Stretch Marks!!

[Guest]

Hi J (=

I just looked at the marks again today they look exaclty the same and feel exactly the same as they did before i applied the TCA. I do not see any redness or any other evidence that i even applied acid to it. I am aware that its going to look awful after i do the acid but its the end result i am going for of hopefully having no more stretchmarks or at least making them barely visible. I did the foot file in the past and i saw how the skin looked all scabed over and brown and it took about a month for all the hyper pigmentation to go away and it was itchy all the time. I am really light skinned so the area i did the foot file on looked like i had burned myself with and iron or somthing.

What exactly should i expect after applying the TCA, can you tell me your experience will the skin look the same and then all of a sudden crust over and peel off or will that occur right away?

thanks in advance

hi there,

when i first tried tca i had the exact same experience as you, nothing happened at all. it turns out that i didnt apply anywhere near enough. i thought it was going to burn alot and be very painful so i didnt apply much and consequently nothing happened (exactly the same as your experience). so i tried another area and applied alot more tca. this time i could feel it sting a bit and the area frosted. for me, the area frosts straight away, by the time im washing the tca off (after 3 minutes or so) the area is starting to turn white and then afterwards it continues to turn even whiter. the whiteness stays for a little while but half an hour/hour later the whiteness goes and you should just be left with it looking red (extremely red in my case). it then takes several days for the area to crust over and then starts peeling.

the exact same thing happened to me the first time i did my peel. turns out i just didnt apply enough tca and and so nothing happened. the area you applied the tca to might eventually flake lightly but it will take a long time for it to do tht (just like slightly dry skin). my advice to you would be to try another area and apply more tca. it does sting but to me its just a sign that the stuff is working and doing its job. during the peel my skin goes very red, towards the end of the 3/5 minutes my skin starts to frost (turns white) then i wash the stuff off and it continues to frost until its completely white. the whiteness then goes within the hour and the areais extremely red. then moisturise the area for the next 7-14 days whilst your waiting for the area to peel. this is my experience with tca and this is what should happen for a succesful peel (everybody differs slightly).

hope it works well for you its just not the treatment for me i dont think. ive done 4 treatments in the same area now (done other areas aswell but not as many times) and im not seeing any improvement. to start off with i waited 4 weeks after my first peel then i tried waiting 6 weeks for my other 2 peels and i havent seen any results. ive been left with a dark brown discolouration in the area which im hoping will fade, its been 6 weeks or so since my last peel and its still as brown and discoloured. im not saying this to undermine anybody or dampen peoples hopes im just being honest and telling you all my experience with tca. it used to annoy me when someone would come on here and say that a certain technique hasnt worked for them, especially when i had my hopes up. but now im realising that they were just being honest. i used to feel some people were just being argumentative for the sake of it but now im in their shoes i understand things better.

everyones body is different and if tca is working for some people it might work for you too. the only way you can really find out is if you try it. and i know i havent done a whole lot of peels, but after 4 peels youd expect some improvement at the very least. im just not sure if its even worth it for me to carry on. more treatments will just result in more and more discolouration which may or may not be permanent, but its bad enough as it is already, id have to do lots of more peels if im going to see any improvement at all and the discolouration would be pretty extreme by the time ive seen improvement (if i see improvement). also i dont want to have to go through all that healing and pain for no reason.

good luck for your treatments anyways hope it goes well

thanks

G

[Guest]

J or anyone else who is using TCA,

I purchased TCA from platinum skin care and used it just a few minutes ago. Its my first time ever doing a chemical peel so i am a bit weary since i did read that if used incorrectly it will lead to scaring i already have dreadful stretchmarks so don't want to make them worse by burning my skin. i purchased 30% TCA and dipped a cotton swap in it and rubbed it into 2 of my stretchmarks that are about 2 inches long and about 1 cm wide. I put a layer on and it did start to burn/tingle i left it on for about 5 minutes then rinsed off with cold water. I did not see any frosting and the skin looks the same not red or anything did i do something wrong? Also J are you using the copper lotion as well with the TCA? i only purchased the TCA and emu oil do i need to get the copper as well?

You may need to apply another layer, you really want frosting if its only two marks you are doing. However I would say that if you don't want them to look any worse then maybe using tca is not for you, I am afraid that acid do make marks look worse for a long time before they look better. There is no nice easy way of removing them using acids, its a case of bite the bullet.

