Stretch Mark Removal Creams: What Makes Them Effective?

Stretch mark removal creams are only as effective as the
ingredients they contain combined with the delivery methods they
utilize to carry the actives deep into the skin.

By law, most products (including stretch mark removal creams)
must list their ingredients in order from the most ingredient
being first to the least ingredient being last. Most creams on
the market contain water as the first ingredient. Some also have
a lot of additives and fillers listed before the actual key or
effective "active" ingredients. The further down the list the
key ingredients are listed, the less of each of these
ingredients the cream actually contains.

So basically, if a cream is going to help get rid of stretch
marks, it must contain high amounts of the essential key
ingredients that are crucial for skin repair. Some key vital
ingredients in a stretch mark cream include collagen and
elastin, but the ingredients alone won't help much. They must be
delivered `deeply' into the skin where they can go to work.

A good treatment for stretch marks must also have an effective
delivery system such as emu oil or liposomes (or both if
possible). These `carrier' ingredients help to deliver the key
ingredients down to the damaged area where they can help get rid
of stretch marks.

We have three layers of skin: the epidermis (or outer layer),
the dermis (or middle layer) and the subcutaneous stratum (or
deepest layer). Stretch marks are also known as stria atrophica
and striae distensae. They occur in the dermis which is the
elastic, resilient middle layer. This middle layer allows the
skin to retain its shape.

When the dermis is constantly stretched, the skin becomes less
elastic and the connective fibers break down leaving behind tiny
tears in the skin known as stretch marks.

There are various treatments for stretch marks including laser
surgery, creams and in some cases tummy tucks. Although there is
no one treatment that is 100% effective in completely getting
rid of stretch marks for every person, technological advances
have brought about success for many seeking to rid their body of
the marks.

75 to 90 percent of all pregnant women develop stretch marks
during pregnancy, but they aren't the only ones susceptible.
Young adults who experience growth spurts and bodybuilders who
practice strenuous and repetitive exercise are likely to get
stretch marks.

One thing is certain. Knowing where to turn to for help with
stretch marks is not easy. Who do you turn to? How do you know
which cream to try or which company to trust?

Here are some simple guidelines to go by when looking for a
stretch mark cream online.

* Does the product have good ingredients? Also, does the
product contain "high" amounts of these ingredients? (some
creams only have enough of an ingredient to `legally' be able to
say that their cream contains the ingredient)

* Does the product have a good "delivery" system such as emu
oil, liposomes or some other type of `carrier'?

* Does the company have a professional website with access to
their contact information such as their address and phone
number? (be leery of websites that do not provide their contact
information)

* Does the company have user testimonials about the cream?

* Most importantly, what kind of guarantee does the company
offer for the cream? (be leery of companies that offer you the
"moon" - - - especially if they do not have a "strong" money
back guarantee)

About The Author: http://www.spasentiments.com was originally
founded in 1998 as Bodies By Design. The company's focus is on
stretch mark removal creams and treatments made from fresh,
pure, and helpful ingredients.

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How Effective Are Stretch Mark Creams?

You have probably heard the news by now but if you haven't I will repeat it. There are methods of lessening the appearance of your stretch marks. The most common of them at the moment is stretch mark cream.

The rich first realised that surgical procedures could be undergone to enojoy the removal of unsightly stretch marks from your life but quite obviously this option didn't fit the price bracket or the comfort bracket of millions of women suffering from the condition scientifically known as Striea.

So as they do, scientists band together in their labs to invent the now popular stretch mark creams that can be seen from a simple websearch for stretch mark cream. Creams have been around for the last few years but have so far gained popularity on the internet more so than in the offline world.

So what do stretch mark creams do? After all it is the belief of most people that there is in fact no reliable cure for Striea.

Basically a stretch mark is a tear or damaging of the underlying tissue of the skin cells. The job of a good cream is to penetrate deep enough into the skin that it can actually affect and by certain means heal and repair this damaged tissue causing a visible difference to the physical appearance of the skin.

