Stretch marks are the result of rapidly stretching skin due to sudden weight gain. Often a common complaint during pregnancy, anyone experiencing rapid weight gain is at risk for developing the purple marks. While a number of stretch mark creams and lotions promise to help you prevent or get rid of stretch marks, Medline Plus notes that ointments are of little value in battling stretch marks.
Function
Stretch mark creams and lotions are often used as a preventative method to help stop stretch marks before they begin. The creams are used to help lubricate the skin--theoretically helping with the stretching so your skin is more elastic and less prone to stretch marks. Other stretch mark creams and lotions promise to get rid of existing stretch marks for better looking skin.
Ingredients
The ingredients of most stretch creams and lotions don't differ much from those of regular lotions. One of the main ingredients for many stretch mark creams is cocoa butter. Unfortunately, a study performed by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University Hospital of the West Indies, with results published in a 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics" found that cocoa butter does not prevent stretch marks. Other ingredients include lanolin, glycerin and mineral oil, according to the Stretch Mark Cream Index, all which offer moisturizing benefits for the skin.
Advantages
Stretch mark cream can help moisturize your skin when it's stretching rapidly. Babycenter admits that when your skin stretches quickly due to pregnancy or quick weight gain, it can often become itchy and irritated. Applying a nightly moisturizer can help hydrate skin and soothe itchiness so you're more comfortable.
Disadvantages
The marketing tactics for typical stretch mark creams and lotions may promise results such as preventing stretch marks or making them less noticeable, but the truth is that ointments, creams and lotions are ineffective in those areas. The elasticity of your skin is determined by genes, not moisture, so a simple cream won't prevent stretch marks. Only tretinoin has shown to reduce stretch marks during the active stage, but can do little to get rid of them in the mature stage, notes a report published in a 2009 issue of "Dermatologic Surgery."
Alternatives
While you may not be able to prevent stretch marks with lotions and creams before they form, you can certainly improve the appearance of stretch marks through certain dermatological procedures, including laser therapy, chemical peels and fractional photothermolysis therapy to stimulate collagen production have all been shown to be effective ways of dealing with stretch marks, according to the same report in "Dermatologic Surgery." Talk to your dermatologist to find the right treatment option if your stretch marks continually bother you.
References
- Medline Plus: Striae
- Stretch Mark Cream Index: Palmers Cocoa Butter Stretch Mark Cream
- Babycenter: Itchy Skin During Pregnancy
- "International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Jan, 2010": Prevention of Striae Gravidarum with Cocoa Butter Cream: Keisha Buchanan, Horace M. Fletcher, Marvin Reid
- "Dermatologic Surgery, Apr. 2009": Striae Distensae (Stretch Marks) and Different Modalities of Therapy: An Update: Mohamed L. Elsaie MD, Leslie S. Baumann MD, Lotfy T. Elsaaiee MD
