No one invited them, we didn’t change our usual routine, but one fine day they are there without notice: stretch marks† As happens with cellulite or varicose veins, stretch marks are one of those changes that we would like to be able to prevent them or, if we have them, visibly reduce them as far as possible. They are nothing strange or strange, but these elongated and fine lines, some whitish, others more pink or reddish, are something of the most common in a high percentage of men and women† Almost all of us have stretch marks in one part of our body, the most common are usually in the thighs, hips, buttocks, chest or abdomen -and if you don’t have them, you’re in luck-.
Why do stretch marks appear?
As explained in the Mayo Clinic, “the cause of stretch marks is the” Skin strengthening† Severity is influenced by several factors, including your genetics and the level of stress on the skin. Your level of the hormone cortisol may also play a role. Cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, weakens the elastic fibers in the skin. These irregular lines, which may be reddish at first, to later take on the appearance of a whitish scar, therefore occur when there is a large stretch -more or less abrupt-, causing the breakdown of elastin and collagen fibres, natural body proteins that provide firmness, flexibility and elasticity of the skin. One of the most common causes of this stretching we find the rapid and noticeable weight changes, pregnancy and lactation, growth spurt in adolescence, strong muscle development -as in bodybuilding-, corticosteroids or just a genetic problem linked to family history.
How can I prevent stretch marks?
Every day we can learn healthy habits that will help us not only to avoid its appearance, but also to have healthy and nourished skin.
- Hydrates the skin with specific oils or creams to help you avoid bloating, for example during pregnancy.
- take one balanced diet with foods rich in vitamins A, C and D† The Vitamin A It promotes tissue composition, in addition to being an antioxidant. You can find it in carrots or spinach, for example. The vitamin C It is another powerful antioxidant that is vital for repairing the skin’s connective tissue. It is found in kiwi, red bell pepper, broccoli, parsley, persimmons, papayas and citrus fruits. referring to vitamin DIt is necessary for the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium, in addition to being an antioxidant and important for the proper functioning of the immune system, and helps prevent premature aging of the skin. So include blue fish, eggs or mushrooms in your diet.
- To remember hydrate yourself inside tootwo liters of water per day is more than recommended to maintain the elasticity of the skin.
The best treatments to reduce and prevent stretch marks
As with cellulite, it’s practically impossible to completely erase it as if it had never been there, but that doesn’t mean we can’t combat and visibly reduce† In addition to aesthetic treatments and techniques such as chemical peeling, biodermogenesis, microdermabrasion or CO2 laser, we can reduce them at home by using the best products to minimize them. we suggest 12 effective creams and oils that help you fight stretch marks from today.
Body oil Golden Radiance is the all-in-one body oil from Freshly Cosmetics. A 100% natural product that concentrates the action of 12 vegetable oils to nourish and hydrate the skin, improving the appearance of stretch marks and scars thanks to its antioxidant and regenerating power. The composition includes high-quality, first cold-pressed vegetable oils such as virgin marula, virgin chia, organic babassu, organic jojoba, rosehip, organic hazelnut and macadamia (€ 19.50).
BodyPartner It is a fine and silky, high-tolerance cream that helps prevent stretch marks during weight changes (especially during pregnancy and puberty) and reduces the appearance of pre-existing stretch marks. The expert formula combines active ingredients that help improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin, as well as completely calm the inflammation associated with the appearance of stretch marks. The composition has been reduced to the essentials to ensure that the formula is safe for all skin types. The main assets include gotu kola, banana and hazelnut (€25.92).
E’lifexir Anti Stretch Marks It is formulated with green bean extract that stops the appearance of stretch marks; Rutin, which enhances skin flexibility and Lipopeptide PAL-GQPR, to rebuild damaged tissue and reduce the depth of stretch marks. Formulated with shea butter and cocoa butter for increased recovery and hydration (€13.70).
Nivea Q10 Multi Power 7in1 Firming Oil + Anti-stretch marks firms the skin and reduces the appearance of stretch marks, creating an even complexion. The formula of this firming oil, enriched with coenzyme Q10 and avocado, macadamia and cottonseed oils, improves the elasticity of the skin, intensely moisturizes it and gives a feeling of softness and suppleness. In addition, the texture in oil spreads easily (€5.49).
Multi-correcting body oil from Biotherm, is a stretch mark correcting body oil that improves elasticity and deeply nourishes the skin of the whole body. The ideal treatment for those who want to prevent or treat stretch marks, combat dryness and tightness. It has a high concentration of natural oils, including olive oil and sweet almond oil. In addition, it is enriched with Life Plankton™ water with a high regenerative capacity (€39.99).
Improve the appearance of your skin with Cica-Oil Dermatological Oil from Uriage, a powerful formula that helps to achieve a smoother, more refined look. With the GF-Repair patent, the oil supports the skin’s natural repair processes to reduce traces. Added tamanu oil is packed with polyphenols that help skin maintain a normal, healthy-looking surface. It also contains jojova oil, an ingredient rich in fatty acids that has a protective and caring effect on the skin, as well as avocado oil with vitamins C and E (€16.45).
Formulated with the alchemilla-ivy-horsetail plant complex, the non-greasy solution Phytolastil solute de Lierac is in favor of the correction of applied stretch marks. It is recommended to apply it morning and evening with a light massage, for 8 weeks, until the product has fully penetrated into the affected areas (€29.90).
The company is launching a powerful skin care oil that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and pimples thanks to the combination of plant extracts and vitamins A and E. In the formulation, it contains calendula, lavender, rosemary and chamomile oil. Contains PurCellin Oil that makes the oil lighter (€18.73).
Elastic-Fantastic is a nourishing cream for stretch marks made with all-natural ingredients, in addition to being vegan. Among the star components, it has horsetail leaf extract -softens wrinkles, improves elasticity and fights stretch marks, chlorella extract -full of B vitamins, magnesium and zinc and organic shea butter -rich in vitamins A and E- (30 €) .
To reduce the depth, length and roughness of the spots caused by stretch marks distensae, Estryses It contains a complex of ingredients that reduce stretch marks and work by moisturizing, reactivating the skin, increasing resistance and elasticity, reducing flaccidity and stimulating collagen synthesis. At the base of the composition we find rosehip, centella asiatica and peptides (€ 29.99).
the cream ISDIN WOMAN Anti stretch marks It is formulated to prevent and reduce them, in addition to promoting intense hydration for a more nourished and smoother skin. The formulation is composed of centella asiatica triterpenes that stimulate collagen biosynthesis and fibronectin production; rosehip oil, rich in essential fatty acids; Shorea butter, with omega 6 and 9; and vitamin E, a known antioxidant (€21.91).
the cream Stretch Marks Belly Cream Helps prevent and reduce stretch marks during and after pregnancy. The extra mild formula is enriched with natural and active ingredients with recognized properties, such as rice milk, aloe vera and sweet almond oil, rich in proteins and vitamins (€ 19.50).
Source: Marie Claire