I would also suggest you dilute it down to around 20% and work up from there. After you get frosting wash off and keep that marks very well moisturised until they have peeled. Take vits too to aid repair and wait at least 6 weeks before you repeel those particular marks.

J

Hi J (=

I just looked at the marks again today they look exaclty the same and feel exactly the same as they did before i applied the TCA. I do not see any redness or any other evidence that i even applied acid to it. I am aware that its going to look awful after i do the acid but its the end result i am going for of hopefully having no more stretchmarks or at least making them barely visible. I did the foot file in the past and i saw how the skin looked all scabed over and brown and it took about a month for all the hyper pigmentation to go away and it was itchy all the time. I am really light skinned so the area i did the foot file on looked like i had burned myself with and iron or somthing.

What exactly should i expect after applying the TCA, can you tell me your experience will the skin look the same and then all of a sudden crust over and peel off or will that occur right away?

thanks in advance

G is right, tca does not seem to work for everyone, why I have no idea. His description of frosting etc is exactly the same as it occurs on me. I think pre treating with glycolic acid, as has been suggested on here before, (to loosen the epidermis) is a good idea, but perhaps wait until you see if tca brings improvement before forking out any more money. Bear in mind frosting does tend to hurt, so be prepared for a little bit of pain for about 30 mins normally in my case, after which is nuetralises itself and just turns read. The improvements, come bit by bit, I could tell straight away that the marks were better after a peel on me, but it is still a long hard slog trying to actually remove them completely.

Keeping your skin moist is key imo, you must keep it very moist using olive or emu oil or baby oil and preferable keep it moist even after peeling has occured. Taking vits will help too, take large doses of vit c and a normal does of zinc and maybe vit b.

G I hope you find something that brings improvements out there.

J

[Guest]

Hi,

Has anyone tried 100% Emu Oil on any of their stretch marks?

I have been doing EVEN more research on stretch marks (yes, they are on my mind again pretty much 24/7). I came across a reply to someones question about stretch marks. Another user (on another site) said they had stretch marks from a very young age and recently started using Emu Oil on them and it has faded them alot... she wishes she had known about emu oil many years ago.

I've found quite a few reviews about emu oil and stretch marks and not one has been negative. They have all noticed some sort of difference in their stretch marks.

I also found this on an emu oil benefits site:

One of the best ways to diminish the appearance of a scar is to promote new skin cells. As the human body creates healthy skin cells, it sheds dead skin cells. Such is the case for stretch marks, which are developed when the skin is excessively stretched. In order to decrease the appearance of a stretch mark, the body must create healthy new skin cells.

For thousands of years, Australians have used a natural remedy to treat scars and stretch marks. This natural therapeutic treatment is pure emu oil for stretch marks. Although emu oil has now been embraced worldwide for many different conditions, one of it’s most notable usages is to reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks.

Pure emu oil for stretch marks relies on natural healing agents found in the emu oil itself. These natural properties include: (EFA) essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6, linolenic acid and oleic acid. These ingredients promote healing by deeply penetrating all five of the epidermis layers. As a result, they stimulate cell re-growth, resulting in the shedding of dead skin cells - decreasing the appearance of a stretch mark.

Pure emu oil for stretch marks is a completely safe alternative treatment. It’s benefits are mystifying to some of the most notable scientists and physicians. In Australia, pure emu oil has even been classified as a pharmaceutical product. Studies in North American And European Universities concur that emu oil is a splendid therapeutic treatment. All of these studies verify the legitimacy of emu oil’s healing powers. Pure emu oil for stretch marks is an actual remedy that’s been embraced around the globe. A person can successfully change their physical appearance, should they use pure emu oil for stretch marks.

Stretch marks are quite common in both of the sexes, however, a lot of women report stretch marks after pregnancy. Several different studies have been conducted on women with stretch marks after pregnancy and all of the results were quite similar. Pure emu oil for stretch marks is very beneficial and the appearance of stretch marks were reduced significantly.

http://www.emuoilbenefits.com/stretchmarks

If Emu Oil could make my stretch marks look slightly better then I'd be extremely happy. I get a bit annoyed when I ask about stretch marks and treatments on other sites, and the replies always come back as "ohhh no you cannot get rid of stretch marks"... I KNOW, that isn't what I am asking. I am asking if certain treatments can reduce the look of them, make them fade, make them look less harsh etc. I know they are here to stay but surely there must be something out there that can make them look slightly better!

