In this post, we will show you how to get rid of stretch marks based on cosmetic pharmacist advice
Whether you got your stretch marks during pregnancy, after weight loss or during a growth spurt in your teenage years, one thing is for sure. Stretch marks are completely normal and it is fine not to want to get rid of them. But if you do that’s fine too but it should be noted that it is unlikely to get rid of them 100% with products alone but there are a range of treatments that can reduce their appearance significantly.
How Are Stretch Marks Formed?
A stretch mark is the result of the collagen and elastin in the dermis, under the skin cell layer, rupturing (essentially, tearing beneath the skin) and forming a scar.
As the area heals, you’re left with stretch marks.
One approach is to prevent stretch marks by hydrating the skin.
What To Look For In Creams For Stretch Marks?
The aim of reducing the appearance of stretch marks involves resurfacing and moisturizing the skin.
The best ingredients for this are:
- Retinol– Resurfaces and strengthens the skin- bare in mind this is not suitable for pregnant or breast-feeding mothers. To understand more about Retinol and its benefits check out Retinol For Acne, The Complete Pharmacist’s Guide
- Hyaluronic Acid – Plumps and hydrates the skin
- Glycerin – Moisturises the skin
- Shea Butter– Hydrating to the skin
Although there is no testing, these products work in a way that can benefit stretch marks.
What Is The Best Treatment For Them?
Treatments that stimulate new skin cell growth and rejuvenate the skin are best. These include:
Laser therapies: Stimulate collagen using a specific wavelength of light
Microdermabrasion: Gently exfoliates the outer layers of skin to stimulate collagen production
Microneedling: Uses tiny needles to create small wounds, stimulating the skin to repair itself by producing new skin
Platelet Rich Fibrin Treatment: Uses Fibrin from your own blood to promote collagen and growth factors to rebuild skin, for more information check out What Is A Vampire Facial, Everything You Need To Know About PRF
PRF
When To Start Using a Cream For Stretch Marks?
It is best to start using it before the marks appear as a preventative treatment.
It is a good idea to get into the habit of moisturizing after your shower daily to get into good habits. Also, ingredients like hyaluronic acid are absorbed better on damp skin.
However if your aim is to improve stretch marks that are already there, treatments like micro needling, lasers, and microdermabrasion might be best with cream as an addition.
However, if you want to go for the cream options, it is best to start them as soon as you see them forming.
1.Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
This formula is a mix of Retinol for resurfacing and antioxidants like vitamins C and E .
This balance of ingredients can help hydrate, soften, and even brighten your skin.
2. Bio-Oil
Bio-oil is rich in fatty acids and anti-oxidants, it contains mineral oil, sunflower oil, vitamin E, rosemary oil aswell as lavender and chamomile oil. A study in 2018 showed that more than 50% of participants that used Bio Oil noticed that there stretch marks had faded.
3. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
Enriched with Bio C-Elaste™, pure Cocoa and Shea Butters and Vitamin E this formula is seriously hydrating and nourishing.
Bio C-Elaste™ is a potent combination of Collagen, Elastin, Centella Asiatica, Sweet Almond Oil and Argan Oil.
It has also helped women with itching during pregnancy that is caused by stretched skin.
4. Mustela Stretch Marks Cream
This contains a mix of amazing ingredients; including avocado peptides, which help hydrate skin and reduce tightness, and something called Galactoarabinan, this is a patented stretch mark-preventing ingredient extracted from the Larch tree. Mix both of those with moisturizing shea butter and beeswax, and you’ve got a pretty hydrating and effective strech mark cream.
5. Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil
This is a natural option containing vitamin E which helps with skin retain its elasticity.
This skincare formula also contains wheat germ oil, arnica extract and sweet almond oil. It contain no fillers or synthetic ingredients.
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