By knowing what these ingredients are and what function they serve in reducing stretch marks, the savvy consumer can ensure that whatever cream is purchased, the essential ingredients needed to reduce stretch marks will be included.

First, it is important to understand how stretch marks form in order to understand how stretch mark creams can help. The skin is composed of three layers, the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The dermis, or middle layer, is responsible for providing elasticity and structure to the skin. When this layer is damaged due to rapid expansion of the skin, such as that which occurs in pregnancy, the collagen fibers that compose this layer become stretched and damaged.

This damage results in the characteristic appearance of stretch marks, which appear reddened initially, then gradually fade to a white or a silvery appearance over time. Most research has found that stretch marks are more easily treated in the initial stages, when stretch marks are reddish or purplish in color.

Creams that are designed to reduce the appearance of stretch marks target stretch marks in several ways. Some stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin, two components of the dermis which are damaged by stretching. Some add moisture to the skin, allowing it to grow and expand more easily without being damaged. Some ingredients, such as vitamins and minerals, support the health of skin at the cellular level.
What ingredients are essential in a good stretch mark cream? The following can be considered the “who’s who” of stretch mark cream ingredients:
Aloe vera- aloe vera has long been known for its healing properties. Often used in healing mild skin conditions such as sun burns, aloe is also a wonderful moisturizer. Use daily to prevent stretch marks.

Cocoa butter- cocoa butter has natural healing properties and is an effective moisturizer. Cocoa also has antioxidant properties. Cocoa butter has been used extensively in the treatment of many skin conditions, including stretch marks.

Glycolic acid- glycolic acid is a fruit acid which comes from sugar cane. In high concentrations, glycolic acid can be harmful, so concentrations of less than 10% are often used in skin creams. Glycolic acid may be less than effective at these levels. Higher concentrations of glycolic acid are used by dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons.
Retinyl- retinyl palmitate can readily be converted to retinoic acid, which stimulates new cell growth. Topical retinoic acid can cause photosensitivity and skin irritation, therefore this form of retinoic acid is safer to use.

Shea butter- a solid fatty oil, shea butter contains stearic and oleic and is one of the best emollients around. It is incorporated into many skin care creams for this reason. It may be helpful in preventing stretch marks from forming by allowing the skin to stretch more easily.
Vitamins- vitamins C, D and E all play an important role in skin health, stimulating collagen and elastin to grow. Most stretch mark creams will contain at least one of these.
It can be confusing choosing a stretch mark cream. As long as the cream you choose contains some of these ingredients, it will likely be helpful. Just remember, no cream is guaranteed to rid you of stretch marks completely, but the use of creams designed to reduce the appearance of stretch marks may do just that.

Abdominoplasty is the only current surgical procedure that removes stretch marks; however, abdominoplasty is not designed solely for the removal of stretch marks. Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a procedure performed to improve the size and shape of the abdomen for persons who have recently lost a lot of weight, such as women who have recently given birth or people who have lost a large amount of weight due to weight loss surgery or dieting. Abdominoplasty is considered a major surgical procedure and should not be considered solely for the removal of stretch marks. The fact that stretch marks are removed during the procedure is an extra benefit of the procedure, but should not be the lone reason for having this type of surgery. If, however, you also want to contour your abdomen in addition to removing stretch marks, then abdominoplasty may be right for you.
What is abdominoplasty? A tummy tuck removes excess skin and/or fat. Weakened or separated abdominal muscles can also be restored, creating an abdomen that is much firmer and smoother. In the course of removing excess skin, stretch marks can also be excised.
Who is a good candidate for abdominoplasty? Persons considering a tummy tuck should be in good general health. Prior to having the procedure done, the surgical candidate will meet with the surgeon to discuss the procedure. At this time, the candidate’s health history, including any health problems and prior surgeries will be discussed. Expectations for the outcome of the surgery will also be discussed.