I remember making a post a few weeks ago saying how my stretch marks weren't getting at me so much and I was starting to feel slightly better. Well, I take that back. I have hit rock bottom again and they are upsetting me something wicked. I am feeling extremely suicidal again and REALLY depressed. I suppose suffering with depression on and off for the apast 10 years isn't helping, but my God... I am the worst I have been in my life.

The ones on my arms are really haunting me. They are stinging again. Oh how I hate that stinging feeling, not because it hurts... but because I know it means something bad, that my stretch marks are getting worse or more are going to appear.
Also the ones on my arms (at the top of my tricep, next to where the arm joins the armpit/shoulder) are really indented, but the ones else where, like on my stomach aren't. They're just white/pale normal skin level (unless I run my finger over them then I can feel the indentation. In my opinion, the ones that look indented look absolutely awful, really noticable

It's getting to the point where I am even considering finishing my relationship with my bf. I have been with him nearly 4 years. I don't see him often (long distance), which is a good thing at the moment because I am just not myself at all. I don't want to end it because I don't love him, because I do, very much so. But because I feel so down and depressed and ugly and disgusting I cannot see me being much company when we do see each other. I will start overdressing to hide the marks (new ones) and I will feel extremely uncomfortable when it comes to bed time. I will end up going to bed in my dressing gown! to hide the marks on my arms. He will wonder why on earth I am sleeping in a night dress and sleeping gown. I wont be able to tell him why, and just look like a freak. If I just let him see the marks, he will be disgusted.

I am in a very bad situation right now. I see no way out... my depression is the worst it's ever been. I have no social life whatsoever anymore. I wont even go to the shops. I'm sleeping for upto 18 hours a day, not because I am tired, but because I make myself. When I am asleep it's the only time my mind is at rest and away from my stretch marks. I hate myself. I can't even bare to have a shower, because that means getting naked and seeing my stretch marks, so my appearance is suffering that way too. So yeah, it's gotten really really very bad. I don't mean to be selfish or sound like I want attention here, because I don't... but honestly, if there was a pill that I could get hold of... that could make me fall asleep and never wake up I would honestly take it. I've been suicidal in the past, through depression... about 10 years ago but that had nothing to do with stretch marks or my appearance, it was for other reasons. I never thought I'd want to die again, but right now it's a very strong feeling in my mind.

I honestly can't even bare the thought of going through the rest of my life feeling/looking like this. But it's true, I will have to, because stretch marks stay forever. I am only 22 and have wasted most of that due to depression and these marks... can I really bare to go on another 50+ years like this? When I get to 40 and look back at my life... what will I think? I will think how I have wasted my one life and I just basically exsisted.

bc8

[Guest]

We are all in the same boat bc8. If you are feeling really depressed like that you should go to the doctor and get some anti depressants, it will give your brain a chance to normalise and your spirits WILL pick up again.

As far as I know emu oil is a carrier and nothing more, though someone may have more info on that.

Don't give up hope girl. I can't remember if you have a routine or not but if you don't then get yourself one asap.

I have them on my arms too, have never been overweight, but I can remember the depression that it caused when I woke up one day and found my arms covered in stretch marks. That was the turning point for me, though I was depressed for months (my partner of the time told me not to worry about them nice guy that he was) it was then that I decided to do something about them. It has taken awhile but I am much happier tackling them than I was ignoring them and though they do control aspects of my life, they do not control my thoughts in a negative way. I remain determined to win this battle and you should get that determination too. Whether it takes months or years, helping yourself is the only answer right now. Don't give up hope.

Take care

J

[Dreaming of Porcelain]

bc8

J is sooo right. I find that I feel better about mine when I'm doing something to improve/remove them - ignoring them will get you no where fast. I've seen more improvement with each fraxel treatment on my arms, so I'm going to keep on going with that.

As far as the depression - when I got to he point where I was avoiding social situations etc an just really feeling awful, I did start seeing a counsellor & still am. I go once or twice a month and I'm finding that to be really helpful - I'll keep going as long as I have to.

I know it just sucks, but you WILL feel much better just knowing that you're doing things to help yourself instead of constantly attacking yourself - trust me.

