Skin Care Solutions for Stretch Marks
Who Gets Stretch Marks, And Why
- Stretch marks, also known as striae, are pink, purple or red streaks that appear on the stomach, thighs and other areas of the body.
- These scars are caused by the physical stretching of the dermis (middle) layer of the skin, usually due to weight gain, growth spurts in adolescents or during pregnancy.
- Widespread stretch marks can also be the result of Cushing's syndrome or a similar adrenal gland disease. If you think you could be suffering from Cushing's syndrome, please consult your physician immediately.
- Treatments can help fade the appearance of stretch marks over time, but it's impossible to completely remove them.
Product Recommendation
Pregnancy Specific
Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil helps keep skin elastic and firm to aid in the prevention of stretch marks with Wheat Germ, Jojoba and Arnica.
Primavera Pregnancy Oil is perfect to massage in at night to help hydrate and care for stressed skin as it contains Wheat Germ Oil, a natural source of Vitamin E.
Erbaviva Stretch Mark Oil softens, protects and moisturizes with nourishing Wheat Germ oil blended with Rose and Carrot Seed essential oils.
Erbaviva Stretch Mark Cream is formulated with beneficial Shea Butter, Sea Buckthorn and Feverfew extracts combined with Rose and Carrot Seed essential oils to help protect skin.
General
Revolution Organics All-Over Body Balm deeply penetrates skin with a concentrated blend of Cocoa butter and Shea butter along with other protective ingredients to help heal present stretch marks or prevent new ones from appearing.
Weleda's Blackthorn Body Oil heals, firms and helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks with Blackthorn blossom and Birch leaf extracts blended into a hydrating Sunflower Seed and Jojoba oil base.
Key Ingredients to help this condition
Birch
Long known for it's purifying and detoxifying effects, Birch leaf extract fortifies skin with a high level of tannins, flavonoids and saponins. Also helps against muscle soreness and bruises, promotes the excretion of fluids and increases metabolic activity.
Shea
Rich in saturated and unsaturated fatty acids along with Vitamin E and Carotene, Shea softens and smoothes skin. It also protects against dryness, environmental damage and accelerates the healing of superficial wounds and irritations.
Wheat Germ Oil
Known to help restore skin, refine its texture and keep the connective tissue healthy, antioxidant-rich Wheat Germ contains high amounts of Vitamin E, Lecithin and essential fatty acids.
Alternative Recommendation
There is no way to completely prevent stretch marks, especially during pregnancy. By maintaining a healthy weight through a good diet and consistent exercise the risk of getting stretch marks can be reduced. Using a cream or oil, like the ones mentioned above, can help fade or even prevent marks, but they can still occur.
