Stretch marks are lines that we seen on our bodies cause by rapid stretching of the skin. These usually appear as red, purple or brown lines when these are still fresh. Through time, the color of the stretch marks begins to fade and turns to white. Stretch marks typically appear on the abdominal area, thighs, hips, arms, breast and lower back. These can really look unattractive which is why women do everything to remove stretch marks.

Understanding the mechanism for the removal of stretch marks, you should know why these appear. Stretch marks appear when the dermis is damaged. This is what happens when the skin is overstretched. The collagen production is actually disrupted when this happens, preventing the skin to revert back to its original shape. This is actually a type of scarring, caused by the damage to collagen.

Diet and exercise is a great way to reduce the stretch marks on the skin. Water is very important when keeping your skin hydrated. Keeping the skin hydrated enhances the collagen production on the skin. This retains the elasticity of the skin to keep it from over stretching. Stay away from caffeine, tea and softdrinks which can only dehydrate your skin, causing the formation of stretch marks.

Dermabrasion is one of the most common ways of removing stretch marks from the body. The process of dermabrasion involved freezing of the skin before it is subject to procedure. Dermabrasion uses small abrasive material which "sand" the skin to remove the top layer of the skin and replace it with a new one. This keeps the skin smoother, reducing the appearance of stretch marks on the skin.

Massaging cocoa butter is by far the most effective non-surgical treatment for stretch marks. The cocoa butter, although applied on the skin, can seep into the dermis repairing the skin. The collagen is once again produced to keep the skin elastic and free from stretch marks. This must be done daily to hasten the removal of stretch marks.

Stretch marks may seem to be very alarming when seen on the skin. The only secret to treating these stretch marks effectively is by treating them as early as possible. If the stretch marks are still dark, this will still be easier to treat. If it has lightened in color, this is when you might have a problem. Always make sure to consult a doctor before taking any treatments to ensure your safety and an effective removal of the stretch marks.