The problem of many pregnant women is the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. Striae are small stripes on the body that resemble scars. When a stretch mark appears, it has a reddish-blue color, the intensity of which weakens over time, and it takes on a whitish tint. The skin in this area becomes rough compared to other areas of the body and looks unattractive.
If you do not take care of your skin texture, stretch marks can remain for a long time, so it is easier to prevent their appearance than to try to get rid of them after childbirth, when the skin has already hardened. Correct preventative measures will help maintain the beauty of your skin, but you also need to know the reasons for the appearance of stretch marks.
Cream for stretch marks during pregnancy: which one to choose
Many manufacturers produce their own best anti-stretch mark cream, promising 100% results. In fact, not a single cream for stretch marks during pregnancy - reviews and studies show this - can be guaranteed to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Because too many factors simultaneously influence their appearance. This and...
- genetic factors (skin type and its structure, hormonal levels),
- nutritional habits and rate of weight gain,
- medications taken,
- current skin condition (age and moisture level).
So that you understand how important the current condition of the skin is - the degree of hydration of the dermal layer of the skin (while the skin is stretched) is an extremely important point, because The degree of hydration of collagen and elastin fibers directly depends on the amount of moisture in the dermis. The less their hydration, the less these fibers can stretch/contract, i.e. their elasticity is lost. First of all, this is what increases the risk of rupture of collagen fibers in the dermis.
The principle of action of creams for stretch marks -
Most stretch mark creams consist of natural oils, silicones, glycerin and vitamins, plus numerous chemical components.
Creams based on natural oils - most creams for stretch marks affect only the surface layer of the skin (epidermis), which consists of keratinocytes of varying degrees of maturation. Natural oils consist mainly of phospholipids and fatty acids. Moreover, the intercellular substance of the epidermis consists of the same components. Thus, natural oils penetrate well through the intercellular substance, because lipids and fatty acids are highly soluble in lipids and fatty acids.
But the basal layer of the epidermis (it is adjacent to the dermis) contains a lot of water, through which lipids can no longer penetrate, because lipids do not dissolve in water. Thus, natural oils penetrate only to the depth of the epidermis, saturating it with phospholipids, fatty acids, and vitamins. This leads...
- firstly, an increase in the content of phospholipids and fatty acids in the intercellular substance increases the so-called hydrophobic layer, which prevents the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin. Due to this, the water content slightly increases, including in the dermis, which is most important.
- secondly, the vitamins in the oils stimulate metabolic processes and the rate of cell division, which increases the number of layers of epidermal cells. Increasing the thickness of the epidermis also leads to an increase in the hydrophobic layer, which further reduces moisture evaporation.
Silicones and glycerin - silicones (dimethicone) and glycerin have the same hydrophobic effect, which also prevent the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin. However, studies have shown that long-term use of silicones leads to negative consequences.
Vitamins in creams for stretch marks - vitamins included in creams for stretch marks mainly stimulate metabolic processes in the epidermis, which causes an acceleration in the division and maturation of cells in the basal layer of the epidermis, which leads to an increase in cell layers. The thicker the epidermis, the greater its hydrophobic properties, which means less moisture will evaporate from the surface of the skin.
Hydrolyzed proteins and hyaluronic acid - some products contain hydrolyzed proteins (peptides), but they are also not absorbed into the dermis, but work in the epidermis, retaining moisture in it. Hyaluronic acid in some products also works to increase hydration. If it is high molecular weight, then it forms a film on the surface of the skin and prevents moisture evaporation. If it is low molecular weight, then it is absorbed into the dermis, which significantly increases its hydration with water.
Thus, almost all the components that are used in creams for stretch marks affect only the epidermis and have virtually no effect on the dermis, where collagen fibers rupture when stretch marks occur. Below we will look at the most common remedies for stretch marks, which are usually used by women for prevention...
Bepantol emulsion for stretch marks –
We consider this product to be the best to date. The main active component of Bepantol is the substance “dexpanthenol”, which, upon penetration into skin cells, is converted into pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Other active ingredients are: centella extract, glycerin, olive oil, vitamins A, D and E. This product does not contain preservatives, dyes, parabens, it is hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. German quality.
