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Stretch marks are a form of scarring on the skin with an off-color hue. They are caused by tearing of the dermis, which over time may diminish, but will not disappear completely.
Stretch marks are often the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth or rapid weight changes. Stretch marks may also be influenced by hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, bodybuilding, hormone replacement therapy, etc.
Ninety percent of pregnant women will get stretch marks around their abdomen, hips and thighs, and unfortunately, they seem to be genetic — if your mom had stretch marks, odds are that you will too.
Highlighted below are topical products for reducing the appearance of stretch marks if not remove them completely
1. Use a moisturizer. A moisturizer is intended to cause significant improvement in skin appearance and elasticity. Therefore it is advisable to moisturize that part of the body daily. Moisturizers work best on new stretch marks though they may still improve the appearance of older ones. You may formulate your own home-made moisturizer by mixing equal parts of equal parts wheat germ oil, olive oil and aloe vera which is equally as efective as over-the-counter products.
2. Use Retin-A. Retin-A (or a retinoic acid cream) when used on new stretch marks saw huge improvements. Retin-A is thought to boost collagen production, helping skin stretch out and avoid tears and it is more effective on new stretch marks. Retin-A is not to be used by pregnant women as it can potentially cause birth defects. Limit sun exposure of skin that you’re treating with Retin-A. It could be more susceptible to burning
3. Use Lextrin. Lextrin is a FDA registered stretch mark cream that contains high potency of natural essential oils and vitamins that help treat and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Its active ingredients are hyarolunic acid, thuja occidentalis and centella asiatica which have been proven to reduce the appearance of stretch marks in as little as 2 weeks. Treatment can take up to 3 months to completed. This product is also contraindicated in pregnancy.
4. Use glycolic acid. Glycolic acid used on stretch marks can increase collagen production, as making your skin more elastic overall.It is safe in pregnancy, however there should be limitation of sun exposure to avoid burns.
5. Combination therapy (glycolic acid and Retin-A). When used together, glycolic acid and Retin-A gives a synergistic effect and dramatically improves the appearance of stretch marks than when either product is used singly. Do not use Retin-A if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can cause severe birth defects.
6. Use Vitamin E oil. This is one of the most effective treatments of stretch marks though one study shows that it’s most effective on women who have already been pregnant before, and has not been effective in general use. Mix Vitamin E oil with a your regular lotion and apply generously on affected parts.
7. Egg Oil. Egg Oil if used regularly from the first trimester, can prevent pregnancy related stretch marks from appearing. Gently massage Egg Oil over the entire abdomen twice a day starting from the 8th week of pregnancy until 6 months after delivery.
