Stretch marks or striae are atrophic scars on the epidermis, which are formed as a result of prolonged stretching of the skin. Their color varies from blue to white. Most often appear in women. However, men are not immune from them either. Stretch marks often form on the abdomen, chest, and thighs. Can be multiple or single.
Stretch marks are the result of rupture of elastin and collagen fibers in the dermis. The tears are replaced by connective tissue, which visually resembles scars from scars. Stretch marks are not a disease or even a consequence of it. This is a cosmetic defect that worries women for purely aesthetic reasons.
Why do stretch marks form?
The main reasons for their occurrence include:
- Pregnancy. A natural condition in which stretch marks are almost inevitable due to dramatic weight gain and hormonal changes. Today on sale you can find a number of cosmetic products that are approved for use during pregnancy. Deep, vertical striae usually develop during pregnancy.
- Hormonal imbalance. In adolescents, as a result of such a violation, there is often a predisposition to stretch marks. In thatif they do, they may appear as horizontal blemishes on the skin.
Also, stretch marks can appear due to certain diseases of the endocrine system and hormone intake.
Can stretch marks be removed?
This question is asked by every woman who has a similar cosmetic defect. Modern cosmetology offers many procedures for its elimination. But it is impossible to get rid of deep, pronounced stretch marks. Barely noticeable streaks will still remain on the skin.
If the striae are shallow, you can eliminate them at home. Cosmetologists advise regularly doing peelings, coffee peels are especially effective, and lubricating the skin with natural oils. After all, damaged skin needs constant cleansing and moisturizing.
There are many creams for stretch marks in stores that are recommended for use during pregnancy. They have a moisturizing effect. The skin becomes more elastic and elastic, and ruptures of the dermis do not occur during a sharp weight gain. However, no cream can guarantee a 100% result. After all, the appearance of stretch marks is influenced by many factors - genetics, skin condition, nutrition. But a quality cream can prevent the appearance of deep stretch marks and reduce the severity of those that have already appeared.
According to the recommendation of doctors, it is worth starting to apply moisturizing creams during the growth of the tummy of a pregnant woman. Today we will consider the rating of the best means for the prevention of striae. What is the best cream for stretch marks?
Important! Doctors advise choosing a cream for stretch marks that is quickly absorbed, as itvigorous rubbing can cause uterine tension.
Emulsion "Bepantol"
The composition of the product includes the substance dexpanthenol, which, when penetrated into the cells, turns into vitamin B5. It also contains centella extract, glycerin, vitamins A, E and D.
Is one of the best creams for stretch marks. The product has an unobtrusive aroma, is well absorbed and does not leave marks on clothes. But at the same time, Bepantol has a rather oily consistency and forms a film on the skin, which can be inconvenient. Girls with sensitive skin notice this.
The cream is ineffective against stretch marks that have already appeared. However, it is an excellent tool for their prevention. "Bepantol" moisturizes the skin, makes it more elastic, supple and tender. Promotes cell regeneration. You can use it throughout your pregnancy.
Biolan Cream
The product is intended for pregnant women, therefore it has a 97% natural composition. The main component is argan oil, which nourishes the skin and restores its elasticity. The product also contains the Hydra-bleine component - a unique complex of plant origin that combines vegetable oils and wheat proteins. Its main task is to prevent dehydration of the skin.
The cream is intended for application to the chest, thighs, abdomen and buttocks. It effectively prevents the appearance of stretch marks and even reduces the severity of old striae. The product makes the skin velvety and soft. Absorbs quickly anddoes not leave marks on clothes. Its only drawback is a specific smell that not everyone likes.
Sanosan cream
One of the best creams for the prevention of stretch marks with anti-cellulite effect. It contains extract of hibiscus seeds, jojoba oil and chitosan. Since the product is used by pregnant women and nursing mothers, it does not contain paraffin oil and dyes.
The cream has a rejuvenating effect, moisturizes the epidermis, stimulates tissue regeneration. Hibiscus seed extract provides nourishment to the skin. Chitosan is used in medicine to heal wounds without scarring.
