Removing Stretch Marks with Stretch Mark Creams

Stretch marks are horrible things. It doesn’t matter if you have red ones, bright purple ones or faded white ones. They can really knock the confidence, and affect the way you look in different outfits. It takes time, but removing stretch marks is possible. Stretch mark creams are just one option available. It’s time to go through the different creams to determine if any are better for you and just how they work.

Before going through the different stretch mark creams, it’s worth understanding a little more about stretch marks. You need to know why they form to help with the removal process.

Stretch marks occur when the skin in the middle layers tears. This is usually because the skin stretches beyond its flexibility, which is why people usually find they occur after pregnancy or gaining a lot of weight quickly. Growth spurts can also cause them. It’s best to look for ways to avoid stretch marks, and you can do that by helping with collagen production and keeping the skin hydrated to improve its flexibility.

Over time, the marks will fade from bright purple to silvery white. However, that doesn’t mean you’re any happier. It’s time to think about removing stretch marks for good.

An old favorite for removing stretch marks is to use Bio Oil. This is available over the counter, and isn’t too expensive. It’s also highly effective. It works by getting deep into the skin and improves the elasticity of the middle and bottom layers. The skin tears repair, and the marks start to fade to nothing over time.

I used to use this all the time. I never bought anymore after running out because I was trying something else shortly afterwards, but didn’t find any adverse effects. There were no allergic reactions, and I tend to have sensitive skin for some products. However, I did find that the tops of my thighs dried out a little when I first started using it.

The one that I started trialling after the Bio Oil was Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream. The cream gets deep into the layers, and visibly adds moisture to the areas you apply it. You can see it working, as well as feeling the moisture being added back into your skin.

It’s not just for stretch marks. You can use it to cure dry skin issues, or just as an everyday moisturizing cream. I had a smaller tub that I could carry around in my purse to use as a hand cream. It’s a squeezy bottle, which prevents the excess amounts that can sometimes happy with the tubs of moisturizing creams.

The downside I found with this was the scent. It’s a chocolatey smell, which some people absolutely love. I just find it too overpowering. It didn’t help that the first day I used it I was sitting on a long coach journey, and I get quite travel sick. I have tried it since, but the memory of the first attempt is still quite strong whenever I smell it now. Remember, that’s just my issue. If you absolutely love the smell of chocolate, then this could really be a great stretch mark removal cream.

My current cream of choice is a shea butter cream. There are so many different options around when it comes to shea butter, and it’s great for just generally moisturizing the skin as well as removing stretch marks. I’ve been using it on my stomach every day since having my baby and I’m seeing some great results. The marks aren’t quite gone, but I’m getting more confident about the appearance of them.

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter cream is full of shea butter, so could be the perfect option for your stretch marks. It’s also full of vitamin E, which is something worth considering. Vitamin E helps to add moisture and protection to your skin. It’s used in a number of topical treatments because of the extra shine it gives your skin, and helps to keep it looking healthy. The vitamin also helps with the toning of the skin, so you get a more supple look.

Burt’s Bees cream is also fragrance free, which is great for those who just want no scent at all. I love the fact that there is no fragrance. There is no risk of it mixing with my perfume when I choose to wear that, and I don’t need to worry about the scent making me feel ill while I’m out and about.

The natural formula limits the chance of allergic reactions, and it is also safe for those who are currently pregnant.

What if you could give yourself a massage while removing your stretch marks? Stretch Mark Massage Oil by Weleda is a product just for that need. I’ve never tried this one, but I’ve heard raving reviews from people I trust. If I ever choose to switch from my shea butter moisturizing cream, I may give this one a try. The only thing I’m worried about is the fact that it is a massage oil. From experience, massage oils end up sticky. From what I’ve heard though, the oils are just like baby oil and don’t leave the skin feeling extra greasy.

The oils are created from natural ingredients that work into the layers of the skin. They help to make the inner layers more flexible, which then repairs the damage already done. They’re also safe for use during pregnancy to help limit the chance of stretch marks appearing. The manufacturers do recommend that the stretch mark massage oils are used two to three times a day for the best outcome.

Massaging creams into the skin is a great thing, because it helps to promote blood flow to the area. This helps with the repair process, and also improves the general look of the skin. It also helps to ease the muscles in the area, which can help with improving the look and shape of the area.

Many people I’ve spoken to love the smell of the oils. The idea of having a fragrance puts me off though, considering how great Burt’s Bees shea butter cream is.

Hopefully that gives you a good idea about removing stretch marks with stretch mark creams. There are a lot of different options available. Now it’s just up to you over which one’s you’ll pick. It really depends on the outcome that you want. I love Burt’s Bees, but I recommend the Cocoa Butter if you love the smell of chocolate.

Creams aren’t the only way to remove stretch marks, and I suggest combining a few options. Drink plenty of water and massage the areas. Both of these will help to add more hydration and promote blood flow to the area, which help with the repair process to get rid of stretch marks.