Creams and oils used to reduce stretch marks and even prevent them, must have moisturizing, healing properties and contribute to the formation of collagen and elastin fibers, such as glycolic acid, retinoic acid or chamomile oil, for example.
The use of these products can help to reorganize these fibers, reducing their size, improving the appearance of stretch marks and preventing new ones from forming, however, they are more effective on red or purple stretch marks. These stretch marks are scars that form due to the stretching of the skin over a short period of time, such as during pregnancy, growing up during puberty, or when a person experiences sudden weight changes.
In this way, the creams used to reduce and prevent stretch marks must have some substances, the main ones being:
1. Retinoic acid
Also known as tretinoin, retinoic acid can help eliminate stretch marks as it improves collagen quality and increases its production, making the skin firmer and thus reducing the thickness and length of stretch marks. In addition, retinoic acid also promotes cell renewal, improving the appearance of the skin. Here’s how to use retinoic acid to treat stretch marks.
The treatment time varies according to the size of the stretch marks and their thickness, and can be found in various concentrations with a gel or in anti-stretch mark creams.
2. Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant that removes the top layers of dead skin, revealing healthier skin and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Thus, its daily application reduces the thickness, length and color of stretch marks.
However, this ingredient can be too strong for some skin types and should be used with caution to cause skin irritation.
3. Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil can be used to reduce stretch marks, as it has a regenerating and emollient effect on the skin, in addition to being rich in fatty acids such as oleic acid, linolenic acid and vitamin A, which contribute to the reinforcement of collagen synthesis and elastin, which are essential to maintain skin firmness and elasticity.
Some creams already contain rosehip oil in their constitution, but if necessary it is possible to add the drops to an anti-stretch mark cream that does not have it, or to put them in a common moisturizing cream before applying it to the skin.
4. Camellia oil
Camellia oil is rich in essential fatty acids for skin health, such as omega 3, which reinforces elasticity, smoothness and reduces the risk of new stretch marks appearing. In addition, this oil also prevents premature aging of the skin, preventing the formation of expression lines.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that prevents premature aging of the skin, and is also essential in the production of collagen, bringing more elasticity to the skin. In addition, this vitamin also has a lightening power, which can be useful in darker stretch marks.
6. Chamomile oil
Chamomile oil strengthens the skin tissue, improving elasticity and protecting it from dryness, which is a risk factor for the formation of stretch marks. In addition, its healing properties reduce the depth of stretch marks.
7. Asian centella
Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant with many benefits for the skin, which is even indicated for those who are sensitive to cosmetics, as it can be used on very irritable skin.
This plant has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, helps in the production of collagen, proliferation and dermal remodeling, reducing the appearance of stretch marks, and improving the overall appearance of the skin.
8. Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is a great moisturizer for the skin, as it improves elasticity and reduces the risk of dryness, bringing the appearance of uniformity to the place where it was applied.
You can use just the pure oil to prevent stretch marks from pregnancy or from a diet for weight gain, or add it to an anti-stretch mark cream to enhance its effects.
9. Vitamin E
Creams rich in vitamin E provide deep hydration, reduce the chances of new stretch marks appearing, as they increase the skin’s elasticity and cause cell regeneration. In addition, vitamin E has antioxidant properties, very important to prevent premature aging of the skin. Check out 7 other benefits of vitamin E.
10. Almond oil
Almond oil has vitamin A, which helps in the production of new skin cells, smoothing the marks of stretch marks, reduces cell damage caused by time and wearing tight clothes, as well as deeply moisturizing preventing skin dryness.