Bepantol emulsion for stretch marks - reviews confirm that the drug moisturizes well, promotes rapid regeneration of damaged skin, and also normalizes intracellular metabolism. With constant use, the skin will be firm, hydrated, elastic and soft. Can be used throughout pregnancy. Bepantol emulsion for stretch marks - the price for a 150 ml tube will be from 1100 to 1200 rubles.
Cream Bepanten for stretch marks –
Bepanten cream for stretch marks is also produced in Germany and is registered as a medicine. Its main component (like Bepantol) is also “dexpanthenol”, which, upon penetration into skin cells, is converted into pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). In addition, the cream contains such excellent moisturizing components as lanolin and DL-pantolactone. Bepanten cream for stretch marks – price per 30 g tube. will be 500 rubles, per tube 100 grams. – from 900 rubles.
It should be noted that the manufacturer clearly indicates the concentration of dexpanthenol in the cream (5%), which is the effective concentration. Other manufacturers of creams for stretch marks do not indicate concentrations at all. Bepanten cream perfectly moisturizes the skin, and the feeling of moisture remains after a single use - for the whole day. In general, this is also an excellent remedy for stretch marks, but the form of Bepanten in the form of an emulsion is still slightly more preferable.
Vichy stretch mark cream –
Vichy stretch mark cream is based on Vichy thermal water; the cream also contains glycerin, a little Bassia, silicon, tocopherol and hydroxyproline. The cream is well absorbed and has a soft, non-greasy consistency. Does not contain fragrances or alcohol, and is hypoallergenic. Vichy cream for stretch marks moisturizes the skin quite well. Can be used from the 4th month of pregnancy.
Glycerin and oils moisturize the surface layer of the skin, creating a hydrophobic layer that prevents the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin. But hydroxyproline is an amino acid that is part of collagen. The penetration of hydroxyproline into the dermis can indeed somewhat stimulate collagen synthesis. In our opinion, this is a worthy cream, and with a higher degree of preventive effectiveness than most others. Vichy stretch mark cream 200 ml costs from 1,300 rubles.
Mom comfort cream for stretch marks –
Mama Comfort cream for stretch marks contains the following ingredients: Reguo-stretch herbal complex (which includes green coffee oil, extracts of fucus, green tea, horsetail, ivy, nettle and meadowsweet), as well as panthenol, glycerin, hyaluronic acid (Fig. 13). The manufacturer mentions that the Reguo-stretch complex supposedly restores damaged structures of collagen and elastin fibers.
Composition analysis – vegetable oils should undoubtedly moisturize the skin, but only its superficial epidermal layer, because oils practically do not penetrate into the dermis. The Reguo-stretch complex is naturally an advertising ploy. Take any known components and call this combination with any beautiful phrase in order to use this incomprehensible name in advertising. And in fact, plant components are not able to restore protein structures (collagen and elastin fibers) in the skin, as the manufacturer claims.
In addition, the cream contains hyaluronic acid (HA), although it is known for its moisturizing properties, but the manufacturer did not write whether it is high or low molecular weight, and also did not write its concentration. The recommended concentration of HA for moisturizers for daily skin care is from 0.1%. And for deeply moisturizing products - from 0.5 to 1.5%. Considering that the manufacturer put HA almost in last place in the composition, this means that there is very, very little of it there.
Only products with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid in a concentration of 0.5 to 1.5% can deeply moisturize the dermis and increase the hydration of collagen fibers with water (and, accordingly, skin elasticity). Products with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid moisturize only the epidermis, which will make the skin soft, and nothing more.
Mom comfort cream for stretch marks - reviews say that this is just a good cream for superficial moisturizing of the skin, i.e. for daily skin care, because... there are simply no significant concentrations of vitamins and other substances here. The manufacturer writes that it can be used throughout pregnancy. Mom comfort cream for stretch marks - the price for a 175 ml tube will be 350-500 rubles.
Sanosan cream for stretch marks –
Sanosan cream for stretch marks has mostly positive reviews. The manufacturer on the front side of the package indicated natural ingredients - jojoba oil, hibiscus seed extract, but in fact this product also contains a lot of chemicals. According to the manufacturer: can be used throughout pregnancy. Sanosan cream for stretch marks - the price for 100 ml is 350-550 rubles.
