Stretch marks, also known as striae, often form when the skin experiences substantial stretching in a brief period of time. While pregnancy commonly causes varying degrees of this condition, other types of rapid weight gain also increase the risk of developing these marks. Although many home-remedy treatments claim to prevent and treat stretch marks, one long-time favorite method involves the practice of applying lotions and creams that contain cocoa butter.
Stretch Marks
Commonly occurring during pregnancy, stretch marks may also appear in children and adolescents who go through rapid growth changes. These parallel streaks of thin, red skin appear over the area of stretching. In addition to the abdomen, stretch marks often appear over the breasts, buttocks, thighs and hips. Over time, these marks may fade, becoming whitish and resembling scar tissue.
Cocoa Butter
The cream-colored fat extracted from cocoa beans provides the substance called cocoa butter. Numerous types of cosmetics use this extract as a moisturizing element. This substance has a slight fragrance and silky, thick texture. The highly concentrated natural fats melt easily at body temperature, making this a suitable type of skin emollient. Many products marketed for the purpose of applying to stretch marks contain cocoa butter as one of their main ingredients.
Method
Depending on the type of lotion purchased, treating stretch marks requires applying the product to the affected areas one or more times each day. This may include preventative treatment that involves applying the lotion to skin before stretch marks begin appearing.
Results
While many products claim to help prevent or treat stretch marks with cocoa butter, the Mayo Clinic advises that rubbing creams, oils and lotions into your skin won't help, including those that contain cocoa butter. According to a study conducted by the American University of Beirut Medical Center, pregnant women who regularly applied cocoa butter to their skin developed the same type of stretch marks as women who did not use the butter.
Prevention
While massaging cocoa butter lotion into your skin may feel enjoyable and help keep your skin hydrated, it is unlikely to remove existing stretch marks or prevent the formation of new stretch marks. The Mayo Clinic advises that the best way to prevent stretch marks is to maintain a healthy weight, even during pregnancy.
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