The creams and oils used to reduce stretch marks and even prevent them, must have moisturizing and 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.
Stretch marks are scars that form due to the stretching of the skin over a short period of time, such as during pregnancy, growth during puberty, or when a person suffers sudden weight changes.
Main ingredients
Creams used to reduce and prevent stretch marks must contain some substances, the main ones being:
1. Retinoic acid
Also known as tretinoin, retinoic acid can help eliminate stretch marks, as it improves the quality of collagen and increases its production, making the skin firmer and thus reducing the thickness and length of stretch marks. Furthermore, retinoic acid also promotes cell renewal, improving the appearance of the skin. See how to use retinoic acid to treat stretch marks.
Treatment time varies depending on the size of the stretch marks and their thickness, and can be found in various concentrations with gel or 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. Therefore, its application, which must be daily, reduces the thickness, length and color of stretch marks.
However, this ingredient may be too strong for some skin types and should be used with caution to avoid 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 reinforcing collagen synthesis and elastin, which are essential for maintaining the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Some creams already contain rosehip oil in their composition, but if necessary it is possible to add the drops to an anti-stretch mark cream that does not have it, or place them in a common moisturizing cream before applying to the skin.
4. Camelina oil
Camelina 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. Furthermore, this oil also prevents premature aging of the skin, preventing the formation of expression lines.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that prevents premature skin aging, and is also essential in the production of collagen, bringing more elasticity to the skin. Furthermore, this vitamin also has lightening power, which could be useful for darker stretch marks.
6. Chamomile oil
Chamomile oil strengthens skin tissue, improving elasticity and protecting it from dryness, which is a risk factor for the formation of stretch marks. Furthermore, its healing properties reduce the depth of stretch marks.
7. Centella asiatica
Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant with many benefits for the skin, which is even recommended 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 a uniform appearance to the area where it was applied.
You can use just the pure oil to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy or weight gain, or you can also add it to an anti-stretch mark cream to enhance its effects.
9. Vitamin E
Creams rich in vitamin E provide deep hydration and reduce the chances of new stretch marks appearing, as they increase skin elasticity and trigger cell regeneration. Furthermore, vitamin E has antioxidant properties, which is very important for preventing premature skin aging. 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, softening stretch marks, reduces cell damage caused by time and wearing tight clothes, in addition to deeply hydrating, preventing skin dryness.
Watch the following video and see other techniques that can be used to eliminate stretch marks:
