According to Marie Claire magazine, stretch marks occur when the connective tissue under the skin gets overextended. This happens most often during pregnancy, teenage growth spurts and after getting breast implants. Stretch marks can crop up on your thighs, stomach and chest, and they can look white, red, pink or brown. Creams will not eliminate your stretch marks completely, but some products can smooth the skin and make marks less noticeable.
Lierac Phytolastil Solute
In an article that lists the best products for stretch marks, Marie Claire recommends Lierac Phytolastil Solute, which has been designed to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks. The company says that this product is the No. 1 stretch mark treatment recommended by doctors in Europe. It promises to not only help fade current marks but also to help prevent new ones from popping up as well. This product contains alchemilla, ivy and horsetail extracts, as well as other ingredients to correct uneven pigmentation and skin tone. The company also says that when you apply this treatment twice a day, it will smooth your skin and make it more supple while also reducing both the length and width of your stretch marks.
StriVectin-SD
InStyle magazine lists StriVectin-SD as the best stretch mark cream of 2007, and Marie Claire recommends it as well. Dermatologist Jeannette Graf says that this cream contains peptides, which work to encourage your skin's production of collagen, making it smoother and firmer. The company promises that the look of your stretch marks will improve in two to eight weeks when you apply the cream twice a day. It claims to work with your skin to moisturize it and refine its texture by increasing the turnover and renewal of skin cells, improving the overall appearance of your skin and fading any marks or discolorations. This cream contains no parabens, artificial colors or dyes, and it is non-comedogenic.
Decleor Stretch Mark Restructuring Gel-Cream
Marie Claire also suggests Decleor Stretch Mark Restructuring Gel-Cream, which contains essential oils like rose, lemongrass, grapefruit, shiitake and other ingredients to firm your skin and make it look younger and more refreshed. It promises to fight off the causes of sagging skin while it helps your stretch marks fade. The product also claims to moisturize your skin with tamanu and macadamia plant oils, as well as reduce the appearance of any new marks or blemishes. It contains no mineral oils or colorants. The company says that with regular use of his product, your skin will feel more elastic and look more even in tone.
