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Stretch marks affect millions of women of all skin types at some point in their lives, and are usually associated with the days of pregnancy. They’re a result of rapid weight fluctuations as skin may be pulled or released from its natural state too quickly. Taking care of skin with regular exercise, drinking enough water, eating a healthy diet, and moisturizing it regularly are just a few ways to prevent stretch marks from occurring, but sometimes these aren’t enough.
Many women turn to special skin treatments and moisturizing formulas to help reduce stretch marks and improve skin elasticity. These treatments are designed with extra moisturizing ingredients and essential vitamins that may encourage collagen production – the important element that helps skin stay strong and give it a youthful appearance. However, these miracle moisturizers do come at a price – a 5 oz. tube of Decleor Perfect Sculpt retails for $50, while 6 oz. of Klein Becker’s Strivectin-SD costs $135.
Do these expensive moisturizing treatments actually work? And what are the key ingredients that promote this miraculous change in the look and texture of the skin?
Reviews and Feedback of Stretch Mark Creams and Moisturizers
Users of Strivectin-SD who reported their results on Discountspot.com, an online retailer of Strivectin-SD at reduced costs, report mixed results; some report ‘amazing’ results after just a few applications where their skin ‘looks better than ever.’ Others report that the product ‘is garbage’ and suggests that Klein Becker reviews are scripted to back the company’s claims. Reviewers on Amazon.com give this product 4.5 stars, with the majority still waiting for results.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula for Stretch Marks is a low-priced formula commonly found in amny drugstores. Cocoa butter is used in many natural therapy and skincare treatments for its moisturizing benefits, and the stretch mark formula contains soluble collagen and hydrolyzed elastin for even more benefits. Reviewers on Drugstore.com report that the product does help to soften and soothe skin, and noticeably improves skin elasticity. Many women swear by this product through pregnancy, and although the product received a few low ratings on this site, it does have favorable reviews overall.
Tummy Honey Stretch Mark Solutions Fading System offers another natural formula with key ingredients such as sesame and jojoba oils, aloe vera gel, Vitamin B5, Vitamin A, and Soybean Germ extract which not only nourish the skin, but can also protect it from future stretch marks. The anti-itch formula offers comfort for pregnant women who are experiencing rapid weight gains, and it also contains ingredients that help to fade stretch marks. Reviews on this relatively new product are limited, but reviewers on Drugstore.com report very positive results after only a few applications. ‘Allison’ from Santa Barbara reports a rapid disappearance of stretch marks post-pregnancy, and another user reports that her stretch marks began fading after just two applications. However, others believe it’s another ‘waste of time’, and have had little or no results whatsoever with the cream.
There’s no guarantee when investing in a stretch mark prevention cream or formula, but many still stick with the classic cocoa butter, Vitamin E oil, and natural treatments during pregnancy and to keep skin fresh and moisturized year round. Still, there are a few natural ways to reduce stretch marks and improve skin without resorting to expensive treatments and moisturizers. ParentProfiles.com lists skin massages, avoiding alcohol, giving up smoking, and using vitamin E oil as the best remedies for healthy skin. And perhaps a much more budget-friendly option for many women trying to cope with stretch marks.
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By: Sabah Karimi