Question for J: do you wear short sleeved shirts? If you do, how do you "cope" with little nagging thoughts that creep into your head when you see the marks?

[Guest]

hey there bc8,

i know exactly what your going through. just like J said we're all in the same boat so dont ever think your alone in this. im young like you too and that must be a good thing. chances are there will be a cure at some point in our life time so that we can live a normal life for at least some of our life. i know how hard it is, we all do. im extremely depressed about my sms aswell, im on my computer hours everyday just searching for new information. i think about them 24/7 and it really is hard, especially seeing your friends out having a good time and getting close to people. i mean my social life is pretty good but its so hard when you find yourself getting close to someone or when you see your friends getting close to someone when you know that you cant take things any further or you cant have what your friends have because your so uncomfortable with your own body. its easy to say just get over it and that you cant let them effect your life because fact is they do. they effect my life in a big way and i hate them for that. i sometimes sit back and think about how they effect me and even i think im an idiot for letting them get to me like this but its just something that i cant help. its they effect they have on me.

as for your bf i wouldnt call it off. personally i think it would be amazing to have someone, i just cant bring myself to start a relationship because of how uncomfortable i am with myself. if your bf is worth being with he would understand about your stretch marks. personally if i had a girlfriend and she told me she had stretch marks i wouldn't care in the slightest. id probably laugh at how worried she was about telling me because to me it would be so insignificant. if your bf sees it any other way then he doesnt deserve you. i would tell him about your stretch marks and let him know how much they effect you. and i know how easy that is of me to say but if you can bring yourself to do it that would be amazing, and if he really does care about you it wont change the way he feels at all.

i think im saying all this because i would love to be in a relationship, i just cant bring myself to start one because of how uncomfortable with my body i am. im affraid i guess. but your already there, you already have a relationship and if that was me i wouldnt let it go, not at least without trying to make it work first, and if that involves telling him about your sms then do it. hell probably laugh at how much there getting to you because he wont see them as anything at all.

like J said we're all in this together, we've just gotta be strong from time to time

G

[Guest]

We are all in the same boat bc8. If you are feeling really depressed like that you should go to the doctor and get some anti depressants, it will give your brain a chance to normalise and your spirits WILL pick up again.

As far as I know emu oil is a carrier and nothing more, though someone may have more info on that.

Don't give up hope girl. I can't remember if you have a routine or not but if you don't then get yourself one asap.

I have them on my arms too, have never been overweight, but I can remember the depression that it caused when I woke up one day and found my arms covered in stretch marks. That was the turning point for me, though I was depressed for months (my partner of the time told me not to worry about them nice guy that he was) it was then that I decided to do something about them. It has taken awhile but I am much happier tackling them than I was ignoring them and though they do control aspects of my life, they do not control my thoughts in a negative way. I remain determined to win this battle and you should get that determination too. Whether it takes months or years, helping yourself is the only answer right now. Don't give up hope.

Take care

J

We are all in the same boat bc8. If you are feeling really depressed like that you should go to the doctor and get some anti depressants, it will give your brain a chance to normalise and your spirits WILL pick up again.

As far as I know emu oil is a carrier and nothing more, though someone may have more info on that.

Don't give up hope girl. I can't remember if you have a routine or not but if you don't then get yourself one asap.

I have them on my arms too, have never been overweight, but I can remember the depression that it caused when I woke up one day and found my arms covered in stretch marks. That was the turning point for me, though I was depressed for months (my partner of the time told me not to worry about them nice guy that he was) it was then that I decided to do something about them. It has taken awhile but I am much happier tackling them than I was ignoring them and though they do control aspects of my life, they do not control my thoughts in a negative way. I remain determined to win this battle and you should get that determination too. Whether it takes months or years, helping yourself is the only answer right now. Don't give up hope.

Take care

J

Hi J

Thank you for your kind words and advice, it's much appreciated.

I don't mean to sound silly here, but what do you mean by emu oil is a carrier?