According to the reviews of women, the cream for stretch marks for pregnant women "Sanosan" effectively moisturizes the skin, slightly increases its elasticity. It spreads well on the skin and smells good. Absorbs slowly. It is noticed that the cream helps to reduce the severity of the resulting stretch marks, make them more pale and invisible. The approximate cost is 320 rubles.
Avent Cream
Cream for stretch marks for pregnant women from the company "Avent" - a specialized tool to combat stretch marks. It was tested many times before it hit the stores. One of its main advantages is the absence of contraindications. Its natural composition allows the use of the product during pregnancy and lactation. Among the ingredients of the cream are shea and papaya butter, as well as algae extract. The manufacturer notes that the cream is especially effective in early pregnancy, when stretch markspreventable.
It has been proven that "Avent" helps to avoid the appearance of deep striae and gradually reduces the severity of those that have appeared. In their reviews, the girls note that the remedy eliminates the itching on the skin that accompanies its stretching, smells good and leaves no marks on the skin. Effectively eliminates dryness. The only drawback of the Avent cream is its high cost. But in 2017, he took first place in the ranking of creams for stretch marks in terms of price and quality. Approximate cost - 920 rubles.
Mustela cream
Cosmetic product created by a French laboratory, sold worldwide. It was made specifically for pregnant women and nursing mothers, so it has a completely natural composition.
The cream for stretch marks "Mustela" contains natural ingredients - silicon, oligo-elements and Japanese Sophora, beeswax, shea butter, avocado peptides.
The product has received rave reviews from many women who have used it. The cream has a pleasant aroma and a thick, oily texture. Absorbs quickly and is economical. Which is especially important given its cost. Effective against striae. The cream increases the skin's resistance to stretch marks by 100%. In the process of testing, 92% of women helped avoid striae. It is recommended to apply it on the chest, abdomen and thighs. Approximate cost - 2399 rubles.
Vitabiotics Pregnacare
This is a good cream for stretch marks, reviews of which are mostly positive. The cream is enriched with primrose oil, vitaminsB, E, C. It is in demand both during pregnancy and lactation.
The remedy relieves inflammation, nourishes the skin with the substances it needs, promotes tissue regeneration and elimination of stretch marks. It has a pleasant creamy texture and spreads easily on the skin. In their reviews of Pregnacare stretch mark cream, young mothers note that the cream copes with its main task - it prevents the appearance of new stretch marks. However, he is not able to reduce the ones that have already appeared. Many continue to use it after childbirth, as a nourishing and moisturizing agent.
But the product also has drawbacks. It is slowly absorbed. Forms a thin film on the skin, which is difficult to wash off and stains clothes. Approximate cost - 1200 rubles.
Mamma Care Baby Bom Cream
This remedy is one of the best stretch mark prevention creams. The cream contains coconut oil, fruit acids, fucus extract and essential oils. Of course, not without synthetic ingredients. The product is a thick white cream of medium fat content with an unobtrusive pleasant smell. Leaves no residue on clothes and absorbs quickly.
The manufacturer promises intensive hydration and prevention of stretch marks. However, reviews indicate that the cream does not help everyone. Some people still get stretch marks. However, no cosmetic product can guarantee a 100% result. After all, the appearance of stretch marks depends on many factors.
Its main function is hydration and nutrition,Mamma Care Baby Bom is doing great.
Vichy Cream
This cosmetic product from the Vichy brand has a hypoallergenic composition and is suitable for all skin types. It is well absorbed and does not leave marks on the skin. It has an unobtrusive, fragrance-free odor that resembles a medicinal product.
The manufacturer positions the cream as an aid in the fight against stretch marks. He cannot guarantee their complete absence. However, the cream effectively moisturizes and nourishes the skin, improving its condition and increasing elasticity. The product contains Vichy thermal water, glycerin, silicon, bassia oil, tocopherol (vitamin E) and the amino acid hydroxyproline.
Its main disadvantages are uneconomical consumption and high price. Approximate cost - 750 rubles.