Any surgical candidate should know that abdominoplasty will not restore the abdominal contour completely or perfectly, and a realistic expectation of results is an important detail to consider. Anyone who has lost a large amount of weight may be a candidate for the procedure; however, women who are planning on having more children may want to consider putting off abdominoplasty until they have completed their family.
What needs to be done prior to surgery? Before having an abdominoplasty, you may have to have blood drawn. You may also be asked to stop taking any medications that may cause bleeding, such as aspirin. You will be counseled to stop smoking. You will need to inform your surgeon of any medications you are taking, including vitamins and supplements. You will be asked to sign a consent for surgery.

You will also be informed of the care required following surgery, what to expect in the first few days, and when to call the surgeon in the event you should suffer a complication. You will need to plan ahead if your abdominoplasty is being performed on an outpatient basis, as you will require someone to drive you home

If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Many women (60-90%, according to some studies) develop stretch marks at some point in their pregnancy. If you are Caucasian, you are more likely to develop them, and if your mother and sisters also have them, you are also more likely to get them. Your skin type may also play a role in the development of stretch marks. Other factors, such as weight gain, diet and age, have also been implicated as risk factors for stretch marks, called striae by health professionals.

What causes stretch marks? Stretch marks are caused by a stretching force on the skin (such as that which occurs when the abdomen rapidly expands to accommodate a growing fetus) resulting in damage to the dermis, the middle layer of your skin. This layer provides support and structure to your skin so that damage to this layer results in the characteristic reddish or purplish discoloration of stretch marks. Over time, these marks or lines fade to a whitish or silvery color. Although they will fade naturally, they never totally disappear.

What can be done about stretch marks after you have given birth? Most studies agree that treating stretch marks as early as possible after their development is the key to their successful removal. Most stretch marks will not go away completely (think of them as badges of honor for surviving pregnancy and childbirth), but treatment may improve their appearance greatly. The following are some treatments that are anecdotally successful in reducing stretch marks; a few have some scientific basis to back them:

• Oils- some oils, such as wheat germ oil, are a popular remedy for stretch marks. One study found that, when used in the early phase after the development of stretch marks, wheat germ oil was helpful in fading them.

• Glycolic acid- an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), glycolic acid has been used as a chemical peel by dermatologists. It is thought to work by stimulating collagen production. It is available in some over-the-counter formulations and is also available in higher strengths from a dermatologist. More than one treatment is required, and treatments may be expensive.

• Vitamin C- vitamin C is also thought to stimulate the formation of collagen. You may choose to take an oral supplement (the suggested amount is 500 mg a day), or you may buy it as a topical formulation. It is sometimes used with glycolic acid to potentiate each of their effects.

• Retinoids- retinoids belong to the vitamin A family. There are several commercial preparations of vitamin A to treat stretch marks, including Retin-A, Retinol and Tretinoin. None of these products can be used if you are pregnant or nursing. How do they work? They are thought to boost elastin and collagen formation and should be used during the early phase of stretch mark development.

• Laser treatments- various types of lasers have been used to attempt to remove stretch marks. Many firmly believe in their power to reduce the appearance of both old and new stretch marks, but be prepared: it may take several sessions to achieve the results you want, and laser therapy can be very expensive. You may be expected to pay up to $1,000.00 per session.

• Surgery- the only surgery that is guaranteed to remove stretch marks actually removes the affected skin. This type of surgery, called abdominoplasty, is often done to remove both excess fat and loose skin, sculpting the abdomen to achieve a more pleasing visual effect. It may be done under a local or general anesthetic and is not without risk. If you are choosing this route to rid yourself of stretch marks, it is important to research your surgeon and to be aware of both the risks and benefits. This surgery will not be covered under any insurance plans as it is considered to be cosmetic surgery, done only for aesthetic reasons.
Although most women will develop stretch marks during pregnancy, there are treatments available that can help fade stretch marks, although they may not get rid of them completely. Treating stretch marks soon after they appear, when they are still new, is recommended. Once they have faded to a white or silvery color they will be much more difficult to treat. If you are concerned about your stretch marks, you may want to ask your physician about any products he or she recommends. If you are nursing, you will want to keep in mind that some products cannot be used while nursing.