Unfortunately I have suffered with depression for 10 years. I first started on anti depressants when I was 15, a few years after I started to feel really down. My depression started due to something that happened in my life... back then I didn't even have stretch marks (wow). Once I turned 18 I was put on another anti depressant, you have to be over 18 to take it. At first I was put on 20mg a day... but it wasn't working so now I am on 60mg a day (Citalopram). So even though I am under my doctor for depression and anti depressants, there hasn't been much hope. I honestly wish I could feel differently and that the anti depressants would work, but right now it just isn't happening. No matter how hard I try to be positive or feel better, it just doesn't work, it's so frustrating. The only way I can explain my depression right now is... it's like a disease/cancer in my brain eating at me, just taking over, more and more each day. I have about 1 hour a day where my mood may go up slightly, and I mean very slightly. But it will ALWAYS go straight back down again when I think about, see or feel my stretch marks (arms). I also believe that if I wasn't a person who suffered with depression previously, these marks wouldn't upset me so damn much. I think because I am a person who has suffered/suffers with depression it's just gotten extremely out of hand. I also feel that I couldn't get any more low in my mood, it's that bad right now, I feel that there just isn't a place any lower than where I am right now.
Like I said in one of my posts before, it's not the fact that I have stretch marks, or that I have so many, it's more a fact of where they are on my body. I can cope with the ones on my tummy, thighs, hips, boobs etc... but I just cannot deal with the new ones on my arms. That's the last area on my body I could show off in the summer, to look "normal" and not be overdressed and sweating (which people pick up on). I had some on my arms before, from about 8 years ago... of course they had faded completely and weren't that noticable. The new ones are pink... it's as if I have developed new stretch marks on top of my old ones, or at least very close to my old ones. I have also noticed the older (faded) stretch marks have become really harsh looking and indented, which they weren't a year ago. Whether that's due to my arms being fatter (I've put on weight) and causing the older stretch marks to be under alot of stress/tention/stretching, I do not know. In a way I hope that is the reason, because then it would mean as I lose the weight they would look better... but knowing my luck I doubt it. I never remember the older ones looking this indented and harsh when I was slimmer...
I also don't think I can cope with waiting another 8 years for the new pink ones to get to where my other ones are (faded). Why on earth do they take so long to fade!?

I know I go on and on about my depression and my marks... I do apologise for annoying anyone. I am also not feeling sorry for myself. Feeling sorry for yourself and severe depression are two TOTALLY different things. I think that unless someone has actually suffered with depression themselves or have known someone close to them who suffers with it - they will never be able to understand what it is, or what it's like. And if pulling myself together and getting over it was that easy, I'm sure I would have done that by now! lol .
I just need to let it out sometimes, even if it is just typing on a forum, and again I am sorry to get on anyones nerves. I really have no one else to talk to like I have on here about my marks... of course I have my mum and dad, but I feel embarrassed about it. It's good to get it all out sometimes I think.

I totally understand what you mean about getting a routine and sticking to it and that it can help the way you feel about your marks. I so wanted to try TCA peels, but I kept seeing people comment about hyperpigmentation (sp)... now personally I know I wouldn't really want that on the top of my arms. It would draw even more attention to that area (which I really wouldn't want!). I also wouldn't be prepared to go through x amount of peels and get 0 results then have to have discoloured skin to deal with on top of dealing with the marks, that would suck. I think most of you using TCA are using it on areas that are normally covered by clothing? (like on your stomach, thighs/legs, bums etc). I would only do TCA on my arms, because my other stretch marks don't bother me much, even though I am covered.

I remember reading a few pages back about someone being sold a bleaching cream, it began with the letter "T". Then someone came along and gave a warning that it would make their stretch marks worse, because it had a steroid in it (the word they used began with "c"?). Now I am paranoid that some of the "normal" body moisturises I have been using on my marks could contain something like this? Or am I being silly. God, it's really taking over my life.
I wont even pull on the skin too much when washing or doing daily tasks, in fear that it could make them worse! how stupid is that huh?
I'm even considering paying for an arm lift to basically cut them out! I don't have the money, but I'm sure I could get into debt for it... But my mum said they probably wouldn't do it because an arm lift is for people who have excess saggy skin on the underside of their arms, which I don't have... yeah of course I have fat, but not saggy skin. I'd just use the operation to cut away the stretch marks.

Right now, it's 1:41am. I am mentally knackered through thinking all day and crying. I don't feel as bad right this minute, but that might be due to not looking at my marks in the mirror for a few hours. I will in a minute though, to put on my cream/moisturiser. I use the mirror to see I am putting it on where I need it... which will then make me see them damn stretch marks again. So I will be going to bed tonight feeling really sh*t again. It's a never ending circle

Thanks guys for being so supportive of each other. I suppose it's because we all suffer from the same thing and can relate. If only other people would too, then maybe we wouldn't be so obsessed about stretch marks.

