Is it really possible to permanently remove stretch marks from your body? Those are those rather disfiguring purplish streaks that usually appear on the abdomen, buttocks, hips and even breasts and arms. Both sexes are equally prone to develop them but women are usually far more distressed by them and are often desperate to remove stretch marks for good.

Stretch marks are formed when the mid layers of skin, the dermis, are stretched to breaking point, a little like an elastic band that has lost its stretch. As the elastic properties of the skin break down the body tries to compensate by building up a layer of collagen to reinforce the affected skin, which causes the stretch marks to form.

Some people are simply genetically predisposed to stretch marks, while for others weight gain and weight loss cause them to appear. Of course, this is particularly true in pregnancy, which is when many women develop them.

There are now surgical techniques available that can be effective in achieving the permanent removal of stretch marks. Dermabrasion, chemical peels and certain forms of laser surgery are all used by plastic surgeons to remove stretch marks.

But those are fairly drastic and often very expensive alternatives, and for some people the idea of undergoing any form of surgical procedure is terrifying.  The creams and lotions available on the market today designed to remove stretch marks have improved vastly over the last few years and many of them are actually more effective than one might imagine. Although they may not remove stretch marks completely, rather lessening their appearance to a barely noticeable one and are usually far more affordable than cosmetic surgery. Laser surgery is the most expensive treatment, but often the most effective. Several treatments can often remove even the most stubborn and extensive stretch marks, but the cost may run into the thousands of dollars.

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent stretch marks forming. Ensuring that the body is well hydrated at all times, by drinking a lot of pure water and avoiding an excessive amount of caffeine can really help the skin stay healthy and supple, as can the regular use of a good all over moisturizer.

Diet can also play a factor in how many stretch marks develop on an individual’s body, and the severity of their appearance. Caffeinated beverages, not just coffee but also soda and tea can rob the body and conversely the skin of its youthful elastically prematurely, leading to the development of stretch marks. Eating a diet that is rich in zinc, vitamins A,C and D and proteins can strengthen the skin a great deal.

In pregnancy, when stretch marks most commonly occur, using a very rich moisturizer like cocoa or shea butter on a daily basis can often reduce the chance that severe stretch marks will remain after giving birth, although they may not prevent them completely. Keeping the amount of weight gained within an physician’s  guidelines can also reduce the chance that stretch marks will appear, and makes for a healthier pregnancy overall.