I think the best person to give advice on how to deal with stretch marks is someone who's had a front-row seat dealing with it.

For years, I struggled with stretch marks all over my body. The lines ran all the way from my butt to my back, extended to my shoulders and arms, took a break from my stomach area, then continued onto the back of my legs.

But that's not even the worst part. The fact I'm a guy made it more challenging to live with.

Throughout my college years, I couldn't take off my shirts in public. Because then I'd have to explain to everyone how I came about the 'Ladies Stripes.'

When my friends were going out swimming, I couldn't follow because I was worried I would have to pull my clothes, and then everyone would see zebra lines carved on my skin. As you can imagine, my self-esteem was down. In fact, almost dead, I would say.

Fortunately, after a few years of trying, I finally found a skin care clinic that had an answer to my stretch mark problems.

Today, I'll be sharing the procedure they used with you. And in addition to that, I'll also be discussing other methods of dealing with stretch marks.

If you're serious about ridding your skin of those ugly lines, you don't want to skip past any point in this post.

6 ways to handle and deal with stretch marks

1.   The Method of Concealing

The same way you conceal your scars with makeup, you can conceal stretch marks, too. This is perhaps the simplest and easiest way of dealing with stretch marks. It doesn't involve any surgical operation or expensive procedures.

All you have to do is rub the area with makeup concealers, and your marks are hidden from sight. Doesn't matter how deeply someone looks; they wouldn't spot your scars.

There are various products available in the market that can help conceal your stretch marks. Do a simple search on Google to order some.

The only downside of this method is that the result isn't permanent. Usually, it will last you one day, and then afterward, you will have to wash it off. But it's still a good method for times when you want to go out in clothes that reveal your stretch marks.

2.   The simple method of applying cream, gel, and lotion

In the early days of my stretch marks, I relied on over-the-counter creams, gels, and lotions recommended by friends and the internet. In truth, none of them worked for me. But I had friends they worked for. Some of them couldn't understand why the products worked on their stripes but failed to have any visible effect on me. Guess my skin is tough, eh?

In any case, you can give this option a try. Who knows, your skin might be a lot more adaptive to them than mine was.

My advice: speak with a cosmetologist or a professional dermatologist for expert recommendation before shopping for a cream.

3.   The Laser Treatment Method

This is the procedure that finally saved me.

Laser therapy for stretch marks removal involves a penetration of the skin to stimulate regeneration of skin tissues. As the procedure commences, pigment cells in your body get activated, and melanin production is initiated. This causes the tissues around your stretch mark areas to heal up and blend with your normal skin tone.

But I must warn you, laser therapy isn't completely pain-free. I felt some sharp discomfort during and after the procedure. But, hey, it worked, so who cares?

Also, laser treatment isn't a cheap procedure. In fact, it is one of the most expensive stretch mark treatments you'll ever come across. But the fact remains that it works. So, if you have the money, why not spend it to look good?

Like my friend once told me, 'Looking good is the best business."

Finally, be ready to book more than one session. Usually, it may take up to three or five sessions to completely get rid of your stripes.

Go to the Nicelocal.com site right now to find the best laser therapist that can help you. The site will synchronize your present location and show you the closest therapist to you. 

4.   Microneedling Method

Another method slightly similar to the laser treatment method is microneedling. Here, the dermis of your skin - the part where the stretch mark lives - is pierced with small, tiny needles to stimulate collagen production.

This procedure aims to improve the overall appearance of your skin. So, at the end of multiple procedures, you should see a clear improvement in the appearance of your stretch marks.

My advice: If you've got dark skin, go for microneedling. But for lighter skin folks, laser treatment should do the truck.

5.   Microdermabrasion Method

This is another exciting stretch mark eradication approach, which involves the stimulation of the skin's collagen and elastin fiber. It has a reputation for helping people with newly-grown stretch marks. So, if your marks are still new (reddish or purple), you will find this method really effective.

For people with older stretch marks, microdermabrasion may work for you, too. But it will take a series of sessions to get good results.

Microdermabrasion eradicates stretch marks by tightening the upper layer of the skin. So, basically, what happens is that the skin tissues surrounding your stretch mark area are brought together.

6.   The Tattoo Cover-up method

I must let you know that even after many sessions, many of the methods discussed above may still not completely eradicate your stretch marks. Yes, you'll get something close to perfection, but if someone were to look closely into your body, they might see that stretch marks have once grown on you.

However, there's a method that can conceal your marks forever. I mean, complete, 100% eradication. I'm talking about the tattoo method.

This method involves carving tattoos - of various designs and colors - on the affected area.

If you're okay with drawing tattoos on your skin, this might be the best method for you. It will completely cover your scars and add some exciting impressions to your skin.

Last words

So, there you have it, the best ways to eradicate stretch marks from your skin.

If OTC treatments aren't working for you, try the laser, microneedling, or microdermabrasion methods. Or, if you like, you can get some tattoos drawn.