How do U Get Rid of Stretch Marks?

1Use a moisturizer. A study comparing herbal moisturizers found that people who lotioned-up daily showed significant improvement in skin appearance and elasticity 2. Think of it this way: if your skin has a lot of stretching to do, it's less likely to tear and create stretch marks if it's hydrated.

Use lotion on new stretch marks, or on areas where you're worried about getting them in the future. Though using lotion on old stretch marks may still improve their appearance, it's probably not as effective as using them on fresh ones. If you're worried about the chemicals in over-the-counter moisturizers, make your own out of equal parts wheat germ oil, olive oil and aloe vera.

The same study showed that this combination created the best DIY moisturizer 3. A study from the University of Michigan suggests that people who use Retin-A (or a retinoic acid cream) on new stretch marks saw huge improvements4. Retin-A is thought to boost collagen production, helping skin stretch out and avoid tears.

Note that you should not use any products containing retinoic acid if you are pregnant or nursing. It can potentially cause birth defects in humans 5. Retin-A won't be as effective on old stretch marks.

You'll probably need a prescription to get products such as Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, and Differin (which all contain retinoic acid). Limit sun exposure of skin that you're treating with Retin-A. It could be more susceptible to burning.

3Use glycolic acid. Glycolic acid used on stretch marks can increase collagen production, as making your skin more elastic overall6. As an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), it's in the same family of compounds often used in chemical skin peels.

Glycolic acid is safe to put on your skin during pregnancy. Take extra care to keep skin that you're treating with glycolic acid out of the sun. Glycolic acid can be bought in over-the-counter.

For a more intense treatment, you can get a stronger dose from a licensed dermatologist. 4Combine glycolic acid and Retin-A. When used together, glycolic acid and Retin-A can dramatically improve the appearance of stretch marks 7.

If you choose to do this, you might want to "prep" your skin with Retin-A before using a glycolic acid 8. Do not use Retin-A if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can cause severe birth defects.

If you need to see a doctor for a Retin-A prescription anyway, ask how he or she would suggest incorporating glycolic acid. 5Try Vitamin E oil. Vitamin E oil is often said to be the miracle cure for stretch marks, though one study shows that it's most effective on women who have already been pregnant before, and has not been effective in general use 10.

Still, it can't hurt in moderate doses. Try mixing your Vitamin E oil with a carrier lotion, such as a regular unscented moisturizer, for better coverage. 1Use essential oils.

Though there hasn't yet been a peer-reviewed study on how essential oils can heal stretch marks, they are currently used as a home remedy. You can apply them directly onto the skin, or use a carrier (such as coconut oil or an unscented moisturizer) to make application easier. 1Increase your Vitamin C intake.

One dermatologist suggests that 500 mg of Vitamin C, taken as an oral supplement, can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks11. For even better results, try using a topical glycolic acid along with Vitamin C. 1For fresh stretch marks, use a pulsed dye laser (aka vascular laser).

A pulsed dye laser set at 585-nm was shown to reduce stretch marks in post-partum Korean women 12. This sort of treatment can take down the initial redness, and is best used on early marks (that have not yet turned silver). Be prepared to hand over a chunk of money for vascular laser treatments.

Three to six sessions are required, priced around $450 each. Vascular laser treatments won't be effective for women with darker skin. Much like laser hair removal, the process works best when there's a large contrast between the target (in this case, the red stretch marks) and the pigment of the skin.

2For older stretch marks, try a fractional laser treatment (aka laser resurfacing). For stretch marks that are no longer discolored but are still indented, you can use resurfacing with a "fractional" laser that focuses on small areas. The laser is aimed at the edges of stretch marks, smoothing over the surface of the skin 13.

You could need up to three fractional laser treatments; each treatment could cost around $1000. Hyperpigmentation and scarring are potential side effects of fractional laser treatments. 1Get an abdominoplasty (aka tummy tuck).

The only certain way to get rid of stretch marks is to — you guessed it — cut them out. If you've tried everything else and can't stand the tiger stripes, a tummy tuck might be the ticket. Be prepared for the cost.

In the United States, an abdominoplasty can run between $4000 and $20,000. Be aware of the risks. As with any major surgery, there are life-threatening complications that can arise from a tummy tuck.

Plan on a long recovery. You can expect to take 2 to 4 weeks off work, and spend 3 to 6 months before you're fully healed. 2Consider a "mommy makeover," or a combination deal.

Some post-partum women get a tummy tuck, a breast lift, and liposuction all in one procedure. 1Cocoa butter has not been proven to reduce stretch marks. In a double-blind study, cocoa butter was not shown to have any discernible effect on stretch marks 14.

Be wary of marketing schemes that claim otherwise. 2Peptide-containing products also haven't been proven to work. "Repair" creams or serums that claim to contain peptides or proteins have not been proven to restore skin damaged by stretch marks 15.