Stretch marks can occur on the stomach, lower back, thighs, upper legs, breasts and upper arms due to fast growth and weight gain during pregnancy. These striped, ridged scars occur when skin is stretched suddenly or excessively, causing collagen fibers in the middle layer of the skin, or dermis, to tear. Though they are most common during pregnancy, weight lifters and teenagers undergoing growth spurts may also have stretch marks. There are creams that help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and in some cases help them disappear altogether.
Creams That Increase the Skin's Elasticity
Increasing the skin's elasticity helps to decrease the formation and severity of stretch marks during pregnancy. Creams with vitamin A, C and E help to increase the tensile strength of skin, helping to decrease the appearance of stretch marks.
Moisturizing Creams
Creams and lotions containing cocoa butter help to keep the skin well moisturized and elastic to withstand a fast-growing belly. Massage cocoa butter into the skin twice a day to keep the skin hydrated and less likely to scar and form stretch marks. Creams that stimulate collagen production help to remove stretch marks as these scars are caused by tears in the collagen fibers in the skin.
Retin-A Cream
Retinol is a potent derivative of vitamin A, and Audrey Kunin, M.D., says retinol creams have been shown to improve stretch marks significantly by helping the skin to renew and heal itself. Retinol is particularly helpful for stretch marks that are pink, red or purple in color. However, retinol creams are harmful to a developing fetus and newborn baby, and should not be used while pregnant or breast feeding.
Natural Plant Oils That Renew Skin
Creams containing naturally nutrient-rich oils, such as rose hip oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, almond oil and shea butter, deliver vitamin antioxidants and moisturizers to the skin, stimulating faster healing and renewal.
Exfoliation Creams
Creams that help the skin to rejuvenate faster by exfoliation also help to reduce textured and colored stretch marks. These skin peel creams gently help the skin renew faster to decreased ridged scars. Look for chemical exfoliation ingredients such as alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, which are derived from natural fruit acids. Creams that contain mechanical exfoliation agents such as ground oatmeal must be applied by gently scrubbing the skin in a circular motion to promote skin cell turnover. Exfoliation also helps other creams be more fully absorbed by the skin.
