Stretch Marks Removal Creams – 5 Things You Should Know!

A common skin conce
for both men and women alike is the problem of stretch marks. Though they don't pose any serious harm to the skin, their appearance can be embarrasing. Stretch marks occur on the skin surface as a result of sudden weight gain or muscle gain and stretched skin at the time of pregnancy. Initially, they appear as pink or purple marks and gradually fade to a lighter hue. Stretch marks are further accelerated when the skin is stretched beyond its elasticity.

The sad part with stretch marks is that are they are irreparable. Once formed, you cannot eliminate stretch marks completely. However, there are a variety of creams and lotions that help to diminish their appearance even though complete removal is not possible. This is why prevention is always better than cure! Therefore, as soon as you notice the first signs of stretch marks, you should start using a stretch mark removing skin care product in order to prevent further marks.

The most effective way to eliminate stretch marks is through surgery or laser treatments. However, they are very expensive and extremely complex procedures. This is why skin lightening products are the most popular ways to get rid of stretch marks. Here are some things you should know when buying stretch marks removal products.

1. Cure Management

Many stretch marks removal products guarantee “complete removal” of stretch marks. Don't rely on them because it is not possible to eliminate stretch marks completely. This is because stretch marks are actually tears in the skin tissues that occur in the dermis layer. Topical applications cannot sew back the torn tissue. Therefore, instead of believing false claims look for products that promise more realistic results. Topical skin care products can only help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks by making their color match with the color or surrounding skin.

2. Ingredients of the Product

Examine the ingredients of the stretch mark removal products and see if they can help with lightening the appearance of stretch marks. Look for natural moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, almond oil, and coconut oil that hydrate the skin and enhance its structure. Because stretch marks are a result of skin's inability repair itself as rapidly as the tissues lying beneath the skin, the moisturizing ingredients would help it to do the same. They improve the skin's elasticity and enable it to stretch and strain without any tissue tears. Also look out for skin lightening ingredients like hydroquinone, retinol, and alpha hydroxy acids.

3. Collagen & Elastin

Collagen and elastin are skin proteins that are responsible for the structure and elasticity of the skin. While collagen supports the skin structure and keeps it firm, elastin enable the skin to stretch and strain without getting ruptured. And since the development of stretch marks is a result of poor skin elasticity, supplementing the two proteins would definitely help repair the damage. However, the molecules of collagen and elastin are much larger than your skin pores and thus topical application of any of these would have no results. Therefore, don't use stretch marks removal products that promise to deliver topical collagen and elastin particles. Rather, look for products that aim to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers within the skin cells.

4. Prevention as well as Cure

Stretch marks removal products should aim to prevent the development of stretch marks as well as reduce the appearance of the existing ones. It should be a two way process. This highly depends on the potency of ingredients in the skin care products and their efficiency.

5. Use it Effectively

Like with other skin care products, give the stretch mark removal cream time to show results. Don't toss it off after a week's use when you see no improvement. The formulations need to reach the dermis layer of the skin and need time to impact the tissues within. Therefore, give it enough time to show results. Also, use it regularly as directed on the products and keep your skin well moisturized.

Product Suggestions

Obagi C-Clarifying Serumr
It is a great clarifying serum that combines 4% hydroquinone and Vitamin C serum along with L-ascorbic acid. 4% hydroquinone is a well established ingredient for evening out pigmentation issues and stretch marks in the skin. Paired with Vitamin C, the serum promotes an even skin tone and also provides potent antioxidant protection.

Vivite Vibrance Therapyr
This is a great product to remove the appearance of stretch marks and evening out skin tone. It contains potent ingredients like Licorice root extract, Mulbery fruit, green tea, grapes, and fennel seeds to keep the skin young and fresh looking while evening out age spots, brown spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation. It also helps to hydrate the skin and protect against free radicals.