Using oils
Which cream for stretch marks is better, it's hard to say. Every woman is looking for her ideal product.
Many anti-stretch mark creams help with this cosmetic defect. However, natural oils and products based on them are even more effective. Thanks to intensive hydration, the skin is much easier to cope with weight gain. Oils nourish the skin, saturate it with vitamins and microelements, make it velvety and increase elasticity. In addition, they are absolutely safe for the he alth of developing crumbs, as they do not contain any harmful substances.
However, they also have their drawbacks. First of all, any base oil with constant useclogs pores. Therefore, the skin must be regularly cleansed with peeling based on oatmeal, coffee or sugar. Oils also absorb slowly and often leave marks on clothing.
Which oils are most effective for preventing stretch marks?
- Almond oil, thanks to vitamins A, E, F and group B, nourishes the skin and promotes the production of elastane. As a result, the skin becomes firmer and more elastic. Also, almond oil normalizes the lipid-water balance, which can be disturbed during pregnancy.
- Coconut oil fights existing stretch marks and prevents new ones from forming. Vitamin E contained in its composition makes the skin more even and protects its cells from damage.
- Apricot oil is approved for use by pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as newborns. Suitable for any skin type. It has a regenerating and toning effect.
- Olive oil is one of the most popular in the cosmetics industry. It promotes intense hydration of the skin. It is recommended to apply it twice a day to problem areas. Olive oil can be taken orally in the morning to keep the body working. But before that, it is important to familiarize yourself with its contraindications. It contains omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, which are involved in the formation of the fetus and improve the he alth of the mother. In late pregnancy, it even helps dilate the cervix.
These oils not only help to avoid stretch marks, but are also allowed during pregnancy. Cosmetologists also adviseuse essential oils that are allowed during pregnancy. They are added to creams, shower gels, lotions and scrubs, 1-2 drops each. The concentration of substances in the essential oil is so high that more is not required.
Pregnant women can add a drop of essential oils to the bath to prevent stretch marks. However, while wearing a baby, such baths should be taken very carefully, no more than 1-2 times a week with a water temperature of up to 38 degrees. The duration of the procedure is up to 15 minutes.
In the bath, you can add essential oils of almond, geranium, lavender, calendula, orange. They can also be enriched with base oils that are applied to the skin instead of a cream to prevent stretch marks. However, it should be taken into account: a number of oils during pregnancy are strictly prohibited.
Weleda Stretch Mark Oil
The Swiss company Weleda produces cosmetics based on natural ingredients. Weleda oil is especially popular for the prevention of stretch marks. It contains only natural ingredients - jojoba oil, almond oil, wheat germ, arnica, as well as a mixture of essential oils - rose, myrrh, neroli and frankincense.
The product is a moderately thick, oily liquid, with a stable, but not bright aroma. Like any natural oil, it absorbs slowly and can leave marks on clothes, so it is recommended to use it before bedtime.
Oil is one of the best moisturizers on the market. It nourishes the skin with essential substances, makes it more elastic. The product is very economically consumed due to its oilyconsistency.
It's a bit overpriced. After all, 100 ml of oil costs about 2,000 rubles. For the entire period of pregnancy, you will need several bottles. According to the observations of expectant mothers, 100 ml should be enough for 4 months.
Johnson Baby Stretch Mark Oil
This is a budget yet effective remedy for stretch marks. The oil is absolutely safe for the expectant mother and the growing baby, so you can use it from the first months of pregnancy and during lactation. It is recommended to apply the oil several times a day, applying it to problem areas.
Reviews indicate that the oil perfectly moisturizes and nourishes the skin. It is economically consumed, has a pleasant aroma. Especially effective for stretch marks that have already appeared, which become almost invisible after a few months of constant use.
During pregnancy, the oil prevents stretch marks and relieves the itching that precedes rupture of the dermis. As a result, stretch marks either do not appear at all, or gradually disappear.
Conclusion
No product can guarantee the absence of stretch marks. However, with intense moisturizing creams or oils, deep, pronounced stretch marks can be prevented.
