What Are Stretch Mark Creams And How They Work?

It is estimated that 50-90 percent of women develop stretch marks. With all the creams and treatment options on the market, it can be a challenging experience to find what will reduce stretch marks. Nevertheless, in reality, there are no products to get rid of stretch marks entirely. If you are trying to find a reasonable product, the best thing would be to look for a product that fade stretch marks and prevent new stretch marks from developing.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops as a result of the skin stretching or shrinking too quickly. The collagen and elastin supporting the skin rupture when the skin stretches causing stretch marks to appear as the skin heals.

Growth spurts during the teenage years, pregnancy, rapid weight gain or weight loss, and weight training causing quick muscle growth can cause you to develop stretch marks.

They’re most likely to show up where your body stores fat, like your belly, hips, thighs, breasts, and buttocks. You also might notice them on your lower back or the backs of your arms. Genetics may play a role in stretch marks.

How To Prevent Stretch Marks?

There is no sure prevention of developing stretch marks because hormones, genetics, and even skin type can impact whether or not they show up. One of the best ways to minimize the chance of getting them is to maintain a steady healthy weight. Drinking plenty of water keeps the skin hydrated and may help prevent damage when your skin stretches. Hydrated skin is less likely to develop stretch marks than dry skin. Eating foods that are rich in zinc, like nuts and fish, and ones with vitamins A, C, and D, like citrus, milk, and sweet potatoes can boost skin health and aid in stretch mark prevention.

Home Remedies For Stretch Marks?

Stretch mark creams can be a successful method in reducing their overall look. They are formulated to target three various layers of the skin - the epidermis, stratum, and dermis with the primary goal of keeping skin moisturized which improves early stretch marks. Look for products that have hydrating properties and keep skin well moisturized. The stretch mark creams might include one or more ingredients that are listed below.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a popular ingredient in stretch mark creams, which includes pectin and glucomannan. It is well-known for its moisturizing, recovery performance, and soothing properties that make it beneficial for stretch marks. The moisturizing and recovery effect of aloe vera assists in making the skin soft and lowers the occurrence of stretch marks.

Cocoa butter/Shea butter/Coconut oil/Olive oil/Almond oil

Cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, almond oil, and coconut oil are powerful moisturizers. They have luxurious hydrating properties and can nourish the skin layers and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Elastin

This protein aids in improving skin firmness and this is why it is used in stretch mark creams. This would help your skin to get vital proteins while helping stretch marks fade.

Collagen

Lacking collagen protein in the skin might be the primary reason for the stretch marks to have a wrinkled look. Creams that stimulate collagen production would be helpful to lock in nourishment and improve skin texture. 

Vitamins A & E

Vitamins A & E are known as antioxidant nutrients. Creams with these vitamins provide nourishment and boost skin flexibility while reducing stretch marks.

Vitamin D

This natural vitamin is available in the artificial form through stretch mark creams, and it assists in the growth of new cells. Vitamins D will help to build and renew skin over the top of stretch marks and improve the elasticity of the skin in the area treated.

Grapefruit seed extracts

Grapefruit seed extract assists in elastin creation, which would provide the skin with good energy and would boost skin firmness while decreasing the appearance of stretch marks on the skin.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a key ally in supporting more collagen and elastin. Applying it to newer strech marks can help make them less noticeable.

Retinoic acid

Topical tretinoin and retinol helps to rebuild a protein in the skin called collagen, making the newer stretch marks look more like your normal skin.

What Stretch Mark Creams do?

Lighten the color of stretch marks

When you put the stretch mark creams on the stretch marks, it makes the stretch marks to have a lighter tone and upon frequent use, changes the tone to your natural skin color. This is very successful on stretch marks with a red shade, as it means that the marks are fresh and hence can be cured quicker. This is specifically great for pregnant women, as it does not allow the stretch marks to become darker as the lightening ingredients to avoid the skin from scars.

Moisturizes and nourishes

When you apply stretch mark cream on the skin, it moisturizes both the epidermis and the dermis layer, thereby offering a glow and radiant look to the skin. The beneficial ingredients present ion the stretch mark creams calm out all the bumps and ridges on the skin's surface and rejuvenates it.

Skin protection

When the stretch mark creams are applied consistently, the firmness of the skin increases, it is free from wrinkles and is guarded, which decreases the risk of having more stretch marks.

Safety Tips when using stretch mark creams

If you are planning to purchase a stretch mark cream, remember that you stick to the guidelines below.

• If you are pregnant or nursing, take extra care in selecting stretch mark creams as some ingredients might be unsafe for your baby.
• If you assume that you have stretch marks following hormonal issues, talk to a medical specialist who might suggest you a stretch mark cream for your condition.
• While choosing a stretch mark cream with natural ingredients, make an effort to research other ingredients in the package to see whether it is free from allergic ones.
• Always do a patch test to check if you are having any irritation or discomfort. If yes, clean it off right away and talk to a doctor.

Medical treatments for stretch marks

Other in office procedures that are performed by board certified dermatologist for stretch mark removal may include laser treatment, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, microneedling, radiofrequency therapy, and chemical peels.