Stretch marks commonly appear on the surface of the skin during times in which the body is undergoing extreme hormonal fluctuations associated with rapid weight gain. Typical causes of stretch marks, beyond genetics, are pregnancy, weightlifting and growth spurts. Contrary to their name, stretch marks are not the result of stretched skin but rather the effect of collagen breaking down in the epidermis. Because of this, various creams are effective in treating the scars and healing the skin.
Step 1
Moisturize your skin. Whether your stretch marks are just beginning to appear or if they are years old, moisturizing the affected area is the first step in healing the damaged skin. Cocoa butter is extremely effective in preventing and healing skin scarred by stretch marks. You can buy cocoa butter creams or, for a more intensive formulation, 100 percent cocoa butter sticks.
Step 2
Look for effective ingredients for treating stretch marks. Just as stretch marks vary, so do the ingredients companies use to treat them. Your stretch marks may be deep purple ridges or they may be pale silvery lines. There may be just a few or they may cover a large area. Great natural ingredients include shea butter, cocoa butter, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Some creams have alpha hydroxy acid for ridding the epidermis of dead skin cells.
Step 3
Consider prescription formulations. Many contain peptides, an element that builds collagen in injured skin. Sigesbeckia orientalis smooths out the injured skin’s ridges and bumps. Mederma prescription stretch mark cream softens scarred skin. Trilastin is a popular stretch mark cream that has a patented Filling Microsphere formula. ZENMED Stretta removes dead skin cells. Revitol is used to boost skin’s collagen production.
Step 4
Apply the stretch mark cream consistently. Follow the directions of the given formulation, paying particular attention to applying after bathing. Removing stretch marks with creams is not an overnight procedure, so the process demands patience and perseverance to achieve results. Maintain your moisturizing routine as well, unless the stretch mark cream prohibits it.
Step 5
Practice a healthy skin lifestyle during and after the process of removing the stretch marks. Stay hydrated and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid exposing the healing skin to extensive bright sunshine.
Warnings
- Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult a doctor or homeopath before using creams with prescription ingredients or high concentrations of botanical ingredients.
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