A lot of scars in the body are almost always avoidable. By using proper safety gear or taking precaution, wounds and scars can be avoided. Stretch marks on the other hand, are very hard to prevent. You cannot control how fast you grow during puberty or the size of your tummy when you become pregnant. When the skin stretches to quickly, the underlying dermal layer will tear thus resulting in stretch marks.

Collagen and elastin in the skin is responsible for giving the skin its elasticity. The body can produce collagen and elastin at a specific rate. If the body grows too fast without producing enough of these, the skin will not be elastic enough to accommodate the increase in mass. Because of this, the dermal layer will tear and result in stretch marks.

One way of removing these stretch marks is by using creams that can lighten the scars left by the tearing of the skin. The creams work by stimulating the production of collagen to increase the skin's elasticity. It also stimulates the regeneration of new cells so that the old cells may be replaced. Lastly, creams also moisturize the skin making it supple and younger looking as well.

Dermabrasion is another option if you don't trust removal creams to work. This procedure works by scraping off the outermost layer of the epidermis so that overlying scars will be removed. This is effective in removing all kinds of scars while helping lighten the skin as well. This costs a lot more than using creams and will leave your skin a bit sensitive for a few months while it regenerates a new layer.

A third method of removing scars is by laser surgery. This costs the most amount of money but it is also the most effective procedure as well. It burns away the scars left by old wounds and the disintegrated tissue is replaced by newer cells.

For those who are expecting new stretch marks due to pregnancy, it is always better to use creams to help prevent the formation of new ones. Just be sure that these will be safe for your baby. For older scars, you have a variety of choices to choose from which are all helpful in reducing or eliminating them completely.