Stretch Marks - Skin Under Pressure

Although the skin is fairly elastic, when it is over-stretched by pregnancy, sudden weight gain then loss, or a growth spurt in adolescence, the result can be the scars commonly known as stretch marks. The collagen in the lower dermis layer of your skin tears away from the connective fibers weakening the skin's support leaving the marks you see on the surface.

Stretch marks first appear as somewhat tender reddish or purple lines. This is the inflammatory stage and can last for 4 to 5 months. The purple marks eventually fade to a silvery gray lighter mark or a whiter, deeper more noticeable mark. At this stage, stretch marks are officially scars.

Also, pregnancy caused stretch marks are usually heriditery. This is why some pregnant woman get stretch marks and some do not.

Various treatments are available that can improve existing stretch marks which include:

• Retin - A ( works well when used in the early when stretch marks are forming but can work later on as well)
• Dermabrasion
• The surgical removal of the affected skin areas
• Laser resurfacing (only effective if done while the stretch marks are still reddish, before they turn silvery)
• Radio frequency combined with pulsed laser

All of the above treatment options require you to see a physician for further help.

So what about Coco Butter, Olive Oil or Vitamin E? Can these help my stretch marks?

The basic answer is no. All three of these will keep your skin soft and supple but will do nothing to alleviate the formation of or eliminate stretch marks once they are formed. As we said, stretch marks are cause by the tearing of the elastic fibers in the dermis and damage to the collagen. These products will do nothing in this deeper layer of skin.

It's not likely that any skin care product can make stretch marks disappear totally, but there is help. Skin care products today have ingredients that improve collagen and elastin fibers and help rebuild the skin's support system letting it bounce back which will improve stretch marks.

Products we recommend to get your stretch marks under control:

 

Cellex-C Mother & Child Skin Care - Stretch Mark Cream

Combines ultra moisturizers with collagen boosting ingredients. Stretch Mark Cream is ideally applied regularly (twice a day) beginning at least 3 months before giving birth. Can also be used post-pregnancy.

 

 

 

 

 

Murad Activation Body Scrub

For Cellulite and Stretch Mark Management. Refine skin´s texture and improves firmness and elasticity.

 

 

 

 

 

Murad Firm and Tone Serum

For Cellulite and Stretch Mark Management. Improves the overall appearance of skin up to 80%* by: increasing skin firmness and elasticity while masking imperfections helping reduce the appearance of cellulite by up to 69%.

 

 

 

 

 

Mederma

Mederma works best on newly formed stretch marks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

StriaeRx Stretch mark Moisture Repair Cream

Finally, a clinically proven method of reducing the appearance of unsightly stretch marks! Physician formulated to patient tested, StriaeRX is a stretch mark cream that enhances the appearance of skin damaged by stretch marks. Its ingredients work together to enhance existing collagen structure, as well as stimulate further collagen product StriaeRX Stretch Mark Cream reduces the length, depth and texture of existing stretch marks. Not only does it increase firmness and tone, it also stimulates the renewal of skin cells.

 

 

 

Decleor Perfect Sculpt Stretch Mark Gel-Cream

The targeted dual-action treatment.  Based on highly advanced scientific research, its rich, non-greasy formula combines the firming effectiveness of a unique cocktail of 8 Essential Oils and the Phyto-Firm Complex, for a visible and proven firming result.  This comprehensive skincare product provides complete action to fight the main causes and consequences of loss of body firmness and the appearance of unsightly marks.

 

 

 

 

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