Unsightly scars such as stretch marks are a problem for many women and a lot would try just about anything to get rid of them. But how do they form in the first place? These are formed due to the excessive stretching of the skin during times of rapid growth. This can either occur during puberty or pregnancy when the body undergoes rapid and extreme changes.

The skin is an elastic tissue capable of stretching and relaxing in order to accommodate the various changes that are happening with the human body. It relies on collagen to provide support whenever the skin needs to stretch. But when the collagen stores are depleted and the skin is forced to stretch beyond its normal capacity, this will result in tearing of the underlying skin which will eventually become stretch marks.

One way of removing these stretch marks is by using creams that can lighten the scars left by the tearing of the skin. The creams work by stimulating the production of collagen to increase the skin's elasticity. It also stimulates the regeneration of new cells so that the old cells may be replaced. Lastly, creams also moisturize the skin making it supple and younger looking as well.

Other more expensive means are by dermabrasion and laser surgery. Dermabrasion is a procedure that involves the removal of the uppermost layer of the skin through mechanical methods. it removes most marks on the skin, including other scars and dark areas. After the procedure, the skin will appear red and be sensitive due to the thinner skin. It will take several months before the skin fully recovers from the procedure.

Surgery using concentrated light to burn away scars in the body is called laser surgery. It uses the melanin in the skin to find areas that appear darker and these are the tissues that are burned. This is why it is more effective in removing newly formed and darker stretch marks. Laser surgery on older scars will not work as well since those would usually have a lighter color, similar to that of the skin.

For those who are expecting new stretch marks due to pregnancy, it is always better to use creams to help prevent the formation of new ones. Just be sure that these will be safe for your baby. For older scars, you have a variety of choices to choose from which are all helpful in reducing or eliminating them completely.

Learn more about stretch marks removal. Visit Jen Hopkins's site, www.SecretsToGetRidOfStretchmarks.com, where you can find out all about stretch marks treatments and other valuable information about the topic.