Looking for information on emu oil and stretch marks? Here you'll learn the benefits of using this natural healing skin oil for healthier, younger-looking skin.

Stretch marks? Women aren't the only ones that those dark rippled scars.

I remember getting stretch marks when I began bodybuilding. Gaining more muscle size was my goal, but it also brought it's own share of problems - those tell-tale reddish scars from the skin stretching as it tried to accommodate the rapid muscle growth. Some hardcore bodybuilders wear them as a 'Badge of Honor'. Me? I could do without them.

And bodybuilders aren't the only people that get them. Pregnancy and rapid weight gain can also bring about those nasty marks. So what causes them and how can we get rid of them?

First...a little anatomy lesson so we know what's going on beneath the layers.

Your skin is made up of 3 different layers:

1. Epidermis - the top layer of your skin.
2. Dermis - the middle layer where your sweat glands, hair follicles, nerve endings are located.
3. Hypodermis - where your blood vessels and fat cells are.

What's a Stretch Mark?

These marks appear when the tissue beneath your skin is stretched beyond its limits. Tiny tears occur in the dermis (collagen) which results in the tell-tale scars. These scars may start out as pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, and they may fade as time goes by. Some may disappear completely, and some may leave a permanent mark in your skin.

What Causes a Stretch Mark?

Anything that causes the tissue beneath your skin to get stretched. Sudden weight gain, pregnancy, and yes, even bodybuilders can get stretch marks.

Can You Use Emu Oil to Prevent and Reduce Stretch Marks?

I believe emu oil is one of the healthiest natural oils for skin care. It has many skin benefits and may have a place in preventing and reducing stretch marks.

• Emu oil penetrates all layers of your skin where it's needed most.
• Emu oil reduces swelling and muscle soreness.
• Emu oil reduces anti-inflammatory chemicals in your skin.
• Emu oil won't irritate your skin.
• Emu oil helps heal scars, burns and minor scratches.
• Emu oil increases skin growth factors which may prevent and reduce scarring.

When it comes to emu oil and stretch marks you may find it works better as a preventative treatment due to the above factors.

Here's some tips on emu oil and stretch marks:

• Try testing a small drop of emu oil on your skin to see if you're allergic to it. Although emu oil is hypo-allergenic, not everyone is the same, so it's wise to do a small skin-patch test first.
• Best time to apply emu oil is right after you finish bathing or taking a shower.
• While your skin is still damp, apply a few drops of emu oil on the areas you don't wish to get stretch marks. Emu oil is a superior skin moisturizer and you'll find your skin will feel smooth and soft.

Remember that combining emu oil and stretch marks is a natural treatment and results will vary. Whatever method you use to reduce stretch marks will probably depend on how deep your stretch mark scars go into the skin and how long you've had them.

How to Make Stretch Marks Disappear

While stretch marks are considered to be scars, there are some treatments that can help you lighten the scar to reduce its appearance.

Some people resort to laser treatments to 'erase' the scar. The laser causes new collagen growth which fills the scar from the bottom up. As the new collagen thickens and plumps up the skin, the scar 'disappears'.

Studies show the appearance of stretch marks improves 3 to 6 months after the first laser treatment. However treatments may cost hundreds of dollars and you may need to go back for repeat treatments.

You can also buy specially-formulated lotions that claim to help plump up the surrounding skin and promote healing of the scar. Whether or not these products work is up for debate. I think you may be able to use products that lighten the scar to reduce it's appearance, but they may not improve the skin's texture without directly affecting the deep layers of the epidermis.

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