked to a dermatologist when the marks appeared and he said nothing will get rid of them but always keep them moisturized and they will appear smoother. I was devastated to hear that and became depressed.
Even after 13 years, the marks were red, not white or silver like time is supposed to do. When I found out they were supposed to fade after time, I did research. I found that the steroids I take for asthma made them worse, so I changed meds. I found that a zinc deficiency also made them worse, I was checked and indeed had a zinc deficiency I now take 50 mg of zinc daily.
I read about creams that help but found that the massage to apply creams worked, not the cream itself.
I read that microdermabrasion works but could not afford it. My son wants to attend MIT so I cannot be spending money on skin! The process of microdermabrasion is to exfoliate damaged skin and reveal smoother newer skin. That is when I thought of self-exfoliating with apricot scrub and a wooden pegged massager. However, do not do this if you take steroids because they thin out the skin and you can make marks worse. I massage with quick small circles for 3 min. do not apply pressure, skim the surface.
I am not the only one to think of this, I found a web site of someone else that had the same idea and had much success.
I also apply Mederma gel 3x a day to speed the process.
I check out the results once a week and find the marks fading fast! My leg marks are hardly detectable so now I am back to swimming in an indoor pool. Even under harsh lights the marks a hardly noticeable. I worked mostly on the leg marks first so they faded faster.
When I went to the dermatologist for acne, I showed him the fading marks and he was shocked. He asked if I had an expensive procedure. I told him my regimen and he was scratching his head in disbelief.
(sorry this was so long)
[This message has been edited by lilytooth (edited 10-08-2003).]
They do work for me. My marks are 13 yrs. old from pregnancy. I started this treatment 4 months ago. I have/had marks on my abdomen, hips, thighs, backs and sides of knees, and some minor marks on buttocks. The leg ones killed me the most because I could not wear shorts or short skirts. I love swimming but would hardly go for fear of being seen in a bathing suit.
I talked to a dermatologist when the marks appeared and he said nothing will get rid of them but always keep them moisturized and they will appear smoother. I was devastated to hear that and became depressed.
Even after 13 years, the marks were red, not white or silver like time is supposed to do. When I found out they were supposed to fade after time, I did research. I found that the steroids I take for asthma made them worse, so I changed meds. I found that a zinc deficiency also made them worse, I was checked and indeed had a zinc deficiency I now take 50 mg of zinc daily.
I read about creams that help but found that the massage to apply creams worked, not the cream itself.
I read that microdermabrasion works but could not afford it. My son wants to attend MIT so I cannot be spending money on skin! The process of microdermabrasion is to exfoliate damaged skin and reveal smoother newer skin. That is when I thought of self-exfoliating with apricot scrub and a wooden pegged massager. However, do not do this if you take steroids because they thin out the skin and you can make marks worse. I massage with quick small circles for 3 min. do not apply pressure, skim the surface.
I am not the only one to think of this, I found a web site of someone else that had the same idea and had much success.
I also apply Mederma gel 3x a day to speed the process.
I check out the results once a week and find the marks fading fast! My leg marks are hardly detectable so now I am back to swimming in an indoor pool. Even under harsh lights the marks a hardly noticeable. I worked mostly on the leg marks first so they faded faster.
When I went to the dermatologist for acne, I showed him the fading marks and he was shocked. He asked if I had an expensive procedure. I told him my regimen and he was scratching his head in disbelief.
(sorry this was so long)
[This message has been edited by lilytooth (edited 10-08-2003).]
roocey
10-08-2003, 05:27 PM
HEY THERE LILYTOOTH!! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! I HAVE HORRIBLE MARKS ON MY STOMACH. IT LOOKS LIKE A ROAD MAP! I ALSO HAVE THEM ON MY INNER THIGHS AND A LITTLE ON MY BOTTOM & SIDES. I TOO WILL NOT SWIM OR WEAR SHORTS. I AM SO ASHAMED!! MINE ARE 8 YRS. OLD. SOME ARE THE SILVER & SKIN COLORED ONES & SOME ARE STILL COLORED. TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING PLEASE!!!!
Scooterman
10-08-2003, 05:34 PM
lily, how deep and big were you stretch marks?
Mine are quite large. Some are probably about half an inch wide and 4-5 inches long. They are also pretty deep. Would that work for me?
Mine are quite large. Some are probably about half an inch wide and 4-5 inches long. They are also pretty deep. Would that work for me?
lilytooth
10-09-2003, 01:55 PM
My stretch marks were really red and noticeable from a distance. My abdomen too looked like a road map below the belly button. The biggest scars were 1/4" wide and 2" long.
