Can Creams Get Rid Of Stretch Marks As A Result Of Pregnancy?

Having a baby can be the most beautiful experience you have ever had. As you are looking at your body and are basking in the glow of the miracle that is growing inside your body, you suddenly noticed that you have stretch marks. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not have given stretch marks much thought because that was the last thing on your mind. But now that you are looking at your stomach more closely, you are wondering if those marks will ever go away after you have your baby.

The harsh reality is that stretch marks never completely go away. When your stomach was growing bigger, your skin was stretched to the point where the collagen beneath your skin started to break and lose its elasticity. The collagen is damaged like a broken rubber band that will not snap back in to shape. Although your stretch marks will not totally disappear, there are things that you can do to minimize their appearance. There are stretch mark creams that can help diminish those marks on your stomach.

Stretch mark creams contain certain active ingredients that promote cell renewal. These can natural or synthetic ingredients. Doctors agree that while you are pregnant, you should avoid ingredients that are synthetic that may harm the fetus growing inside. Your body absorbs whatever you put on it, and because your unborn baby is part of you, you should be very careful about what is exposed to your body. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

With that said, one of the natural ingredients that shows promising results in reducing stretch marks is the avocado. Avocado is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Certain creams contain avocado peptides that promote the production of collagen beneath your skin. In one particular cream, there is also an ingredient that is obtained from the Larch tree that is anti-inflammatory. These ingredients support cell renewal and can help the healing move along a little faster.

One natural stretch mark cream contains fruit extracts, algae and other ingredients that are good for your skin. Clinical tests show a decrease of 70 percent in the appearance of stretch marks. This cream is on the high end in price, so just be ready to spend a bit more if you want to try this.

There is an oil that is a blend of the oil from wheat germ and almonds that shows promising results. This oil also contains vitamins A and C, and the the essence from the arnica flower. Massage this oil onto the affected area in a gentle, circular motion. As you massage it in, feel the warmth of the area. You want to work in the nutrients so your skin will be nourished.

Aloe vera is well know for its hydrating and healing properties. Keep in mind that skin cells are made up of mostly water. So, water is required for cells to survive and thrive. When your skin is dehydrated, the skin cells become stressed. They do not regenerate as well. The scar will not heal as well either. A good cream should help hydrate your skin and lock in moisture. Look for a cream that contains aloe vera and shea butter.

There are creams that contain ingredients that are effective, but which should not be used during your pregnancy. Retinoids are one of them. This derivative of vitamin A stimulates the turnover rate of your skin cells. So, your old skin with the stretch mark gives way to the new, smoother looking skin. You do not want to expose your unborn child to retinoid products, so you should use a retinoid cream only after you have delivered your baby.

A rule of thumb is to apply your cream at the first sign of a stretch mark, before the scar becomes old. Massage the affected area in a circular motion several times a day. Be patient and allow the cream to work. It may take several weeks before any result can be seen. Also, what works for one person may not work for another person. Therefore, if you do not see positive results within a reasonable amount of time, try something else.