For the most part creams are compounds of natural ingredients and hence although they can be powerful do not require prescription. Keeping this in mind though, if you are looking at actually purchasing cream, a few things should be considered.

Firstly you need to look on which level the formula really works. Some work on the outward appearance of the skin and work to tighten and firm the layers of skin nearest the surface and in doing so alter the skins appearance. While these can produce results in changing the appearance of your marks they won't actually penetrate to the cause of the mark and work to fully heal it so that the mark that you see can eventually disappear.

The other type of creams, the more effective and powerful type that is works on what is called a trans cellular level meaning that the active ingredients of the cream actually penetrates to the tissues below the surface of the skin to cause internal and hence more effective and longer lasting healing. It is when these tissues are healed, along with the combination of a healthy diet, will result in permanent removal of marks.

Stretch mark creams retail on the market anywhere from $20 to $80 per bottle/jar/tube etc. Generally you will find that the second type of cream mentioned will be at the higher end of the price scale due to the more advanced actions it performs and the more advanced technology they require, while the first type while being less effective will often be sold at the lower price.

Gary Stephens is a skin care product reviewer and runs an informational website dedicated to demystifying the new stretch mark cream Trilastin.

For more information please see http://www.trilastinreview.com

Can Teenagers Get Stretch Marks?

This is a question that has been asked a number of times by our
young teen readers. They are generally beyond puberty and are
experiencing growth spurts that are stretching their bodies, and
skin, to the max. So, can teenagers get stretch marks? Of course
they can!

Even though a teenager's skin will tend to have more elasticity
and flexibility than adults, they can still experience stretch
marks because of rapid body growth. As their hormonal balance
changes and their bodies undergo dramatic changes, body shape
moves toward that of a mature adult.

As this process takes place, especially for females, the hips
(including buttocks) and thighs can quickly take on more weight.
They may also experience rapid growth of their breasts. Despite
their youthful skin, the rapidity in which the skin is expected
to adjust to this new growth may be overwhelming. The result –
skin damage in the form of stretch marks.

Stretch marks can also develop in the teen years if weight
becomes an issue. As a matter of fact, being overweight in your
formative years can almost guarantee that some skin damage will
occur as your body grows. This can place excessive strain on
your skin tissue at a time when weight should be kept under
control.

How to Prevent Stretch Marks in Your Teens

If you are concerned about developing stretch marks as your
body grows, you can take actions that will help you beat the
odds. To accomplish this, you will need to focus on a program
that emphasizes skin health. The following skin care tips can
really make a difference:

~ Maintain an Ideal Weight
Putting excess strain on your skin's tissue, at a time of
maximum body growth, by gaining additional pounds can be a
dangerous combination. Try to maintain an ideal weight for your
height and frame size. Not only will your skin appreciate it,
but you will look and feel much better.

~ Use Quality Moisture Creams
Help your teenage skin by applying a generous portion of skin
moisturizer every morning after your shower and then in the
evening before bed. Apply the cream or lotion to the high risk
areas (thighs, buttocks, breasts, upper arms, etc.) to help your
skin stay healthy and supple.

~ Take Nutritional Supplements
Certain vitamins are suggested to help keep the skin soft and
flexible when taken on a regular basis. Vitamin E is well known
for its qualities as a skin and hair maintenance supplement. A
good multivitamin, supplemented with a natural Vitamin E
capsule, will help your body at a time when it is under extreme
stress.

Remember - all is not lost! So, can teenagers get stretch
marks – of course they can. Can they do something about it – you
bet! A little effort on your part can make the difference
between a line of ugly stretch marks and soft, smooth, supple
skin. The choice is yours!

About The Author: Bill Wilson is a professional writer for many
popular online publications. To learn how to prevent stretch
marks, visit http://www.stretchmarkmagic.com or for teens, visit
http://www.stretchmarkmagic.com/stretch-mark-prevention/teenagers-get-stretch-marks-30/

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