Reviews note that Sanosan cream for stretch marks has a fairly thick consistency, so it takes a very long time to be absorbed, but that is precisely why it is very economical. Reviews noted the presence of a persistent perfumed odor in the cream. It is also worth noting that all components are able to moisturize only the most superficial layer of the skin (epidermis), so this cream should be considered only as a product for daily skin care, and not a specialized cream for stretch marks.
Mustela cream for stretch marks –
Mustela for stretch marks from French, shea butter, Japanese sophora extract, hydrolyzed soy and avocado proteins. Mustela for stretch marks - price from 2000 rubles (per tube 150 ml).
Analysis of the composition and instructions for use - the unknown “Elastoregulator®” complex (the contents of which are not disclosed at all) is alarming. Most likely, this term was used to describe a combination of several components of the cream, simply to be used in advertising. After all, the term elastoregulator hints that the cream apparently affects collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis.
In addition, when studying the manufacturer’s website, one immediately notices the low quality of the evidence of effectiveness provided: clinical studies by the manufacturer were conducted on only 26 women, 96% of whom did not develop stretch marks. We consider this result to be drawn, because Independent studies of stretch mark creams have shown their effectiveness to be just above placebo.
Moreover, the methodology of independent studies was much more objective, and included a comparison of control groups, where women used creams for stretch marks with active ingredients, used creams for stretch marks without active ingredients (placebo), and a group of women who did not use anything at all. The manufacturer of Mustella cream used only a survey methodology, with no complete understanding of how these women were selected for this study.
We believe that the cream should really moisturize the skin well, but only its surface layers. Natural vegetable oils can penetrate no deeper than the epidermis, as well as hydrolyzed proteins (peptides) from soy and avocado. Peptides increase the hydration of the epidermis, and oils create a hydrophobic layer that prevents the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin, which also to some extent increases its moisture content.
Cream for stretch marks 9 months –
The cream for stretch marks 9 months is made on the basis of silicone and contains hydrolysates of soy and elastin, wheat germ oil, shea butter, jojoba, grapefruit, Echinacea purpurea, glycerin and other components (Fig. 19).
It is somewhat confusing that almost all the main active components are listed at the end of the list, which indicates a low percentage of their content. The most moisturizing ingredients contain glycerin, silicone (dimethicone) and shea butter. All components well moisturize the surface layer of the skin, the epidermis, creating a hydrophobic layer in it that prevents the skin from evaporating moisture. The components of the cream cannot affect the dermis in any way.
9 months cream for stretch marks reviews say that this cream is a good preventative against stretch marks, which very well moisturizes and restores the skin, making it firm and elastic. Cream for 9 months against stretch marks, the price for a 150 ml tube is 300-450 rubles.
Avent cream for stretch marks –
Avent cream for stretch marks contains natural shea butter, papaya, sweet almond, and plant extracts of algae (Fig. 21). As can already be seen from the composition, the oil will well moisturize the surface layer of the skin, giving it elasticity and firmness. Natural vegetable oils do not penetrate into the dermis. Accordingly, this cream (like most others) also works on the principle of moisturizing the epidermis and creating a hydrophobic layer in it that prevents the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin.
Avent cream for stretch marks also contains mineral oil, which is a petroleum product (and there is a lot of it in the cream). This is somewhat confusing, because... Mineral oils actually destroy the natural vegetable oils that are listed as the active ingredients of this cream. Based on the composition, the effectiveness for the prevention of stretch marks is somehow questionable, most likely it is just a moisturizer for daily skin care. Avent stretch mark cream price for 200 ml will be about 600-800 rubles.
Weleda oil and olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy –
Natural oils: coconut, castor, almond, cocoa, shea butter, avocado, etc. – moisturize the surface layer of the skin (epidermis) quite well. Their disadvantage is that they are not absorbed very well, leaving a greasy film on the surface of the skin. Natural oils work only due to the fact that they increase the hydrophobic properties of the epidermis, i.e. they will prevent the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin.
Oil for stretch marks during pregnancy - reviews say that the skin will look more elastic and moisturized, especially if you combine the application of oil with a daily 15-minute massage in a circular motion. Massage movements tone the skin very well, increase blood circulation, and promote elasticity. But it should be noted that any oil for stretch marks during pregnancy will also work in combination with massage.
- Olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy: reviews... of course, olive oil contains many nutrients and antioxidants, but it is not purified from all impurities that impede absorption and cause unpleasant odors when the oil oxidizes.