Stretch marks, referred to as striae by health professionals, occur when there is a rapid change in weight, usually a weight gain, such as weight gain that commonly occurs during puberty and pregnancy when the body grows rapidly and the skin becomes stretched as a result.

The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, or outermost layer, provides protection to the organs and structures beneath it; the dermis, composed of collagen and elastic fibers, provides elasticity and strength to the skin; and the hypodermis, composed of fat, whose purpose is to anchor the skin to the underlying bones and muscles.
In order to understand how specific products are used to reduce stretch marks, it is important to understand how stretch marks form. Stretch marks are formed when there is damage to the dermis, the middle layer of skin. Damage occurs from rapid stretching, resulting in tearing of this tissue.

Hormones called glucocorticoids also play a role, affecting the epidermis by inhibiting the formation of elastin and collagen fibers. The characteristic appearance of stretch marks is due to the damage to the dermal layer of the skin, which results in tiny tears in blood vessels. Stretch marks initially appear as reddish or purplish streaks or lines which show through the epidermal layer. Over time, these lines will fade to a whitish or silvery hue.
Products formulated to improve the appearance of stretch marks generally target the formation of collagen and elastin. There are several products on the market under different names; many of these products have ingredients in common:

• Retinol- Retinol is a popular stretch mark remedy. It is a form of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin. Retinol is thought to stimulate collagen production. Retinol also contains rose hip oil, which moisturizes and hydrates the skin.

• Tretinoin- (Retinoic acid) Tretinoin, also known by the name Retin-A, is also a form of vitamin A. Formal studies have shown some success when Tretinoin is used on early stretch marks. Tretinoin should not be used during pregnancy. Those using Tretinoin should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, as they may be more prone to sunburn.

• Trilastin- composed of elastin, collagen and soy protein, Trilastin offers a money-back guarantee and is touted to work on both new and old stretch marks.
• Glycolic acid- derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that can be obtained in an over-the-counter formulation or in higher concentrations from a dermatologist. It works by removing the outermost layer of skin, revealing new skin underneath.

• Vitamin C creams- vitamin C is thought to increase collagen production. Creams containing vitamin C should be used early in the development of stretch marks.
The above products are just a few of the numerous products available to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Although these products may improve the appearance of stretch marks, stretch marks are very difficult to remove completely. In general, products used to treat stretch marks should be used as early in the formation of stretch marks as possible in order to ensure the best outcome possible.

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks result from stretching of the skin. The skin is composed of three layers of skin: the epidermis, or outermost layer of skin, is the visible layer that acts as a protective barrier for all of the internal organs. The dermis lies under the epidermis and provides strength and structure to the skin, giving it its firmness and flexibility. The hypodermis (subcutis) is the innermost layer composed of connective tissue and fat. Stretch marks occur when the skin is rapidly stretched, resulting in damage to the dermis, or middle layer. When the dermis is damaged by stretching, the innermost layer of skin, the hypodermis, shows through, resulting in the characteristic appearance of stretch marks.

Who gets stretch marks?

Anyone can develop stretch marks. Children sometimes develop stretch marks during puberty, when they experience rapid growth. Anyone who experiences rapid weight gain or loss may develop stretch marks. Women are more likely to develop stretch marks than men, largely due to the rapid stretching over the skin of the abdomen during pregnancy. Body builders sometimes get stretch marks as their muscles grow.

Where do stretch marks occur?

As might be expected, stretch marks can appear almost anywhere, generally to areas where there is fat storage. They may be seen on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, breasts, lower back and arms.

What do stretch marks look like?

Initially, stretch marks appear as reddish or purplish lines on the skin that are slightly elevated above the surface of the skin. They may fade in color as they slowly flatten out. Eventually, stretch marks fade to a whitish or silvery color and may resemble scars. They may be a little lighter than your natural skin tone.

Are stretch marks harmful?