I'm not sure how this method will work on wide scars but I will advice to be very careful as to not pull or tear the scar further. Apply the Mederma gel 3x a day for 3 months as well as using collagen lotion first to strengthen the scars for the aggressive massage. You can still massage daily with your hand to bring blood to the surface to aid healing. Ask your doctor about adding zinc supplements.
I'm not sure if one remedy works better than the others or if it's the combination of all.
This is what I do:
Mix vitamin e oil from capsules or e lotion to St. Ives apricot scrub. I use 6 capsules to 1-cup scrub because I have a large area to work on. After soaking in tub for 15 min. pat dry skin but leave some moisture. Apply a liberal amount of scrub mix and with a wooden pegged hand massager, massage in quick circles clockwise, don't apply pressure just skim the surface. Do this for 3 min. if you can stand it. Rinse scrub and you will see your skin red, which means its working. Pat dry skin and apply a thin layer of Mederma gel, let dry then apply natural aloe vera and Jergens collagen firming lotion. Do this every 3 days to allow skin to heal. Apply Mederma gel 3x a day and Jergens collagen firming lotion once a day. DO NOT look at your scars for at least a week to gauge results.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep skin hydrated from inside.
Exercise routinely to tone and bring blood and O2 to skin.
CAUTION:
Do not do the massage if you are taking steroids like prednisone or topical corticosteroids.
Do not do the massage if you have varicose veins or circulatory problems.
Mederma scar gel can be found in general drug stores and runs about 13-15 dollars for small tube.
Good luck and post your relults or questions.
I'm not sure how this method will work on wide scars but I will advice to be very careful as to not pull or tear the scar further. Apply the Mederma gel 3x a day for 3 months as well as using collagen lotion first to strengthen the scars for the aggressive massage. You can still massage daily with your hand to bring blood to the surface to aid healing. Ask your doctor about adding zinc supplements.
I'm not sure if one remedy works better than the others or if it's the combination of all.
This is what I do:
Mix vitamin e oil from capsules or e lotion to St. Ives apricot scrub. I use 6 capsules to 1-cup scrub because I have a large area to work on. After soaking in tub for 15 min. pat dry skin but leave some moisture. Apply a liberal amount of scrub mix and with a wooden pegged hand massager, massage in quick circles clockwise, don't apply pressure just skim the surface. Do this for 3 min. if you can stand it. Rinse scrub and you will see your skin red, which means its working. Pat dry skin and apply a thin layer of Mederma gel, let dry then apply natural aloe vera and Jergens collagen firming lotion. Do this every 3 days to allow skin to heal. Apply Mederma gel 3x a day and Jergens collagen firming lotion once a day. DO NOT look at your scars for at least a week to gauge results.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep skin hydrated from inside.
Exercise routinely to tone and bring blood and O2 to skin.
CAUTION:
Do not do the massage if you are taking steroids like prednisone or topical corticosteroids.
Do not do the massage if you have varicose veins or circulatory problems.
Mederma scar gel can be found in general drug stores and runs about 13-15 dollars for small tube.
Good luck and post your relults or questions.
roocey
10-09-2003, 03:58 PM
Hi Lilly!! Thanks for the details! I will start this in a couple of days when I can get to the store!! I will post my results for you in a couple of weeks!! Thanks so much!
marcen
10-09-2003, 04:07 PM
hi this is julia's sister here again! i should mention that the clinic where i had my stretch marks removed includes 2 other skin treatments in their microdermabrasion package;chemical peel and i belive the other treatment is called endomology (sorry i've forgotten now!)this greatly improves the results of the microdermabrasion.it can be fairly painful to some people but the results are definitely worth it!
ozenne
10-10-2003, 04:23 PM
Stretch marks are just a part of life. If you can't afford expensive treatments, they do eventually fade. I have stretch marks on my breasts that have turned skin-coloured. You can only see them in certain lights, because they are a bit shinier than normal skin.
madara
10-15-2003, 02:55 PM
ozenne is right! While is always great to see those trying to improve themselves, at certain point you have to realize your expending energy on things that can not change. Do research, contact right health professional in your area. If cost or decent results are issue, move on, no one is perfect. There is two great examples of that. One there is female actress that played on Dawsons Creek named Busy Phillips. I got to meet her as they actually locally did movie in my area and my friend got in as background character. I was shocked when I seen her as she had to have at least 100 moles on her upper body.(She was still cute though P) Stop believing your not in norm, hollywood and alot of money hide lies very well. Example 2: There extremely beautiful girl I see pic of online that had stretch marks. She obviously focused her energy on what she could change, her health and body by proper cardio and weights and it so payed off! I'd show it but would not quite be approperite, hehe. You have to except yourself sometime. If you walk around with no esteem or confidence why should anyone do same for you.
[This message has been edited by madara (edited 10-15-2003).]
