Stretch Marks

Watch Out For These Supposed Stretch Mark Cures

October 3rd, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

The unsightly stretch mark is a reality that knows no boundaries, including race, age, sex or country of origin. The fight against stretch marks is truly global! The sad part is that the battle against stretch marks will rage on until a miracle stretch mark cure is discovered that will eradicate these unsightly marks.

But fear not, literature and advise related to skin conditions is brimming with tips on how to prevent stretch marks and how to eliminate stretch marks if they do develop. While much has been written about the subject, even more is being sold in the name of avoiding and treating stretch marks.

Some Stretch Mark Treatments are Quite Effective

The truth is that many stretch mark treatments are quite effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks. This is not so much because of a miracle ingredient, but rather due to the fact that a stretch mark sufferer is applying a daily moisturizer or cream to the skin and hopefully exfoliating the damaged area a few times a week.

Beware These Stretch Mark Cures

The problem is that several other supposed stretch mark cures were never meant to be used for this skin condition and are often packaged and sold as the latest, greatest cures. One example is that of pearl powder — a substance that is often tied to claims of healing that are simply not supported by any modern scientific research. The origin is China and often it is hawked as a traditional and mysterious ingredient in many secret skin potions that supposedly increases the porcelain beauty of many an empress. However, in its purest form, you will find that pearl powder is little more than a ground up powder made from fresh water pearls.

The supposed logic behind the claims is that pearl powder contains a number of amino acids, which in turn will promote healthy skin growth on the dermis level. Those unscrupulous marketers who prey on the uninformed sell this “mircle” cure in lotions, potions, and supplements. While it is true that cell renewal has been associated with amino acids, it is doubtful that the powder when ingested will actually provide the amino acids to your skin in the quantities needed. A topical application is shown to have a limited effect on increasing the supple appearance of the skin, but in now way will this powder make stretch marks disappear. Avoid this stretch mark scam!

Here is another product that is sometimes marketed as having a dual purpose. No doubt you have heard of the popular acne product, Proactiv. The primary ingredient in it is benzoyl peroxide. Depending on the concentration and your ability to tolerate it, Proactiv will act like a low impact chemical peel that will reveal healthy looking skin underneath. Unfortunately, Proactiv will not make stretch marks disappear. But the source of its mystery powers over stretch marks is that it can lessen their visibility by increasing the healthy appearance of the surrounding skin. A word of caution is warranted here — allergic reactions to benzoyl peroxide has been reported and have actually led to severe outbreaks, rashes, and in extreme cases, can lead to skin damage from excessive scratching and subsequent infections and scarring.

Witch hazel has been used for centuries and was commonplace in most people’s medicine cabinet. This substance is extracted from the witch hazel shrub and generally used to alleviate bruising and swelling, as well as, sores in related cases. It is a natural cleanser and has shown good results when used on acne. The unfortunate part is that none of these medicinal effects have any bearing on the outer layer of the skin. This is just another urban legend that supports this extract as one of the more effective stretch mark cures — not so!

Stick With Proven Stretch Mark Products

Your best bet is to stay with quality stretch mark cures that have proven themselves over time and can be supported with facts and strong testimonials from satisfied customers. Save your money and go with stretch mark products that can effectively fade stretch marks or have a track record of reducing the development of stretch marks during times of rapid growth, like pregnancy.