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Can a Stretch Mark Cream Really Fade Stretch Marks?

October 11th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you feel it’s time to remove stretch marks from your life, then now is the time for some drastic action.   One of the most popular methods used to fade stretch marks is the stretch mark creams advertised on today’s Internet.  If you haven’t searched for these stretch mark removal products recently, you might be surprised to learn just how many different companies are vying for your business.

How to Tell Which Stretch Mark Creams Are Most Effective

So, after wading through the myriad of products that promise to fade stretch marks,  how can you tell if your stretch mark cream is really as effective as they say?  Well, there are some surefire ways to tell if the product is for real or whether you would be better off considering another stretch mark treatment:

1. Be skeptical of claims made by the manufacturer which are based on research commissioned by the same company.   Try to access independent verification from third parties, such as the FDA or AMA, or even individual doctors.  Also look for customer testimonials on independent websites that review products or gather user feedback on various products.

2. Watch out for companies where there is only one study used to support claims as to the effectiveness of the stretch mark removal cream.

3.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!  Beware of statements like “lose stretch marks and other skin blemishes every time you apply the cream.”

4. Watch out for claims based on extremely complex medical facts and then distilled into medical support for fantastic assertions made with respect to the manufacturer’s stretch mark cream.   A perfect example is magnetism or even Vitamin O as being the answer to stretch mark problems.

So, in your quest to fade stretch marks, you need to do your research before making an investment in what can be a pretty expensive stretch mark cream.   Following the above guidelines can certainly save you money as well as the time it takes to determine that the stretch mark removal cream product doesn’t work.   Bottom line: Don’t waste your money on a dubious product; there are plenty of high quality and effective stretch mark treatments available that will actually remove stretch marks.

Does Exfoliation Help Eliminate Stretch Marks

October 4th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

For those affected by those angry red and purple stretch marks, the fight against these skin defects has become paramount and there is precious little that they won’t do to rid themselves of the unsightly marks.  Some are satisfied to just lessen their visibility, but the ultimate goal is to eliminate stretch marks totally.

The absolute method for ridding yourself of stretch marks is a surgical solution.  However, the best stretch mark solution is to just prevent them from forming.   Yet in those times when even prevention did not completely put a stop to the formation of the stretch marks, treatment is all that is left.

Many home remedies and magic cures have developed around the fight against stretch marks.  But while all these salves, lotions, home made creams, and commercially available treatments are marketed as the absolute stretch mark treatment, they generally all have one thing in common — exfoliation.

What Does Exfoliation Involve?

In a nutshell, exfoliation is a process commonly used during regular skin care and maintenance.  But beware –  too much of a good thing can backfire with dire consequences.  In order to ensure that you understand exfoliation and stretch marks, their relationship, and the proper methodology of the former, here are some fast facts you do not want to be without:

- In broad terms, exfoliation is quite simply a way to remove dead skin cells that are still adjoined to the live skin cells.  What this means is that only the outer most surface of the skin is being affected and removed during the exfoliation process.  The goal of exfoliation in the removal of stretch marks is to permit, and promote, the live skin to be displayed in its totality, rather than being obscured by the dead skin cells.  It is this live, energized skin that is actually healthier looking and provides that “glow” so often associated with pregnant women.

- The exfoliation process may be enhanced with the assistance of chemical agents, such as, commercially available scrubs made from a wide variety of fruit enzymes mixed with citric acid and oatmeal extracts.  This process may also rely on the use of a scrubbing agent, such as a loofah, a pumice stone, or a home made scrub made from kosher salt.

Exfoliation - Beneficial for Numerous Skin Conditions

Exfoliation can greatly improve skin conditions that are known to be aggravated by dead skin cells, e.g. acne, black heads, pimples, and even ingrown hairs.  Unfortunately, the process has a very limited effect on stretch marks.  The reason being is that the visible stretch marks are nestled into the dermis, or the deeper layer of the skin and this layer is not affected by the exfoliation process directly.

Using a quality stretch mark product in conjunction with exfoliation can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of your stretch marks.  Even though the stretch marks are indirectly affected by proper exfoliation, the combination of a stretch mark removal cream and exfoliation can lessen their appearance.  The healthier looking skin surrounding the stretch mark helps fade stretch marks to the point where they actually blend in with the healthier skin tissue.

Also, the fact that stretch marks naturally fade, the healthier looking skin will appear even more consistent with the damage skin and can even provide the illusion of stretch marks disappearing, which is not really the case.  One word of caution is in order here - improper or excessive exfoliation will irritate the sensitive skin, thus creating a skin condition that will display the stretch marks more clearly.  So, don’t be in too big a hurry to eliminate stretch marks.  A measured and consistent approach to stretch mark treatment will ensure that you experience a positive result without aggravating the skin you intend to repair.

Remove Stretch Marks with Care

September 23rd, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Stretch marks are most common during puberty and pregnancy - times when the body undergoes rapid weight changes. But you may be wondering what exactly the cause of stretch marks are and how to remove stretch marks once they appear.  In general, stretch marks are formed in those body areas that store large amounts of fat, and they occur in the dermis, the skin layer which determines its shape.

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are caused by actual tears in a thinned or technically atrophic skin, with fine dermal collagen bundles arranged in straight lines parallel to the surface.  These marks are created by your own body to heal those tears. The fact is that stretch marks are really scar tissue created by the body to heal damage caused by expanding skin that is too thin.

Known by doctors as “striae” (usually “striae distensae” or, in the case of pregnancy , “striae gravidarum”) stretch marks typically appear after rapid weight gain or loss. They are most common during pregnancy and the teen years, when growth spurts and increased levels of steroid hormones cause significant changes throughout the body. Striae are most commonly located on the breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and flank.

An interesting fact is that stretch marks are the most common types of skin lesions.  Almost 90% of pregnant women get stretch marks.  The good news is that stretch marks are totally normal and aren’t a medical concern.

Prevent Stretch Marks - Your First Line of Defense

However, a secret to prevent stretch marks from developing is to keep the skin moisturized during times of weight gain or loss.  This will help reduce stretch marks and for those that do appear, fade faster.  A process of exfoliation and massaging nutrient-rich natural oils such as wheatgerm, jojoba or vitamin E will help rid stretch marks from your susceptible areas.

The Art of Stretch Mark Removal

The act of massaging the stretch mark area is key and increases blood circulation to the affected area, also assisting the healing process.  Exfoliation of the area will also help remove dead skin cells and allow the stretch mark removal cream to penetrate deeper into the damaged skin.  A word of caution is warranted though - be careful not to overdo with the exfoliation as it may cause your already damaged skin to become extremely sensitive.  Moderation is the key to helping remove stretch marks permanently!

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