Scars and Stretch Marks - Ways to Remove and Prevent Them

Scars, most of us have them; few of us know how to cope with them. Especially because many of us don't have a clue about how or when we got them. One day, like a grey hair, it's just... there. And you know how it is, once you've seen it, you CAN NOT ignore it. So as panic sets in, we begin wondering what can be done, if anything, to remove "the marks." So we do our usual, consult our family, friends, our doctor and of course Google; trying "natural" treatments, chemical treatments, edible treatments, etc. But by the end of our extensive research and experiments, we've only succeeded in nursing a newfound negative body image. At this point, you're probably wondering "now what... there's got to be more to it than just feeling embarrassed about the money and energy I've put into worrying about my body." If you ever thought something similar, I feel your pain. I've been there. I eventually found help, but before I did, I spent countless amounts of time and money searching. However, I'd like to save you same troubled experience. After doing some research I've gathered a pretty decent list of Myths commonly shared about the origin, treatment and removal of scars. I sincerely hope this will save you months of dead ends and disappointments.

Myth #1 "Once you get scars you just have to live with them." This couldn't be further from the truth. With today's research and usage of technology, there are many treatments available. You can either opt to cover your scars, treat them, or remove them.

Myth #2 "Only pregnant women get stretch marks." While It is true that 70 - 90% of pregnant women get stretch marks, there are many others that developed these unsightly marks too. For example, children going through puberty, body builders and anyone who has gained weight rapidly are all candidates for stretch marks. And F.Y.I. men can also get such scars. In fact, reportedly over 40% of men have stretch marks as well.

Myth #3 "Getting a tan can help to get rid of scars." I am not ashamed to say I almost believed this myself. But it turns out that getting a tan does not blend stretch marks in any way, but what's worse, tanning can make them stand out even more after its faded. This is because the stretch marks are scars, and scars cannot the change color, even when color is applied to it. P.S. this also applies to make-up. Been there, done that, didn't work.

Myth #4 "The deep scarring go away once you lose the weight." Unfortunately, this too, is just a myth. While some scars do fade (with the vitamins and healthier eating) most don't even budge. Why? Because after living at such a weight as to develop scarring, the skin has thinned and stretched to its max. Thus forming the stretch marks; but this also means it does not return to its previous state of elasticity very easily.

Myth #5 "Stretch marks scars are expensive to treat." I'll be honest with you, some treatments are very expensive. Chemical peels, laser therapy, plastic surgery and pulsed light therapy are all treatments that can easily cost from a couple hundred to a couple thousand PER SESSION! But don't worry; there are many lotions and creams that can reduce the appearance of scars. One of those creams actually helped me, I order it online (the over the counter stuff didn't really help me.)

Hopefully, this has cleared up some of the myths about stretch marks and their treatments. Regardless of the treatment you choose; remember to educate yourself, and discuss your treatment options with your doctor or dermatologist.