If we had the answer to this one, we’d all be millionaires. But we don’t. Because once you have them, stretch marks are forever, although with time, they usually do fade.

Stretch marks on your skin, are caused by overextension of the collagen, which is the fiber under the skin. This can be caused by pregnancy, excessive weight gain, obesity, and even body builders who have “pumped up” their muscles may experience them.

As the fiber tears, you may see a thin red line that eventually turns white as it heals. Technically speaking, this is scar tissue, in such thin and hard to handle layers, that it would be impossible to remove through surgery, not to mention extremely invasive given the network of lines that many pregnant women develop on their hips, stomach and buttocks.

Laser surgery is being touted at the newest method for removal. It is a very precise science that may remove some of the marks, but cannot repair the damaged fibers.

As is often the case with many things, prevention is better than looking for a cure that isn’t there. Avoid excessive weight gains, and when pregnant, continue to exercise during the pregnancy and afterwards, to tighten up skin fibers. While coco butter based creams are often pushed as a cure, the most they can do for you is to soften the skin, which will keep your skin more supple, but won’t remove stretch marks. Another tip is to keep yourself well hydrated, since dry skin has less flexible tissue, making it more prone to the tears.

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