Stretch marks do not pose a concern to health. They are common and are experienced by many people. Occassionally, stretch marks may be associated with a health problem that may be more serious, but this is rare. Generally, most stretch marks do not require a visit to the doctor, but stretch marks that do not appear to be related to a rapid change in size, such as that which occurs during puberty or pregnancy, may be cause for concern. There are a few conditions associated with the development of stretch marks:

• Cushing’s syndrome- occurs when the body produces too much cortisol, a hormone that may decrease the amount of collagen in the skin. People with Cushing’s syndrome may gain weight quickly, have excess facial and body hair, and experience back pain. Anyone who has these symptoms in conjunction with stretch marks should consult their physician.
• Connective tissue disorders- rare disorders affecting collagen (connective tissue) in the body may predispose to stretch marks. Marfan syndrome and Ehlers Danlos syndrome are examples of hereditary connective tissue disorders that may cause stretch marks. These syndromes can cause ocular, skeletal and cardiac problems, so the presence of these along with stretch marks should raise concern and prompt a visit to the doctor.

How are stretch marks diagnosed?

Stretch marks are diagnosed based on their characteristic appearance. There are no diagnostic tests for stretch marks.

How are stretch marks treated?

Stretch marks do not pose a concern to health, but may be of concern cosmetically. Stretch marks can be disfiguring and some people, especially women, will be concerned about them for this reason. Treatment for stretch marks aims at reducing their appearance. Many treatments are only partially effective, and although there are many treatments commercially available that claim to be able to remove them completely, short of cosmetic surgery, few of these treatments are successful. Stretch marks fade over time, but generally do not go completely away.

• Creams and oils- there are many products available on the market for the treatment of stretch marks. Tretinoin cream (Retinova) may be helpful if used in the first weeks after stretch marks appear. It works by helping to rebuild collagen, and may diminish the appearance of stretch marks. It cannot be used during pregnancy. Other creams and oils are available; these often contain emollients and vitamin preparations.
• Laser therapy- used on newer stretch marks, pulsed dye laser therapy helps to stimulate elastin and collagen growth. It can be used on older stretch marks but may not be as effective.
• Microdermabrasion- in this procedure, a hand-held wand blows crystals onto the surface of the skin, abrading the skin’s surface. The dead cells are then removed, leaving behind new skin that may have an improved appearance. Microdermabrasion is one option for older stretch marks.
• Excimer laser- this procedure can be used on older stretch marks and works by stimulating melanin production, remodeling stretch marks so that they resemble normal skin tone, making them less visible.

When considering treatment for stretch marks, convenience, cost and expectations should be factored in. Some treatments are expensive and require a time commitment; as well, many treatments will not be covered by insurance.

Stretch marks are a common occurrence, resulting from rapid weight gain or loss. More common in women, stretch marks may appear almost anywhere on the body, including the hips, waist, back, breasts, and arms. Caused by damage to the dermis of the skin, they may be reddish or purplish in color, fading to a white or silvery color. There are several treatments available for stretch marks, ranging from creams and oils to cosmetic procedures, but none are guaranteed to be 100% effective at removing stretch marks.

Just because stretch marks are difficult to treat doesn’t mean they are impossible to treat. But, it is up to you to find a good quality cream that actually does what it claims to do. Researching several creams and listing their pros and cons, as well as researching ingredient lists, should give you all the information you need to make a well educated purchase…I know its not perfect but it is better than jumping in head first and blindfolded. Let’s take a look at this particular cream Vita-K Solution.

Pros:

• Priced perfectly between 10 and 15 dollars.
• Goes on smoothly and evenly.
• Smells pleasant.
• Makes skin incredibly soft and smooth.
• It is available in local drugstores.
• Seems to fade stretch marks for some women, dramatically, during use. Some women have stories of seeing results after just 2 applications.
• Claims to work for any type of skin discoloration.

Cons:

• Does not fill in or correct stretch marks.
• Only works as long as you are using the lotion.
• Doesn’t work for some women.
• Smells un-pleasant to some individuals.
• You have to use a large amount each time you apply it.
• In tanned or darker skin pigments, it can actually make the stretch marks stand out by turning them white.