[This message has been edited by madara (edited 10-15-2003).]
lilytooth
10-15-2003, 09:40 PM
madara:
For years I ignored my scars thinking it was hopeless to get rid of them. I only moisturized and hoped time would fade them. After 13 years and very little change, I started to research more and found that the meds I was on for asthma made my marks worse. In addition, a zinc deficiency was discovered which also made scars worse. I made some med changes, added 50mg of zinc daily and started to exfoliate the damaged tissue off. After only 4 months, the scars went from red to white and now hardly noticeable. It's not my imagination either because others, including my derm, thought I went for an expensive procedure. I now can wear skin-revealing cloths with confidence.
I know everyone is different, but in my case, I faded my scars in short time. I only wish I did it years ago.
I do agree that one should feel confident in their skin - what ever looks like. However, for me, I could not bare it anymore.
For years I ignored my scars thinking it was hopeless to get rid of them. I only moisturized and hoped time would fade them. After 13 years and very little change, I started to research more and found that the meds I was on for asthma made my marks worse. In addition, a zinc deficiency was discovered which also made scars worse. I made some med changes, added 50mg of zinc daily and started to exfoliate the damaged tissue off. After only 4 months, the scars went from red to white and now hardly noticeable. It's not my imagination either because others, including my derm, thought I went for an expensive procedure. I now can wear skin-revealing cloths with confidence.
I know everyone is different, but in my case, I faded my scars in short time. I only wish I did it years ago.
I do agree that one should feel confident in their skin - what ever looks like. However, for me, I could not bare it anymore.
Scooterman
11-04-2003, 12:35 AM
I think it is good advice to try and focus on other things but you should never just give up on trying to correct them. Mine are quite horrible and at only 16 I feel as though my life has been ruined. At this point I will never be able to take my shirt off in front of anyone without feeling terribly ashamed of my body. It's horribly unfair that I have them because I am in very good health and am the perfect weight for my height. I did not have a noticeable growth spurt either.
However I remain optimistic about the future because I know that new treatments are popping up everyday and hopefully one of them will be able to help me.
It's really hard to date when sexual contact (and thus nudity) is inevitable so unfortunately I have to miss many opportunities for a high school romance. I no longer feel like a normal human because of this. Like I am a damaged good, a defect. In the summer time when my friends are out enjoying the weather and swimming and going to the river and riding jet skis and going out on boats I am hiding in my room and making up excuses to stay inside and with my shirt on. I should not have to live like this!!!
However I remain optimistic about the future because I know that new treatments are popping up everyday and hopefully one of them will be able to help me.
It's really hard to date when sexual contact (and thus nudity) is inevitable so unfortunately I have to miss many opportunities for a high school romance. I no longer feel like a normal human because of this. Like I am a damaged good, a defect. In the summer time when my friends are out enjoying the weather and swimming and going to the river and riding jet skis and going out on boats I am hiding in my room and making up excuses to stay inside and with my shirt on. I should not have to live like this!!!
i-c-e
11-18-2003, 01:52 PM
lilytooth,
i think this is similar to the one offered at this website www.stretchmarkcure.com
let me know if u have friends or relatives who have tried this thing
thank you very much!
i think this is similar to the one offered at this website www.stretchmarkcure.com
let me know if u have friends or relatives who have tried this thing
thank you very much!
lilytooth
11-18-2003, 02:00 PM
lilytooth,
i think this is similar to the one offered at this website www.stretchmarkcure.com
let me know if u have friends or relatives who have tried this thing
thank you very much!
I posted on the acne board to tell you to come here. didn't know you were already here.
I thought of exfoliating on my own, then someone sent me same link you sent, so I knew I was on the right path.
my stretch marks quickly faded with that regime. Even a dermatologist thought I went thru an expensive procedure.
i think this is similar to the one offered at this website www.stretchmarkcure.com
let me know if u have friends or relatives who have tried this thing
thank you very much!
I posted on the acne board to tell you to come here. didn't know you were already here.
I thought of exfoliating on my own, then someone sent me same link you sent, so I knew I was on the right path.
my stretch marks quickly faded with that regime. Even a dermatologist thought I went thru an expensive procedure.
i-c-e
11-19-2003, 10:00 AM
I posted on the acne board to tell you to come here. didn't know you were already here.
I thought of exfoliating on my own, then someone sent me same link you sent, so I knew I was on the right path.
my stretch marks quickly faded with that regime. Even a dermatologist thought I went thru an expensive procedure.
thank you very much! :)
i am 18 years old, do u think the effect will be fast??
does it also works for body scar?
I thought of exfoliating on my own, then someone sent me same link you sent, so I knew I was on the right path.
my stretch marks quickly faded with that regime. Even a dermatologist thought I went thru an expensive procedure.
thank you very much! :)
i am 18 years old, do u think the effect will be fast??
does it also works for body scar?