Several years ago, a study was conducted involving 50 women using olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy 2 times a day. The results were compared with a control group that did not use any pregnancy oil for stretch marks. The study found that olive oil only slightly reduced the overall incidence of stretch marks compared to the control group. The effect was noticeable only in that the resulting stretch marks were slightly smaller in size.
- Weleda oil for stretch marks: reviews... Weleda oil for stretch marks is made on the basis of sweet almond oil, with the addition of wheat germ oil, vitamins A, D, E, jojoba oil, arnica and some other components.
Weleda oil for stretch marks has a good composition that allows you to maintain the surface layers of the skin in good condition. By using it (especially together with massage), you will achieve good skin hydration. The manufacturer of Weleda oil promises that with regular use, stretch marks lighten, decrease in size and disappear. However, over time, stretch marks, even without any oil, eventually lighten, decrease in size and become less noticeable. How much this process is accelerating is unknown. Weleda oil for stretch marks price per 100 ml – from 1300 rubles.
Clearvin for stretch marks –
The cream contains vitamin E, sesame oil, herbal and plant extracts. Clearvin cream for stretch marks, reviews note that it consists only of herbal ingredients, however, this is not true (Fig. 25). If you look at the full composition, you can see that the cream contains a lot of chemicals, and EDTA can even cause skin irritation. In any case, it can only be used after the first trimester of pregnancy.
Clearvin cream for stretch marks, as the manufacturer claims, fights scars, scars, age spots and stretch marks. However, judging by the reviews, the moisturizing effect is quite modest, but this cream fights well against age spots on the skin, i.e. has bleaching properties. Clearvin cream for stretch marks, price per 25 g tube is about 100 rubles.
Pasjel cream for stretch marks –
Pasjel cream for stretch marks - reviews on the Internet are full of claims about its effectiveness in eliminating stretch marks, as well as scars and scars. This cream from Thailand consists of Asian centella extract, vitamin E, collagen, retinol (vitamin A), melanin, Gotu Kola extract and other “magic” ingredients (Fig. 26). A cream with this composition should not be used at all by pregnant women.
In addition, none of the ingredients listed by the manufacturer are capable of not only getting rid of stretch marks, but also properly moisturizing the skin. In addition, this remedy simply cannot be an effective remedy for scars and scars, while already formed scars and scars cannot be treated with creams at all.
Well, in general, this “miracle cream” is not certified at all, and therefore is sold only via the Internet. This product, like Thai toothpastes, has a cheap cost, and therefore they are actively resold on the Internet with a markup of 500 to 800%. The purchase price of such a cream in Thailand is most likely no more than 300 rubles. Pasjel cream for stretch marks - price on the Internet is about 2500 rubles (per 50 g jar).
Shilajit for stretch marks -
There is a lot of talk among people about the healing properties of mumiyo, that this organic-mineral product, containing a large amount of various vitamins and microelements, helps to cope with many health problems, including skin problems. In fact, these are basically all myths that have nothing to do with reality.
Shilajit for stretch marks - reviews show that this remedy cannot in any way help prevent their appearance or reduce their size. In addition, applying it to the skin causes it to turn dark brown, which is difficult to wash off. Not to mention the specific persistent smell.
Badyaga for stretch marks -
Badyaga is a dried and crushed sea sponge, its main purpose is to treat bruises and contusions. The mechanism of its action is very simple: due to numerous micro-injuries of the skin, it very well improves blood circulation at the site of exposure.
Badyaga for stretch marks - reviews show that it is simply useless for stretch marks. Its mechanism of action and effects simply cannot help either prevent stretch marks or reduce existing stretch marks. In addition, Badyaga has a number of side effects that cause allergic reactions, itching, rash, redness, and therefore it is best not to use it at all during pregnancy.
Weleda oil
- Price: about 1000 rub.
- Used from 1 week to 3 months after birth.
- Properties: prevention of the formation of stretch marks and reduction of the intensity of existing ones; increasing tissue elasticity; retaining moisture in the skin.
- Ingredients: almond oil and jojoba oil, arnica flower extract, wheat germ oil.
- 2 international quality certificates: NaTrue (organic and natural products) and Vegan Label (guarantee of the absence of components of animal origin).