Reviewing Vita-K solution proves a little trickier than most stretch mark creams. The greater majority of products either work or don’t, but with Vita-K Solution it can go either way. Let me explain. Doctors and surgeons have used this “revolutionary” product for years after surgery to correct and speed skin pigment back to normal. Okay, so it’s not this exact product but the active ingredient in the product, vitamin K, has been used for years for this purpose, and it generally works very well to restore normal skin tone to damaged skin. However, as with everything there is not one product that works wonders for everyone, and this happens to be one of those cases. While Vita-K solutions may not fade everyone’s stretch marks, almost every single woman I seen that used it, comments on how soft and silky it makes her skin. This softness is a result of other ingredients in the formula like sweet almond oil, coco butter, and vitamin E to name a few.

In conclusion, there are a few things you should know about Vita-K solutions. First of all it is not made, nor formulated, to correct or fill in stretch marks. It should not be compared, or even held on the same scale as products that claim to do this like StriVectin- SD, Revitol or Trilastin. It is however formulated to fade the appearance of existing marks, which it does, in most cases… while you use it. Your stretch marks will most likely reappear after you discontinue use over a period of time. Unfortunately, the only way to know if the product will work for your skin is to buy a tube and try it. The good news is the product is very reasonably priced and if in fact it does not fade your stretch marks than you haven’t lost too much. Either way you look at it the gamble is worth it, if you buy it and it fades your stretch marks you are happy, if it doesn’t fade you stretch marks, you won’t be happy but your skin will be very soft and silky, so it’s not a total loss!

Regestril  helps to prevent and reduce the appearance stretch marks by inhibiting the harmful effects of various proteolytic enzymes involved in stretch mark formation, and promoting the synthesis of matrix molecules,

What this mean is that Regestril ™ enables the skin to recover more rapidly and effectively from the stretching that skin goes through to create stria. Also this ingredient lowers the premature degradation of dermal matrix molecules (i.e. elastin and collagen) and aids in the natural restoration of the fiber network (i.e. collagen) for better looking skin.

A study on stretch marks treated with a REGESTRIL™ cream demonstrated measurable and visible improvement (Echographic & Dermatological assessment):

• Depth of stretch marks in the skin reduced by an average of 72%
• Thickness of skin increased by an average of 11%
• Faded Color and Roughness of stretch marks by an average of 22%
• Size of stretch marks reduced by an average of 27%

What are the other  ingredients in Celtrixa™?

Aqua, Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Glycerin, C12-15 alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol (and) Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose (and) Rutin (and) Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (and) Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (and) Phaseolus Lunatus (Green Bean) Extract (Regestril), Ceteareth-20

Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Panthenol, Fragrance (Parfum), Carbomer, Grape (Vitis Vinifera) Seed Extract, Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Extract, Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) Extract, Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) Extract, Algae Extract,

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi) Extract, Coneflower (Echinacea Angustifolia) Extract, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol (and) Chlorphensin (and) Benzoic acid (and) Butylene glycol (and) sorbic acid Triethanolamine

Striation is the latest stretch mark cream to hit the market. However before we take a look at the cream we must let you know that IF (and that is a big “if”) the cream works it doesn’t matter …..because you will need to take care with the free trial.  You must return the cream within 14 days. This is not enough time to evaluate how effective the stretch mark cream may be. After that they will charge your credit card every 60 days… for a low price of $99.90 …yes you read that right..almost $100 bucks for every 2 months for the rest of your LIFE. Wow. Until you cancel. (But good luck doing that)

Striation Cream

They call it a credit card rebill offer. So no matter how good the cream is, we can’t possibly recommend this to anyone.

In fact you can read their disclaimer below:

*We are so confident that you will love Striation™ Active Stretch Mark Cream that we are not only going to give you a free trial period for the full month supply, but also a RISK FREE 30-day Money back Guarantee. You will have 14 days from the date of your order to evaluate the product. If you decide you are unhappy with the product cancel at anytime. Our product will recur at a 38% savings of $60.00 off regular price, for low price of $99.90 with a fresh supply of Striation™ Active Stretch Mark Cream shipped every 60 days from the initial order as part of our Auto Delivery program. There are no obligations, you can cancel anytime by calling (888) 478-4792 for your personal RMA number.

Now lets take a look at the ingredients:

Elastatone™ - we are still looking to see what this actually does. This seems to be a proprietary ingredient.

