Stretch marks are a natural thing that occurs to both men and women. And yes, they can be bothersome and you might be looking for ways to get rid of them. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but stretch mark creams might not be the miraculous solution that some of us thought were. Just like the rest of the scars on your body, stretch marks are permanent. But, their appearance can be improved over time.
That said, there are no adequate studies on the effectiveness of stretch mark creams although they are formulated using ingredients with good benefits. A study also revealed that women apply a variety of products to diminish or prevent the development of stretch marks. This derived a conclusion that there is nothing you can do to prevent stretch marks from emerging except to moisturize your skin with the right product religiously.
Depending on the active ingredients found in stretch mark creams, some may work in treating skin-related issues such as pigmentation and texture as well as improving the appearance of stretch marks. Some of the active ingredients may include tretinoin, cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, and more.
- tretinoin - helps to increase collagen production (but can irritate and make skin appear scaly)
- cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, etc - make skin feels softer but no proven evidence they help or prevent stretch marks
Due to that, stretch mark creams do work, to some extent. For you to gain the full benefits from these ingredients, it will take some time for the results to show. Hence, take the time to massage the cream into your skin so that it fully absorbs the active ingredients.
For moms-to-be, it is recommended to start treating your stretch marks early throughout your pregnancy. However, remember to consult your doctor before using any cream so it doesn't affect your child's health.
If you would like to try some stretch mark creams, here's what you can find on our website.
Mustela Maternite Stretch Marks Prevention Oil
Palmer's Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks
