How to Compare Stretch Mark Creams
Stretch mark creams claim to be able to erase or minimize the appearance of stretch marks, or striae distensae, as they are known medically. But not all skin care products perform as promised. Knowing how to compare stretch mark creams will help you make smart buying choices. You'll save money by avoiding products that don't work. Better yet, you'll lose some of your stretch marks when you find a stretch mark cream that does work. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Understand what stretch marks are. Stretch marks are permanent white or reddish scars that look like stripes on the skin. Stretch marks are caused by the distension of skin due to weight gain, pregnancy or dramatic growth. Anybody can get stretch marks, but changes in hormone production seem to be associated with the formation of stretch marks. Some people are much more susceptible than others to stretch marks, which indicates a genetic component too.
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Examine the ingredient list on the stretch mark cream package. Take a note pad and pen with you to the store. Note the active ingredients on the package and the order in which they are listed. Use your list later when you research the ingredients and compare different stretch mark cream brands.
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Research the active ingredients contained in the stretch mark cream. Use the Internet and search the ingredient names (see Resources below). Look for clinical research data showing effectiveness. Some stretch mark cream makers say their ingredients are effective, but there's actually no clinical evidence. Other stretch mark creams actually do contain effective ingredients.
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Look for active ingredients that act on the deeper layers of the skin. Stretch marks originate in the deepest layers of the skin, so regular skin creams will do little to minimize the appearance of stretch marks. In general, stretch mark creams that are effective will contain ingredients that have been proven to reduce scars in general.
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Look at the inactive ingredients in the stretch mark cream. The active ingredients in effective stretch mark creams may cause minor skin irritation at first. Extra fragrances or colorings may further irritate your skin. Besides, extra ingredients cost money.
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Look at the price and packaging of the stretch mark cream. Fancy packaging adds cost, but does not add effectiveness to the stretch mark cream. Also, a high price does not increase effectiveness.
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Consider where the stretch mark cream is sold. High end retail establishments pass along their high end overhead costs in the price of their products. So, the extra money you pay for a stretch mark cream from a fancy department store does not mean you are getting a better product.
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Compare regular scar reducing creams along with specialized stretch mark creams. After all stretch marks are scars. What works on other scars should work well on stretch marks, and may be less expensive. And the active ingredients may be more concentrated.
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Tips & Warnings
Protect stretch marks from sun exposure. Sun exposure inhibits the ability of the skin to heal itself. New stretch marks may fade a bit over time, but exposing them to the sun will reduce the desired fading. Sun exposure may also intensify the appearance of older stretch marks.
