Stretch marks are a pain. Not only are they unsightly and embarrassing, but getting rid of them is a tough process. They are frustrating because you can’t just pop a pill and hope for them to disappear. You can’t just rub a prescription lotion on it for a few days and watch it shrink either. No, stretch marks are going to take work.
But getting rid of them is possible! You just have to make sure to use the best stretch mark creams. These consist of high-quality natural ingredients that target the root cause of stretch marks.
What Are Stretch Marks?
To really understand how to get rid of stretch marks, and why it’s possible, you first have to understand what causes them.
They are a result of skin that has been stretched excessively and has been expanded for an extended period of time. You can get them from pregnancy in women, as well as rapid periods of weight gain and weight loss. Both are instances where skin is stretched beyond normal measures.
What happens is that the stretching of skin causes collagen and elastin (the support structures of the skin) to be weakened and broken down. You can think of the elastin as a rubber band. Pull too hard and snap! Essentially, these stretch marks are scars from broken elastin. This makes stretch marks unique from other skin issues because it’s not an issue of irritation or hormones, but a deep rooted physiological issue.
Can They Be Removed?
A lot of people claim that stretch marks can’t be removed- this is not true! And no, you don’t have to get expensive surgeries or skin procedures at a dermatologist’s office to get rid of them. While a lot of creams are bogus, there are plenty of products that do get the job done. What you do need to do is make sure that you get a high-quality natural cream and use it regularly.
Stretch marks can be tough to get rid of, but it is possible. Keep in mind that the sooner you start, the sooner you will get results. Also, if your stretch marks are still dark then there is definitely hope as it’s indicative that scar tissue hasn’t fully developed.
Common Ingredients in Stretch Mark Creams
There are a number of creams on the market. It can be hard to sift through what works and what doesn’t unless you know what the ingredients actually do to heal skin. Here are some common ingredients you’ll see:
- Cocoa Butter: This rich substance makes for a great moisturizer. However, when it comes to stretch marks it won’t have an effect. Remember, stretch marks come from deep within the skin, and cocoa butter only impacts the surface. It will certainly help to soothe discomfort and itching during pregnancy so that is something to consider.
- Vitamin E: This vitamin is similar to cocoa butter for its moisturizing effects, but when it comes to stretch marks it just can’t do much.
- Collagen and Elastin: Naturally these substances are beneficial because they are the same substances being broken down. You may also consider taking collagen supplements to really give your skin a boost.
- Tretinoin: This is a derivative of vitamin-A. It’s designed to help various skin conditions but it’s especially effective at treating stretch marks. This is a pharmaceutical-grade product so you won’t find it in any over-the-counter products.
As you’ll notice, a couple of these ingredients won’t do anything to heal stretch marks. Be aware of this when choosing your brand of cream. Many manufactures simply include these ingredients as marketing ploys, but they really do nothing in terms of actually getting results.
You must choose creams that use ingredients that actually target the root causes. This mainly comes in the form of stimulating collagen production in the skin, as well as helping to promote elasticity of the skin, specifically targeting the areas around the marks.
Top Brands
We’ve found five of the best brands available. All of these products are a great fit for pregnant mothers, people who have shed weight quickly, or others who suffer from this condition.
If you don’t want the hassle of choosing a product that may not work, consider some of the natural choices listed below:
1. Body Merry
Body Merry is all about making you happy and comfortable in your own skin. And with over 2500 reviews on Amazon, there are a lot of people who are pleased with its results.
This product is a hydrating, rich body butter that is a pleasure to lather on. It penetrates deep, leaving your skin with a fresh and supple feel.
Body Merry cream also consists of an impressive and substantial list of ingredients including: Jojoba oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, B vitamins, vitamin C and E, as well as oils like grape seed and avocado. All powerful nutrients that help skin stay strong.
2. Mama Belly Butter
With a name like Mama Belly Butter, you know exactly who this product is for. It’s mainly a preventative treatment, using it early will ensure that you won’t have extreme stretch marks after the baby is born. But you can also use it afterwards.
If itching is your main concern then this is the brand for you. It has several ingredients such as comfrey and chamomile that reduce inflammation. You have enough things to worry about during pregnancy, so there’s no reason to let itching and inflammation get in your way.
Mama Belly Butter is popular because it really gets the job done, and it’s safe for both you and your baby. There’s no harmful ingredients in this product.
3. StriVectin
This cream from StriVectin is a powerful product for combating stretch marks. It utilizes the latest advances in skincare science and technology to target the root cause of stretch marks.
StriVectin’s formula works by targeting collagen, the structural protein that helps keep skin strong. By targeting collagen regeneration, the cream can help to promote the healthy repair of your skin.
When using StriVectin cream your skin will look younger, feel hydrated, and you will also see fine lines and wrinkles disappear. This is powerful stuff, but it does come at a cost. It’s by far the most expensive brand on our list.
4. Earth Mama
Earth Mama’s stretch oil is designed with pregnant mothers in mind. It’s ideal for mothers who only want to use natural, organic ingredients especially when dealing with such a delicate issue as childbirth.
It’s completely free of toxins, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other potentially harmful chemicals like parabens.
This product is an oil, separating it from Body Merry’s cream. Both are effective so it’s mostly a matter of personal taste.
Frequency of Use
Many people grow frustrated with stretch mark creams. They use them, but are disappointed with the results. The main reason for this is because of improper use.
To really see success with these creams, you must keep two factors in mind: consistency and prevention. In regards to consistency, you must use the creams twice per day for several months. Stretch marks are stubborn and the only way to get rid of them is through consistency. As for prevention, you must start early. If you are an expecting mother then don’t wait! Get a cream as soon as possible and start using it regularly.
The Bottom Line
If you’re suffering from stretch marks, know that there is a solution. By using one of the above products, you will no longer be frustrated or embarrassed by your skin.
Although all the creams listed above are great, different people have different tastes and requirements. Look at your budget, the causes of your stretch marks, among other factors to determine which is the best choice for you. Then make sure to act fast!
And to get the best results you have to be consistent. Using these creams twice per day for several months is what it takes, and when you do that you will be amazed at the transformation of your skin.