Over the Counter Creams for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks appear on skin that has been overstretched as a result of pregnancy, weight gain or growth spurts typical of puberty. These scars have no serious medical implications, but many people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. Several over-the-counter creams promise to vanish stretch marks, but MayoClinic.com asserts that these creams will fade stretch marks and that no treatment can completely remove them. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Formation
-
The skin contains a meshwork of connective tissue fibers called collagen and elastin. These fibers are typically elastic, but when the skin is stretched faster than the rate the fibers can grow, the collagen and elastin fibers tear, forming stretch marks. Stretch marks normally appear red and purple at first and eventually fade over time.
Mederma
-
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy promises that you will notice results in 12 weeks. Its active ingredients, cepalin, hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica, diminish discoloration, improve texture and enhance softness. In the company's latest clinical study, 80 percent of women saw significant results. You can purchase Mederma at se0veral online and in-store drugstores. A three-month supply averaged $39.99 as of March 2011.
-
Palmer's
-
Palmer's signature cocoa butter formula comes in dozens of products, including a lotion for stretch marks. Its active ingredients include cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E, collagen and elastin. Palmer's suggests using its massage lotion with the concentrated Tummy Butter during and after pregnancy to see the best results. These products are available at many drugstores nationwide and cost $5 to $8.
Revitagen
-
Revitagen Stretch Mark Cream features a dermatologist reviewed formula. Its key ingredients are cocoa butter, Siegesbeckia orientalis and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3; the two latter components are believed to increase collagen production. You can only order Revitagen online, and it costs $69.99 per tube. If you are unhappy with your results after 60 days, you can return the unused product for a full refund.
TriLASTIN
-
TriLASTIN Stretch Mark Complex uses high potency collagen, elastin and soy protein to stimulate rapid cell generation to help fade stretch marks. The company promises that you should start seeing results in three to four weeks. A one-month supply costs $79.95 and is available only on the company website. TriLASTIN also offers a 60-day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with your results.
-
