Weight fluctuations and stretched skin during pregnancies leads to stretch marks in most women. 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.

Many women believe that they are condemned to live with these striations, but this is not 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. Microdermabrasion and stretch mark creams are basically two of the most popular, non-invasive forms of treatment.

The results obtained from the treatment of stretch mark removal with non invasive treatments will be slow, so be warned.

Microdermabrasion for Stretch Mark Removal

Traditional microdermabrasion can be performed in a spa or salon. This treatment does not require anesthesia and lasts no more than an hour per session.

Microdermabrasion works by producing a small bit of "damage" in the treated site. The body responds to this 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. Soon fine lines and age spots will become less apparent. Also, your dull skin will become more even and radiant.

Stretch Mark Creams

Stretch mark creams and microdermabrasion creams are another alternative to surgery. This type of treatment is even more gentle than microdermabrasion, therefore, it will take longer to show positive results.

For a stretch mark creams to be effective, it should contain a combination of ingredients that can help eliminate striae. Usually peptides and enzymes are the ones responsible for this action. Basically, they help dissolve scar tissue and promote the growth of new skin cells.

Two other ingredients you should look for are Helix aspersa muller extract 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 very similar to the ones used in traditional microdermabrasion. Obviously, they are much gentler than traditional microdermabrasion.

You can also purchase at-home microdermabrasion systems that usually comes with a machine that produces the abrading action. Most come with speical attachments and a microdermabrasion cream.