Maybe you’ve just had a baby or have experienced rapid weight gain or weight loss. Maybe your skin has been stretched to the limit, thereby causing unsightly stretch marks. You might have heard that you’ll just have to put up with them since there isn’t a way that really works to get rid of stretch marks. However, that’s not completely accurate.

It’s true that there are no “perfect” stretch mark treatments. But there are methods you can use to make them look significantly better and less obvious.

To start with, genetics plays a big part in determining how prone you are to getting stretch marks. Unfortunately, all the modern technological advances still won’t let you change your DNA. However, diet can play a critical role in preventing and even treating stretch marks. Of course, it’s unlikely that eating certain types of food will directly result in stretch marks. However, substantial weight gain or loss can definitely be a factor. So if you watch what you eat and control your weight, you can prevent stretch marks from appearing in the first place.

A number of creams, lotions and oils are available that can minimize the appearance of stretch marks. Disappointingly, quite a few of them aren’t actually any good. Pregnant women faithfully rub oils and creams onto their bellies in the hope of avoiding stretch marks, only to discover that they were inevitable.

But some products are actually pretty useful in combatting stretch marks. Retin-A or alpha hydroxy acids in combination with a steroid cream are an example. They are able to minimize inflammation and keep your skin’s hormones from causing stretch marks. They also aid in the renewal of elastin and collagen in the skin, improving its overall appearance. A prescription is needed in order to obtain these stretch mark products.

Yet another common means of eliminating stretch marks is laser treatments. The outcome isn’t guaranteed, but if your stretch marks are still red and haven’t faded, the chances of success are higher. The lasers are able to lessen the redness and halt inflammation.

Microdermabrasion, plastic surgery and chemical peels are also used to help get rid of stretch marks, but the results aren’t always as anticipated. When it comes to stretch mark surgery, the scars it leaves behind might be more unsightly than the original stretch marks.

To discover the stretch mark treatment most suited to you, discuss this information with your physician to point you in the right direction. Even though a certain stretch mark treatment may work for some, it might not have the same results for others. There’s just one way to discover which stretch mark treatment will work for you, and that’s to try them all.