- 1. Retinoic acid
- 2. Vitamin E
- 3. Rosehip oil
- 4. Camelina oil
- 5. Vitamin C
- 7. Asian spark
- 8. Glycolic acid
- 9. Chamomile oil
- 10. Sweet almond oil
Stretch marks are scars on the skin that are formed due to the collagen and elastin rupture, when the skin stretches a lot in a short period of time such as during pregnancy, during growth during puberty, or when the person undergoes sudden weight changes.
The use of stretch mark creams helps to reorganize these fibers, decreasing the amount and appearance of stretch marks, being, however, more effective in red or purple stretch marks. Learn how to identify stretch marks.
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 the stretch marks.
In addition, retinoic acid also promotes cell renewal, improving the appearance of the skin. The treatment time varies according to the size of the stretch marks and their thickness. See more about retinoic acid for stretch marks.
Retinoic acid is available in various concentrations in anti-stretch mark creams, as is the case with Cicatricure gel.
2. Vitamin E
Creams rich in vitamin E provide deep hydration and reduce the chances of new stretch marks, as they increase the skin's elasticity. In addition, vitamin E has anti-oxidant properties, very important to prevent skin aging. Learn more about this vitamin.
Vitamin E is present in many anti-stretch mark creams, such as Velastisa anti-stretch marks, Bio-oil or Cicatricure anti-stretch cream, for example.
3. Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil can be used to relieve stretch marks, as it has a powerful regenerating and emollient effect on the skin and is rich in fatty acids such as oleic acid, linolenic acid and vitamin A that contribute to the strengthening of collagen and elastin synthesis, which are very important for maintaining the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Some creams already contain rosehip oil in their constitution, as is the case of Velastisa anti-stretch mark cream and Stretch prevention oil from Mustela, however a few drops can be added to an anti-stretch mark cream before the moment of application..
4. Camelina oil
Cameline oil is rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega 3, which strengthens the skin's elasticity and smoothness and reduces the risk of stretch marks. This oil also prevents premature skin aging.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant that prevents skin aging, and is also essential in the production of collagen, thus providing more elasticity to the skin. In addition, this vitamin also has a lightening power, which can be useful in darker stretch marks. Learn more about this vitamin.
7. Asian spark
The Asian spark is a medicinal plant with many benefits for the skin. This plant helps to prevent the appearance of stretch marks due to its healing properties, since it stimulates the production of collagen. See more health benefits of the Asian spark.
The Asian spark is present in anti-stretch mark creams like Velastisa anti-stretch marks, Cicatricure anti-stretch marks or Cicatricure gel.
8. Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is a chemical scrub that removes the top layers of dead skin, revealing healthy skin underneath. Thus, its daily application will reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, this ingredient can be very strong for some skin types and should be used with caution.
Glycolic acid can be found in Ligia Kogos stretch mark cream.
9. Chamomile oil
Chamomile oil strengthens skin tissue, improving elasticity and protecting it from dryness. In addition, it also has healing properties, being a good ingredient for an anti-stretch mark cream.
There are some creams with chamomile oil like Cicatricure gel and Bio-oil, for example.
10. Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is a great moisturizer for the skin, improving its elasticity. Only the oil can be used to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, or added to an anti-stretch mark cream to enhance its effects. See more about this oil.
Many anti-stretch mark creams already have almond oil in their composition, such as the hydrating lotion Hidramamy or the body lotion Materskin.
It is recommended to apply the cream in all the places affected by stretch marks, with a massage, in order to absorb the product. If the cream is used to prevent the appearance of stretch marks, it should be applied to the regions most prone to its development, such as the belly, bottom of the back, breasts, and thighs.
Watch the following video and see other techniques that can be used to eliminate stretch marks:
