Stretch marks have been known to lower self esteem, especially in women. We can get stretch marks from pregnancy and rapid body changes such as weight gain and weight loss. In the beginning, stretch marks are usually red or purple colored and have a more hoarse texture to them as the rest of the skin would. After time, they do fade to a lighter color and in some cases, almost look as if they have disappeared. We can prevent getting stretch marks by staying hydrated and using a stretch mark cream that contains vitamin A, E and C to help strengthen the elasticity of the collagen in the skin.

If you already have stretch marks and are looking to lighten them then there are a couple methods that may be able to assist you. The first method is obviously just time and patience. Like all types of scarring, stretch marks will eventually fade. If patience is not your best quality then there are also some other options out there for you.

The first one is Retin-A (Tretinoin) creams. Retin creams are prescription based only and been shown to drastically reduce the appearance of stretch marks. You can speak to your doctor about this option and see if Retin cream may be good for you. Another option is to buy some Vitamin E gel tablets at your local health/vitamin shop. You will need to break open the vitamin capsule and rub the oil onto the skin, this needs to be repeated daily for two weeks.

There are also many creams/lotions that are scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Some of these creams are: Cocoa butter, Rose hip oil, Jojoba oil, Shea butter and Castor oil. These mentioned creams can be bought practically anywhere that sells body lotions and bathing products. Another great and non expensive option is to pick up some Vick's Vapor Rub. Many people have had great success using Vick's by dabbing a washcloth or paper towel with the cream and rubbing it on the scarred skin every evening for about a month.