Do Stretch Mark Creams Really Prevent Stretch Marks?
Stretch Marks — By Diva on January 22, 2009 at 2:39 pmPreventing stretch marks is tricky business, although, while it may be tricky it is not impossible! Using a prevention cream to ward away stretch marks is a great idea during pregnancy, puberty, or muscle building; it is during these times that stretch marks are most likely to appear. A stretch mark is caused by the skin being stretch and causing a disturbance in the production of collagen. If you can build the collagen up in your skin before the stretching occurs, theoretically the fibers will not break, and the stretch mark will not appear. However, some researchers believe that hormones play a large role in the formation of stretch marks, thus making them harder to prevent.
The first thing to remember is that moisturizing should start early, the earlier you start the better chances you have of preventing the stretch mark. Any type of moisturizer should do the trick as long as it contains vitamins A and E which aid in the production of collagen. Buying an actual stretch mark cream from the time you find out you are pregnant, until you deliver, could fund your unborn child’s college tuition from start to finish. Okay, that may be an exaggeration, but the point is that it will cost you a mint. Of course you can purchase the cream from start to finish if you like, but if you are on a budget any moisturizer is better than none!
As far as the question, “do they really work” that honestly varies from person to person, and depends on your body, skin, and hormone levels. What I can tell you, is that moisturizing can aid the skin in the production of collagen that will keep the skin soft and flexible, which in theory should prevent the formation of stretch marks! However, if your body is prone to stretch marks because of hormonal imbalances moisturizing may keep the stretch marks to a minimum. Over all, using a stretch mark cream, or a regular moisturizer with the same active ingredients (A, E, and some other natural oils), will keep your skin healthy and itch free during all the stretching it will do throughout your pregnancy, as well as prevent or lessen the appearance of stretch marks!
Pregnancy, puberty, weight gain, and extreme fitness are all stressful on the body. Keeping a stress free routine is just as important as the moisturizing itself, in preventing stretch marks. Do your very best to drink at least 6-8 glass of WATER a day as this too will keep moisture in your skin, and assist you in your fight to a stretch mark free body!
Click Here To See The Highest Rated Stretch Mark Creams
1. Revitol Stretch Mark Cream - www.Revitol.com
2. Cosmetyn Cream - www.Cosmetyn.com
3. EC Research TriLastin- www.TriLastin.com
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5 Comments
Ive heard that after three weeks of use of cosmeytn it works as a intense mosturiser that helps fade the stretch marks but im definitly drinking more water after reading this.
Hey Diva,
After my own experience with stretch marks, I’m a firm believer that a pre-emptive moisturizing treatment really can help prevent them.
Stretch marks are a big thing for the ladies of my family – ie. me, my 4 sisters and mother all have a serious amount of them. During my adolescence I put on weight quite quickly and ended up with big stretch marks on my thighs, which I have learned to love.
The reason I believe in moisturizing your pregnant belly to prevent stretch marks, is that even though my sisters, mum and I all have them, I’m the only one who did not get any on my belly during pregnancy, and I believe this is because I took care of the skin in that area as it stretched to mammoth proportions.
Both times I was pregnant my stomach got huge and, after speaking with my sisters, I expected to wake up one morning with a bunch of stretch marks. However, I applied Pregnancy Belly Rub to my belly and sides every day from about my 12th week until due date (it’s basically an organic massage oil for pregnant women). One bottle ($25) lasted the entire pregnancy.
As a result, I didn’t get a single stretch mark on my belly (I have photos to prove it). In addition, I did get stretch marks anywhere I didn’t apply the oil – ie. my breasts and upper buttocks.
So, with the strong stretch mark gene in my blood and with getting stretch marks in places I DIDN’T apply the lotion, the evidence is clear to me that a good quality pregnancy oil definitely helps prevent stretch marks.
Cheers!
I gave birth 2 months ago to a beautiful baby boy. All through my pregnancy I used a vitamin E oil specially made for pregnant women to prevent stretch marks. Tests said its one of the best…well I used to oil myself every morning, every night and every time I felt my skin dry…even though I drink a lot of water…and guess what? I’m full of stretch marks! Thighs, belly, breasts, you name it, I have it! And I was to oiled up that I could just slip down the stairs! Yes! prevention does help, but don’t expect wonders. If you’re prone to have stretch marks, you’ll have them.
That’s great advice about drinking plenty of water. It will help keep the skin wonderfully hydrated. I’m also glad that you mentioned the additional vitamins which can help the production of collagen.
As far as i am aware the increased production of collagen will help give your skin that “elasticity”.
This is great stuff, thank you. I think the best way to get rid of cellulite is by regular exercising and eating healthy food (lots of greeen veg). However, this will help but not stop cellulite. II ran accross this blog that gives some great info about some anti-cellulite creams in the market:
I tried one of the prodcts listed there (Revitol) and it did made a great change. Hope this helps.