Does Baby Oil Help Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are caused by rapid stretching of the skin. The second layer of skin, called the dermis, contains a large amount of collagen, which provides elasticity, allowing the skin to stretch and retract without consequence. Stretching that occurs with rapid weight gain such as occurs during pregnancy causes a breakdown of collagen in the dermis, creating stretch marks that are visible on the outer layer of skin. Most stretch marks can be minimized. However, no amount lotion, cream or baby oil will get rid of them.
Preventing Stretch Marks
Baby oil will not get rid of stretch marks that are already there. Application of any emollient will help reduce them, and might even prevent stretch marks from forming. Vitamin E creams are far more effective than baby oil for this purpose; vitamin E cream nourishes the skin and helps preserve the elasticity in your skin.
A Sure Stretch-Mark Cure
Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty is the only real cure for stretch marks. This invasive surgical procedure requires a plastic surgeon to cut away all the skin below your belly button. The skin is then stretched and sutured at the pubic bone. This results in the removal of many stretch marks, and replaces them with a large scar that stretches from hip to hip. This scar can usually be covered by a bikini bottom. Abdominoplasty is an expensive surgery that requires a lengthy recovery time.
Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks
Some cosmetic physicians offer laser treatments to remove stretch marks. Generally, lasers are used for the breakdown of tissue, and not the repair of tissue. Be sure to research this costly series of treatments before undergoing them. Do not expect to have your stretch marks removed. Rather, expect the appearance of your stretch marks to be reduced.
Microdermabrasion Treatment for Stretch Marks
Microdermabrasion involves removing the outermost layer of skin to reduce the appearance of scars, sun damage and wrinkles. Since stretch marks form in the dermis as opposed to the epidermis this treatment does not work.
Living with Stretch Marks
Chances are, your stretch marks bother you more than they bother anyone else. If your stretch marks are still fresh, give it time. Stretch marks that are still red or purple are scars that are not yet healed. You may notice that these dark stretch marks shrink over time and may practically vanish. Once your stretch marks become opalescent--white--they are healed and will not shrink further.
Tags: your stretch marks, your stretch, stretch marks, stretch marks, layer skin, marks that