My boyfriend's mother had five children and has told me plenty on stretchmarks, but I wanted to share some information from health sources as well.
To know how to deal with them, it is good to know how they are caused. WebMD says:
"Obviously, pregnancy stretches your belly's skin. But there's more to stretch marks than that.
Genetic factors may also play a role.
"Basically, if your mother had them, you're probably going to have them," says Leslie Baumann, MD, director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Center and author of The Skin Type Solution.
Stretch marks don't look the same on everyone. The appearance of stretch marks depends on the color of your skin; they can start out pink, reddish brown, brown, or dark brown, and fade over time to a more silvery color."
When stretch marks show up, it's best to treat them as early as possible.
Research has focused on the early stages of stretch marks, when they are still red or purple and most readily respond to treatment, Baumann explains. Once stretch marks pass the initial stage, when they are red or purple, to the later stages, where they become white or silver -- often with deep indentations -- they are much more challenging to treat.
"It is crucial to moisturize," Baumann says. "Skin becomes more pliant, more plasticized, and better able to stretch when it's well hydrated."
She recommends moisturizing three or four times a day with products that contain cocoa butter or shea butter as a prime ingredient. Massage the moisturizer deep into breasts, belly, hips, and buttocks.
Many products claim to "repair" stretch marks. But only a few work, she says.
Here's a rundown of the products available for stretch mark removal and what they can -- and cannot -- do:
Wheat germ oil: There is not much scientific data on whether home remedies for stretch marks, such as wheat germ oil, can help. One recent study did find it helped improve stretch marks in their early phase.
Glycolic acid: Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid. It most likely works on stretch marks by boosting collagen production, Baumann says. Glycolic acid can also be administered in higher doses by a dermatologist. Treatment typically costs around $100 and requires three or four office visits before results will appear.
Vitamin C: Certain formulations of vitamin C may also increase collagen production and help early-stage stretch marks, Baumann says. For maximum effect, combine with glycolic acid. Vitamin C supplements may also be effective. She suggests 500 milligrams three times a day.
Peptide-containing products: Peptide-containing products are widely marketed as "repair" creams and are a waste of time and money, Baumann says. Despite commercial claims, there is no convincing data that these work.
Let me stress that the peptides you say will help, WILL NOT help. Don't waste your money!!
