Heads up: Stretch marks are common in 43-88% of pregnancies and in 86% of teens. They are completely normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Still, not everyone wants them to stay. This is where stretch marks creams come in. These creams are specially formulated to nourish, hydrate, and improve your skin’s elasticity – together these help minimise the appearance of those stubborn marks. Amazing, right?
If you have been wondering which cream to choose and what really works, this guide is for you. It has everything you need to know to choose the best stretch marks cream. Read on!
What Are Stretch Marks & Why Do They Happen?
Medically, stretch marks are known as striae distensae. They appear as streaks or lines on the skin. This usually happens when your skin is stretched rapidly, causing tiny tears in the dermis layer. Initially, your stretch marks may look red, purple, or brown. However, as they age, they fade to a lighter shade.
The common causes of stretch marks include:
- Pregnancy and rapid belly growth
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Teen growth spurts
- Genetics
You may notice stretch marks on your stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, or lower back. Although harmless, many people want to reduce their visibility for smoother, even-toned skin. And a good stretch marks cream can come handy in this case.
What Is a Stretch Marks Cream & How Does It Work?
Unlike regular moisturisers, a stretch marks cream contains active ingredients that:
- Deeply hydrate the skin
- Boost collagen and elastin production
- Reduce discolouration and improve skin tone
- Soften and smooth the texture of affected areas
When applied consistently, these creams can fade existing stretch marks and prevent new ones from forming. This happens due to the ingredients present in these creams. Let us take a look at them in the next section.
Key Ingredients in the Best Stretch Marks Cream
To ensure you get real results, it is best to look for proven ingredients in your stretch marks cream. Some of these include:
- Striover
Striover is a clinically backed active that combines two traditional Chinese herbs, Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula. Its regular use may help visibly improve stretch marks in 28 days.
- Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a hydration powerhouse. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This helps plump the skin and improve its flexibility. Additionally, well-hydrated skin is less likely to tear, which means fewer new stretch marks.
- Ghee
Ghee is an age-old remedy for healthy and nourished skin. Research suggests it can protect your skin barrier and promote collagen production. Both of these are important to prevent and fade stretch marks.
- Coffee
Coffee contains caffeine, a natural ingredient that offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Due to this, it may help soothe your skin. It can also help calm the redness associated with stretch marks.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a skin-soothing superstar. A study suggests that it may help reduce itching and redness and prevent the formation of stretch marks. Since aloe vera also hydrates your skin, it can help make your skin look plumper. This can support the fading of older stretch marks.
- Centella Asiatica
Centella asiatica is a popular skincare ingredient that is gentle on the skin. It helps improve collagen and elastin production. This may help prevent new stretch marks and fade the appearance of existing ones.
If you are looking for a cream with some of these best ingredients, AreoVeda’s Stretch Marks Cream is an excellent choice. It contains Striover that visibly improves the appearance of stretch marks within 28 days. The cream also includes Hyaluronic Acid, Ghee, and Aloe Vera. What makes this cream unique is CryoCoffee. This is coffee microsized to about 45 microns and cooled at ultra-low temperatures. Why does this matter? The cooling process helps preserve all the therapeutic properties of coffee to a greater extent. And the smaller particle size means it absorbs better into the skin, delivering maximum benefits.
Not just this, AreoVeda’s Stretch Marks Cream is EWG verified, which means it is free of toxins. It is also Ecocert Certified, which means it contains over 98% natural ingredients. And most importantly, this cream for stretch marks is Cellularly Proven. In simple words, it is tested on lab-grown human skin cells for safety and efficacy.
When Should You Start Using Stretch Marks Cream?
Ideally, you should use stretch marks cream as early as possible if you are pregnant. It is also recommended that you use this in the postpartum period to continue fading stretch marks. During weight changes, it is best to use it at the first sign of stretch marks. If you are on a weight loss journey, it is best to use the cream as soon as you embark on it. Teens can also use a stretch marks cream during growth spurts to prevent stretch marks.
Final Thoughts
Stretch marks are completely natural and a sign that your body has gone through growth, change, or an incredible journey like pregnancy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having them. Still, if you want to make them less visible, a good stretch marks cream can be a game-changer. The key is consistency and choosing the right formulation, just like AreoVeda’s Stretch Marks Cream.
