One common skin concern faced by the new moms, which is often misunderstood and left untreated. They show up gradually during the different phases of change like weight gain/looseness, muscle gain, hormonal shifts, pregnancy, and more. Even though they are completely natural, people will generally think to reduce the appearance, improve skin texture, and to enhance the level of confidence.
In such cases, one of the common things people look for is the right product, which is nothing but “Stretch Marks Cream”. But there are questions which pop-up that includes:
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Do stretch marks cream really work?
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What are the reasons for stretch mark appearance?
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Is there any one ingredient which helps in reducing them?
And the list goes on and on! Here in this blog, you will know in detail about the basic definition, reasons for their occurrence, are they permanent, key ingredients to reduce them, how to use them, myths, and everything in detail here.
What are Stretch Marks?
Medically “Striae”, and commonly called "stretch marks” are narrow streaks which develop when the skin stretches or shrinks. This change generally happens due to the loss of collagen or elastic fibres in the skin. This mark generally pops up on areas like abdomen, thighs, hips, breasts, arms, and even on the lower back.
Even though they are not harmful or painful to the skin, at times make people feel less confident on their own.
Why do Stretch Marks Occur?
It is due to various reasons whose main combination includes skin stretching and loss of skin elasticity. Some of the common factors that contribute includes:
1. Pregnancy
The rapid stretching on the skin and the hormonal change happening in the break, belly, and things, seems to be a common reason.
2. Weight gain or weight loss
The sudden change in the weight of the body size, either weight loss or weight gain, makes the skin stretch faster.
3. Puberty
The growth spurts in the teenage years can lead to stretch marks on hips, thighs, and even shoulders.
4. Muscle gain
The excessive musical growth might also stretch the skin, especially on areas like arms, chest, and even thighs.
5. Hormonal imbalance
The stress hormone called “Cortisol” tends to weaken the fibre and makes skin prone to tears.
6. Genetics
This is something which cannot be controlled, but can be delayed with proper body care.
Are Stretch Marks Permanent?
The fading process does not happen in a night; It take time for fading based on the appearance.
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Fresh stretch marks are usually reddish, pink, purple, or brown.
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And the older marks will get faded to white, sliver, or lighter skin tone. Might not be noticeable, but the texture will be more!
Taking care of them in the early stages might be more effective. And in such cases, using stretch marks in the initial stage consistently helps.
What Does a Stretch Mark Cream Do?
A stretch mark cream does not erase stretch marks overnight. Instead, it works by supporting the skin’s natural repair process.
Incorporating a good stretch mark cream in your routine helps in:
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Improving skin elasticity
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Works on hydrating the stretched skin
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Strengthens the collagen and elastic fibres in the skin.
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Calms and reduces the itching in the skin
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Improves the overall skin texture
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Fades the appearance over time.
This process takes time, but consistency helps and supports me to get back to normal!
How Stretch Mark Creams Actually Work?
Stretch mark creams generally work focussing on three main levels:
1. Hydration
Keeping the skin well hydrated helps in preventing the skin from tearing and even supports the healing process.
2. Collagen support
The ingredients include botanical extracts and vitamins that will help in collagen production, and make skin structure improve than usual.
3. Skin barrier repair
When the skin barrier gets stronger, they help in protecting the weak areas and help in targeting overall skin texture.
Stretch Mark Cream - Key Ingredients
When it comes to stretch mark creams, the ingredients used are the one which matters more than the other.
Deep moisturizers:
The presence of deep moisturizing ingredients like butters - shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter, along with the natural oils for stretch marks - almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, etc. works in setting the base, which is hydration at top level.
Elasticity-boosting ingredients
These are nothing but the skin strength boosting ingredients which majorly includes Vitamin E, Rosehip oil, Centella Asiatica, and Wheat Germ Oil.
Repair-supporting actives
In this category, they mainly focus on fading thste acne marks on the skin. The ingredients in this range includes aloe vera, vitamin C, and the botanical extracts.
Soothing agents
These ingredients help mainly in the pregnancy phase! Some of them include calendula, chamomile, and even the oat extract.
The above combinations help in making a balanced formulation that creates a balance in all aspects like nourishment, repair, and comfort.
Ingredients to Avoid - If You are Pregnant
When choosing a stretch mark cream safety is crucial, especially when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In such cases, avoid using retinoids, vitamin A products, harsh chemicals, or alcohol-induced formulations.
Always choose products labeled pregnancy-safe or you can ask the brand before purchase for being on the safer side.
Stretch Mark Cream vs Oils vs Butters
Stretch Mark Cream
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Oils
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Butters
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Lightweight, fast-absorbing
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Very nourishing
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Thick and rich
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Suitable for daily use
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Ideal for massage
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Best for very dry skin
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Easy to layer under clothing
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Can feel greasy for some users
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Slower absorption
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People generally prefer using creams for the daytime, followed by oils and butters in the PM routine.
How to Use Stretch Mark Cream Correctly
Using them matters more than getting your hands on them:
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Apply on clean, slightly damp skin.
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Scoop out the generous amount of cream.
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Massage gently in circular motions.
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Focus on prone areas where you see visible marks like on the belly, thighs, hips.
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Let them get absorbed fully before the area gets in contact with clothes.
You can use them twice everyday for visible results in a month or two. Also ensure to massage well for better blood circulation.
When Should You Start using Stretch Mark Cream?
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During pregnancy
The early you start, the slower the scars appear. Check the ingredients and use safer formulation in the first trimester itself.
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During weight changes
When you see fluctuation in your weight in a faster phase, start incorporating them.
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After stretch marks appear
Not to worry if your stretch marks are visible. Better now, than never. Start using them immediately; Results may be slow, but will last.
How Long Does it Take to See Results?
This is not something that will give results in a night. It takes time.
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In 2–4 weeks, you will see improvement in hydration level and reduction in itching.
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Within 6–8 weeks, you will notice smoother skin texture.
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And in 3–6 months, visible fading of stretch marks will be shown.
When your stretch marks are longer and older, it takes longer to respond.
Myths About Stretch Mark Creams
1. “Stretch mark creams remove marks completely”
You will be able to see in the reduction of appearance, but cannot be completely hidden
2. “Only expensive creams work”
No, it’s just you should pick the right formulation.
3. “Once marks appear, nothing helps”
Starting treating them at an early stage gradually fades and prevents new ones too!
Who Should Use Stretch Mark Cream?
Stretch mark creams are suitable for pregnant women, women who are in the postpartum stage, people experiencing weight changes, anyone wanting improved skin elasticity. Stretch marks are not dangerous, but taking care of them is not wrong.
Can Men use Stretch Mark Cream?
Yes. Stretch marks come to everyone irrespective of genders. Creams work the same way regardless of gender and are safe for regular use.
Lifestyle Habits that Support Stretch Mark Reduction
Creams work best when combined with:
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Healthy diet
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Proper skin hydration
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Exercising consistently
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Rapid weight fluctuating
Where Deyga Stretch Mark Cream fits in!
Deyga Stretch Mark Cream, a unique formulation of ours, which is majorly a combination of butters and botanical extracts which helps in supporting skin elasticity and level of hydration. Using this consistently, everyday will surely make you see visible results in a certain time period.
Rather than promising instant results, it focuses on long-term skin comfort and visible improvement over time.
Conclusion
Stretch mark creams are not about perfection. It’s one of the ways you take care and support the skin without any cause of damage. Incorporating right products with healthy food habits and proper lifestyle helps more then better.