Shea Butter - this actually is a good moisturizing agent and works well to prevent stretch marks.

Açaí, Green and White Tea extracts- Useful if you drink for anti aging but what about when applied directly to the skin? The verdict is still out on that.

Aloe Vera Extract - Aloe Vera dates back to the Ayurvedi Medicine in India and is beneficial to the skin.

Sweet Almond Oil and Vitamin E - The benefits and healing that comes from using vitamin E are almost endless, but in this particular formula they use vitamin E because of its ability to enrich, or boost, the action of the squalene oil. Vitamin E is also an amazing antioxidant, and works as a skin regeneration initiator. The combination of the two makes for one powerful skin regeneration tool. Remember regeneration of the skin is necessary to minimize the appearance of the scar/stretch mark.

Our Verdict on Striation is that it might be a great stretch mark cream but with “Free” Trial that charges your credit card almost $100 bucks until you cancel its certainly not worth the hassle.

The prevention of stretch marks should be you first concern when finding out you are pregnant, or for that matter during adolescence, body building, or any type of rapid weight gain. This is because these are the times that a stretch mark will occur. Stretch marks occur when the body goes through a sudden growth that places strain on the tissue fibers, when the tissue fibers break the stretch marks appears. The goal of the stretch mark prevention cream is to keep the skin hydrated and encourage the production of collagen and elastin. It is the active ingredients in the cream that promotes this process.

So, what are the ingredients?

Common ingredients that are effective at promoting the production of collagen and elastin, there by preventing a stretch mark are:

• Vitamin A (aka Retinol)
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Alpha hydroxy
• And Tiger’s herb

Now, just because a product does not contain all of the above ingredients does not make ineffective. As long as the product contains some of these ingredients it should be effective. However, just be sure it is a great idea to alternate. Many of these products recommend applying it several times daily, so use the actual product in the morning, then in the afternoon use a great moisturizer that has a lot to offer such as coco butter, and then at night use the stretch mark cream again. This will ensure that your body is well moisturized and that no vitamin or mineral is left out!

Basically the same ingredients are needed to fade the stretch mark as are needed to prevent it. No product, I repeat, No product is going to eliminate stretch marks! Stretch marks are scars in the dermis layer of your skin, therefore they are a permanent fixture unless you opt for some sort of surgical procedure. However, some of these creams that promote the production of collagen and elastin have proven effective at reducing their appearance. These products can be quite expensive so I would highly suggest researching the product, ingredients, and reputation before purchasing.

Everyone has their own ideas as to what makes a stretch mark fade and look less noticeable. Fact is over time the mark will fade and become less noticeable on its own. But if you simply can’t wait there are some products out there that claim to fade a mark considerably. Keep in mind however that because stretch marks are a cosmetic issue, and pose no risk to your health, these creams that claim they are going to fade your stretch marks completely are not as strictly monitored as prescription medicines. In other words there are about as many creams that claim to reduce wrinkles as there are that claim to fade your stretch marks, and you have to be careful not to spend your life savings on products that simply don’t work!

Another option is to take a natural route; there are many products out there that will help to fade the appearance of stretch marks with all natural ingredients. Any thing that contains vitamins A and E is a good choice because these two vitamins promote healthy skin, and will help to ensure no new stretch marks develop. Although, as with the other products these natural remedies can also be very expensive!

As a last resort, many women seek the advise of a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist, however others feel that these treatments are entirely too expensive. The reality of it is both treatments are expensive, creams range from $20.00 to $60.00 per bottle, and generally last only about a week because of the amount of times it is recommended that you use it (anywhere from 2-6 times daily, for 4-6 weeks). One thing to keep in mind is if you are planning on having more children surgery should not be performed as stretch marks will likely just re-develop during the pregnancy.

Whatever route you take should be your decision, and should be research thoroughly to ensure you are getting the best deal for your money (cream), or that you are a candidate for the procedure. After all, the number one thing is to keep your inside, and outside, healthy and happy as possible. Before you make any big decision remember that stretch marks have a tendency to fade on their own over time!