Stretch marks are proof, if there is one, that nature is not always so well done. Because, even in the case of pregnancy, the deep tissues are not strong enough to prevent tears. Whatever their different causes, anti-stretch mark treatments and creams exist to prevent or to cure.

Whether it is to prevent or erase, anti-stretch mark treatments are aimed above all at repairing tissues and restarting fiber production.

Prevent the appearance of stretch marks with an anti-stretch mark cream or oil

When it is possible to predict stretch marks, such as during pregnancy, the priority is to maintain the elasticity of the skin thanks to a moisturizing and nourishing complex. A gentle massage associated with a cream or an oil, or even both alternately, every day, morning and evening, stimulates the production of skin fibers (collagen, elastin).

Choose formulations where natural ingredients come first. In this way, avoid applying mineral oils (The liquid parraffinum ou מינעראַל בוימל) which originate from the petrochemical industry.

Shea butter, for example, is a very interesting ingredient. You can find it “natural”, it will nevertheless be less manageable than integrated into a product.

Vegetable oils are widely used today and can play an important role in preventing stretch marks. Choose organic oils preferably, jojoba, sweet almond, evening primrose or avocado, and massage gently.

You can of course mix several. Or, more simply, turn to recognized and natural brands that offer anti-stretch mark massage oils that penetrate well, making it easier to get dressed.

For good results, the important thing is to start caring for your skin, especially on the stomach, from the start of pregnancy.

Reduce stretch marks with targeted care

Many different textures are commercially available for stretch marks already installed: creams, oils or gels. They are generally presented under the term “restructuring”. They are indeed intended to restore the areas damaged by stretch marks in order to smooth them and lighten a little any purplish colorings.

However, wanting to erase stretch marks that are already there is akin to wanting to erase scars. It is therefore not impossible but it will never be 100% effective to the point of completely smoothing the skin. And most importantly, this cannot be done just by applying creams or oils.

For a more interesting result on the coloring, only a dermatologist can prescribe an ointment, based on acidic vitamin A. It can act on the coloring of still recent stretch marks, but it is not compatible with pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding.

In all other cases, for best results, treatment with a dermatologist or cosmetic doctor should be considered. It will vary depending on the nature and intensity of the stretch marks. This can range from laser peels to carboxytherapy, in other words the injection of carbon dioxide. In any case, these anti-stretch mark medical treatments require several sessions to show their effectiveness.

Stretch marks: the causes

Tears of collagen and elastin fibers in the deep layers of the skin, stretch marks primarily affect women, but do not spare some men. They appear as zebra-like or mottled lines, from purple to white, that appear on the surface of the skin.

Present on the stomach, thighs or buttocks mostly, stretch marks can also affect other parts of the body. This is particularly the case in people who suddenly gain muscle mass on the arms or pecs.

Caused among other things by weight gain, even minimal, or by hormones, stretch marks are however most often associated with pregnancy. It is indeed during this period that the tension on the tissues is the most important.

Stretch marks: the consequences

Even though they are completely natural, stretch marks often cause cosmetic discomfort. Whether for yourself in front of the mirror, in your life as a couple or at the beach.

Fortunately, care and creams both prevent, or in any case limit, the appearance of stretch marks, and reduce them when they are present.