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Most women that suffer from weight fluctuations or go through pregnancy will end-up with stretch marks. Post pregnancy stretch marks are also a common occurrence and result when you least expect them, after childbirth. Your abdomen and breast are probably most prone to stretch mark appearance, however you can also get them on your thighs, hips and upper arms.

Most women feel that they are condemned to live with these striations for the rest of their lives, but this isn't entirely true. There are actually several procedures and treatments that can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Surgery is, by far, the most effective type of treatment because it completely removes the skin that has stretch marks, however, if you're not keen on invasive procedure there are less invasive alternatives for your pregnancy stretch marks. If you do prefer a less invasive approach then you should either try microdermabrasion or stretch mark creams, or both.

Stretch mark removal with non invasive treatments is slow. Therefore, you must be patient and consistent if you want to see results.

Microdermabrasion for Stretch Mark Removal

Traditional microdermabrasion can be performed in a spa or salon. It doesn't require anesthesia and it is a quick procedure, lasting no more than an hour per session.

Microdermabrasion works by producing a tiny bit of "damage" to the treated site. The body will then respond to the injury by producing new, healthier cells to displace the damaged skin cells. After several sessions, you should be able to see a difference in your stretch marks.

Besides treating stretch marks, microdermabrasion can also remove the signs of aging. Age spots and fine lines will become less apparent with each session. Also, your dull skin will become more even and radiant.

Stretch Mark Creams

Another alternative to surgery are stretch mark creams and microdermabrasion creams. This treatment option is more gentle than microdermabrasion, which means, you'll need more session in order to see results.

Stretch mark creams contain a combination of ingredients that help eliminate striae. This means that any stretch mark cream you purchase should at least contain peptides and enzymes, which are the ones responsible for eliminating striae. In essence, these ingredients help dissolve scar tissue and help promote the growth of new skin cells.

Two ingredients that you should look for are snail serum and rose hip oil. Both of these components are known for their success in treating scars and stretch marksBoth of these components are known to effectively help treat scars and stretch marks. Snail serum (Helix Aspersa Muller extract) depends on enzymatic action, while rose hip oil is rich in Vitamin C and A and essential fatty acids that help the generation of healthy skin. Microdermabrasion creams work because they contain micro crystals that produce an abrading action. These micro crystals are similar to the ones used in traditional microdermabrasion. Obviously they're much gentler than traditional microdermabrasion treatments.

You can also purchase at-home microdermabrasion systems which come with a machine that produces the abrading action. Some even come with different attachments and with some type of microdermabrasion cream.