Sorry for the 6 page essay. I will understand if you don't manage to read it all... or even don't want too lol.
If anything, it was good to get it all out and have a rant.

Night night all

PS: I apologise if I have missed anyone who has since posted a new post since J's. I have been writing and erasing my post for the past hour! If there are any new ones that I have missed I will get back to you! But right now, I really need to rest my head. Thanks guys.
bc8

[Jennifer8055]

Hi,

I used to have pretty bad stretch marks and red scars around my belly region ever since I gave birth to my three kids.I had tried Vitamin E oil and cocoa butter which a number of people had recommended but unfortunately it didn't seem to work too well. My Doctor had even suggested that I go for a Tummy Tuck. I then recently read an article about a lady who supposedly got rid of her stretch marks using a particular cream. I tried it and it worked really well. It took a number of weeks but my stretch marks soon faded away. You can read the lady's article at the link below.

http://www.stretchmarkszapped.com

[Guest]

Please could please someone just ban this Jeniffer person spammer? They're not even being smart...

And bc8, please hang in there! PInk red marks are easier to treat and fade. They don't have to be red for 8 years! There are many products that can fade their colour, I think emu oil is one of them actually! And join a depression support group if you can, you're not alone in this!

[Guest]

Hi

When I say emu oil is a carrier I mean it is used to carry other products deeper into the skin. Though it does have healing properties I would be extremely surprised if it could improve stretch marks used alone.

I think you might be too depressed for an aggressive treatment like tca at the moment. However, if you do decide to try it then pick a couple of marks that are out of the way (legs bum) and just treat those, that way any pigmentation problems will not trouble you too much.

To the person that asked since using tca I do not show my arms, but used to. The majority of people would not even have noticed that they have stretch marks because they are very fine ones. Since using tca though I have hyperpigmentation on my arms so can't show them whilst doing this treatment.

Good luck

J

[Haveachat]

Poor Bc8
I think the worse things are probably to keep on getting new sms- I think you can
lessen the chance of this by trying to keep your weight relatively stable...make sure you are eating well - taking vitamin supplements - good antioxidants and omega 3's ( they will help your depression as well as your skin)...and put some carrier oil in your bath every day (jojoba, almond, etc are all good and not at all expensive) or on your body after you shower...look at any medications you may be taking to contribute to this....and demand an explanation from your GP as to why you should be getting new ones....(and while you are at it, you may as well tell him that your anti-depressants are not working, either)
I have just tried the castor oil method today for the first time (found out about it from reading this site) and have noticed a little bit of improvement....a softening of the marks, a smoother skin, I also noticed I felt a nice warm sensation after I had done it inside like the treatment had been good for me - I looked it up on the net and there was heaps of recommendations for castor oil treatments like this with benefits also for internal probs.
Bc8 if you have missed reading about this treatment....it is very cheap and not at all risky....you may as well give it a go....
just get some *castor oil (around $5 at the pharmacy or health food store/ebay)
some *plastic/saran/cling wrap (you probably have this already) -fill a hot water bottle or use hot towels or a heating pad and put it over the top....
put the castor oil on, saran wrap on top, then heat ( as hot as you can manage ) and leave it 20 or 30 mins....
at least you will feel that you are doing something nice for yourself that is healing, I am going to be doing a week of this and hope I see some more improvements...all the best for all of you doing treatments in the coming week...

[marta]

To bc8
I found this posting when I was browsing the Internet so please read it:

"hey i know my comment is not gonna help much, but still.. i'm a 25yr guy who found this website cause my gf is always complaining about her stretchmarks and it makes her so selfconscious, i typed sm on google and i've read the comments on this site.. It's just crazy how girls are so self conscious about those; seriously most guys don't care. Everybody knows that girls/women get those, at some point. Just like they get cellulite. It's just the way it is, and any guy who's been intimate with a girl knows their body doesn't look like the photoshopped pictures of chicks in FHM.. So anyway it depresses me to see my gf feeling so down about her body for such nonsense! I think every girl thinks they have the worst body, the worst marks or fat or moles or hair, etc... It's common insecurities, but it certainly shouldn't get you down or make you feel that guys will be grossed out. Sure, theres always a couple of idiots out there who'll make a silly/mean remark (no pun intended) but it's only cause they don't know better. I know you think you have it worse than most girls but really everybody has got their own insecurities, and probably wished they have stretchmarks instead of their hair or smelly feet or god knows what! you'd be surprised.
Anyway i'm done rumbling. I know insecurities dont disappear overnight, but just rest assured that you'll have no problem findign a nice guy who will not have any problem with those marks."