Cream for stretch marks - reviews, clinical studies
Let’s say right away that the results of independent clinical studies and studies conducted by manufacturers of anti-stretch marks differ by an average of 95%. This happens because manufacturers are interested in the result, and therefore take a small number of pregnant women for research, specifically selecting those who have a lower risk of developing stretch marks in principle (remember that stretch marks do not form at all, according to various sources, in 10-20% of women) .
Results of an independent study –
The study was conducted on 461 pregnant women. Research methodology: all patients were divided into three control groups. The first group used special preparations for stretch marks with active ingredients. The second group used a placebo (drugs without active ingredients). The third group did not receive any treatment at all and was needed only to compare the results with the first two groups.
A comparison of the results of the three groups showed that when using creams to prevent stretch marks, and in the absence of any preventive treatment at all, there was no statistically significant difference in the results. Those. The risk of developing stretch marks was reduced only minimally when using special creams and oils. The original study is located at the link.
Conclusions : in other words, at the moment there is not a single objective evidence of the effectiveness of any cream for the prevention of stretch marks. We cannot trust the research conducted by product manufacturers due to the low quality of such research (24stoma.ru).
Therefore, you should not place too much hope on the best cream for stretch marks during pregnancy, although its use may calm you down (which is already good). The most important thing for preventing stretch marks is to follow the recommendations for nutrition, hydration and skin restoration, which we wrote about at the end of the article.
Hendel`s Garden pomegranate emulsion
- Price: about 1200 rub.
- Used: during pregnancy, when losing weight, after childbirth.
- Long lasting effect!
- Properties: acceleration of tissue recovery; stimulation of skin self-rejuvenation; restoration of moisture levels and elasticity of the skin; anti-inflammatory, smoothing and whitening properties; protection against the appearance of stretch marks and reduction in their intensity.
- Ingredients: pomegranate extract, shea butter, walnut oil, green coffee extract, panthenol, jojoba oil, rapeseed oil.
Prevention is the best remedy for stretch marks during pregnancy
In the morning -
If you use an oil- or lanolin-based skin moisturizer for stretch marks throughout pregnancy, you can reduce the stress on collagen fibers caused by excessive stretching of the skin. This cream for stretch marks during pregnancy will actually help somewhat reduce the risk of their occurrence.
During the day -
Constantly moisturizing your skin from the inside is another way to prevent stretch marks. Sufficient intake of clean water internally (6-8 glasses per day), plus a well-chosen moisturizer for stretch marks - reviews indicate that the number and size of stretch marks are sharply reduced
In the evening -
Every evening, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy, it is best to apply a regenerating cream for stretch marks during pregnancy, which restores collagen in the skin. The main components in such a cream should be antioxidants, vitamins A, E, C and B5, as well as hyaluronic acid.
Such products will allow you to very quickly and with good results restore damaged collagen matrices at night. At night, new collagen is produced, which restores skin thickness and strength. These properties of the skin help prevent stretch marks because the stronger the collagen fibers in the skin, the greater the tensile force that can be applied to it without any damage to the collagen fibers.
How to choose “the one”, your remedy that will really help?
- Consider the condition of your skin, age, and allergies to specific components.
- Study the composition of the cream - the presence of useful components (their order in the list of ingredients; the closer to the beginning of the list, the greater the percentage of the component in the composition), the presence of harmful components, the presence of components responsible for the strength of collagen fibers.
- Study the reviews of expectant mothers on the selected cream.
- Find a sample of the product - do an allergy test.
- Evaluate the smell of the cream. It may be too intense, and you may need to use it every day throughout your pregnancy.
- Read the instructions! If you are pregnant, look for a cream that is used specifically during pregnancy, and not after childbirth, otherwise you simply will not be able to evaluate its effectiveness.
And, of course, consult your doctor!
Here are the most effective remedies for stretch marks, according to future and established mothers:
Emulsion Bepantol, Bayer
- Price: about 1300 rub.
- Form: cream and emulsion (emulsion is more effective!).
- Used from 1 month of pregnancy and after childbirth.
- Properties: deep skin nutrition; intensive hydration with prolonged stretching of the skin; smoothing and restoration of elasticity; prevention of stretch marks formation.
- Free from dyes, parabens and preservatives.
- Ingredients: centella asiatica (stimulation of collagen production), glycerin, provitamin B5, lipids, olive oil, dexpanthenol (note - in cells it is transformed into pantothenic acid), vitamins C and E.