[Dreaming of Porcelain]

J

With regard to your arms - when you would wear short sleeves, were you more concerned about what other people would say/think if they noticed them? For me, I just hate if I happen to catch them at a bad angle and then they look al shadowed..you know. I think all of my marks are pretty fine, like a couple milimiters.

Any insight on "how to get over myself" so to speak? I wish I could wear short sleeves again, but I don't simply because I don't even want to see the marks, let alone have others see them.

[Guest]

J

With regard to your arms - when you would wear short sleeves, were you more concerned about what other people would say/think if they noticed them? For me, I just hate if I happen to catch them at a bad angle and then they look al shadowed..you know. I think all of my marks are pretty fine, like a couple milimiters.

Any insight on "how to get over myself" so to speak? I wish I could wear short sleeves again, but I don't simply because I don't even want to see the marks, let alone have others see them.

I used to wear sleeveless tops, occasionally I would catch someone noticing them, but to be honest I just ignored it. I didn't wear them all the time though, just on really hot days, mostly I would cover up my arms like most on here do. Its embarrassing having stretch marks on your arms, especially when you are slim as there seems no reason for them to be there.

I was always more worried about what others thought than how I felt about them myself, of course I hate them, but I never obsessed over them too much. I guess after the initial depression about them I just tried to forget about them until I could come up with a solution. Hopefully I am going to get my skin back to normal, I cannot imagine how that will feel, but am looking forward to that day. If for some reason it does not go back to normal, I will just accept and live with them. No point beating myself up over it.

J

[clarissa445]

Hi...

I've been a "fan" of this forum... for well, almost 3 years now. Haven't really posted that much, as have not had the time, but well, new year... new years resolution and all that jazz.

I have silvery white sms on my thighs, bum, boobs, and 3-4 on the top of my arms (not too noticeable, but so annoying - i feel everyone's pain esp. with these ones). They seem to have been developing since I was 18 (I'm now 24), and they really p*** me off. I'm attractive, used to do modelling before I got them, clever, (will have an MA soon) and i like to think am a good person (I recycle, give blood, do volunteer work, fundraise for charity etc). Despite this, my self confidence has been knocked for 6 (on and off) over the past 6 years. I too have had the depression - tho' not as bad as some of you, the fear that no guy will want me, missing out on hols cos of them, feelin insecure in sexy clothes in case I catch the light wrong etc etc.

But I think now I've decided enough is enough. I think we all need to take leaf out of J's book and be pro-active. That is why my new years resolution, yes, its a bit late in coming, is to post on this forum every week (tho' I imagine sometimes it might be every 2 weeks) with what exactly I have been doing to "cure" them, and how this is going. If anyone else wants to join me on this, this would be great. Kind of like a weight-watchers class for sms.

I'm starting my routine a little slow, would like to 'prep' the skin as such, and also I want to fit it in around my life - like a project or hobby, so don't want to spend too much time on it then give up the next week.

So this week... 2 litres of water per day (I do this most days anyways, but am goin to keep on top of it), get my 5 day (again, do it anyways), run x 2 per week for 30 mins (boosts circulation which i guess is important), yoga x 1 per week (do this anyways). On top of this I'm goimg to body brush daily (circulation thing again), apply bio-oil x1 or 2 per day to affected areas, I'm also going to do Js footfile exfoliation twice this week, followed by copper peptides (i bought them ages ago).. also take B5 and MSN supplements daily

Hopefully I'll move onto acids in a week or so when I get the coin to buy them.

And finally, having been inspired by yes man (sad I know), I am going to not let my sm affect my life - so if I meet a hot guy, I will date him and get intimate with him or if the girls are going on holiday and i can afford it - then i'll go, wear a bikini (well .. maybe tan-kini with a kaftan) and be brave. Yes, this could all go disastrously wrong - and do my self esteem untold damage, but it could be okay.

I guess am sick of living in fear of what people might think.

Clarissa X x X