Stretch marks are an issue that plague thousands of people across the globe, which is why stretch mark removal is a topic worth exploring. In some cases, these marks are nothing more than a nuisance, but other times they have a serious impact on a person’s psyche.

Pregnant women who experience stretch marks can be especially discouraged knowing that even when they regain their figure after childbirth, the permanent unsightly marks will remain. It is easy to empathize with these women and others who are willing to try the best stretch mark creams, home remedies, and even stretch mark removal surgery to get rid of these marks. Many women simply want to return to a time when they could wear bikinis and other flattering outfits without feeling self-conscious about the streaks of purple or red on their bellies, thighs, and other areas.

The Most Cost-Effective Approach: Stretch Mark Removal Creams

What would it mean for you if your stretch marks were gone in a few months, and the process was simple and relatively inexpensive? Many people achieve this through the use of stretch mark removal cream. However, not all creams are created equal, so here are three things to look for when choosing a topical product:

• Evidence that it works: effective stretch mark creams will have reviews given by people who have found success with the product. Even better, a good product will have scientific studies demonstrating that the cream or lotion makes a difference.
• Natural ingredients: a good cream for stretch marks will contain wholesome ingredients to treat the skin as nature intended; in particular, try to avoid skin care products with parabens, as there is some evidence that these chemicals are linked with cancer.
• Money back guarantee: stretch mark removal creams and lotions work differently for different people, so almost all legitimate products offer a trial period during which you can return the item for a full refund. This means you can try out a product, see if it works for you, and then return it if it doesn’t.

One of the most frequently recommended and highly reviewed stretch mark removal creams is Skinception Instensive Stretch Mark Therapy. The active ingredients in Skinception were tested and shown to reduce the appearance and size of stretch marks (as measured by skin smoothness, indentation, and length of marks). The makers of Skinception offer a risk-free trial period of 90 days, which is one of the longest in the industry. For more details about Skinception and what it can do for you, see our Skinception stretch mark cream review.

The Background Behind Getting Rid of Stretch Marks

Most people believe stretch marks are the result of a person’s skin not stretching when excessive weight is gained. However, there is evidence from new clinical and laboratory studies that there could be more to scarring of this type. While the term “stretch marks” originates from the belief that they are caused by rapid weight gain usually associated with pregnancy, there is more to know about how stretch marks develop.

A newer perspective is that other factors are at work. For instance, the use of creams and lotions with corticosteroids can increase the probability that a person will get stretch marks. Hormones also appear to play a role. Stretch marks also appear during times of great hormone fluctuation: pregnancy, puberty, and weightlifting are examples of this. Even “typical” weight-gain caused by excessive calorie intake or a sedentary lifestyle results in hormonal changes. These hormones can affect processes inside the body as well as within the skin. It is possible that stretch mark removal strategies will need to evolve as more information is discovered about the formation of striae.

Another issue is that scientists have discovered a genetic link, meaning that if a woman developed stretch marks after pregnancy or putting on weight, then her children would have a high risk of developing them too. Therefore, keep in mind that there is more to stretch marks than just the skin’s inability to stretch during times of significant or rapid weight gain.

More Stretch Mark Removal Tips

While many are disappointed to hear this, the simple fact is that if stretch marks are not addressed early, they could be very difficult to remove. A good rule of thumb is to address stretch marks as soon as you notice them. This does not mean that treatment is completely ineffective for people who have lived with stretch marks for some time; it just means that once this kind of scarring has passed the initial phase (when marks are a purple or red color), getting rid of them could be very hard, and fading of the marks might be the best achievable outcome. Nevertheless, medical technology has advanced to the point that there are now options for people who previously never would have had hope for stretch mark removal.

Stretch Mark Removal Surgery As an Option

Laser surgery for stretch marks is one of the most effective approaches to removal or reduction of striae. However, stretch mark removal surgery can be expensive, and you must invest some time in finding a doctor that is right for you. You can check with acquaintances to see if they have any recommendations, and you can perform extensive research on the internet to locate a doctor you can trust. If you are considering laser stretch mark removal, be sure to come prepared to your doctor appointments: make a list of any questions you have, make certain that you understand exactly what kind of results you can expect, and have the doctor tell you how many laser surgery sessions will be necessary.

More Stretch Mark Creams that Work for Some People

As previously discussed, the most convenient and cost-efficient solution for stretch marks removal is with creams. Products such as these are a great alternative to laser surgery, and there are some that have been shown to help minimize the appearance of scarring. Once again, the key in choosing the right product is to find one formulated with ingredients that are effective but also safe. While Skinception stretch mark cream remains the top recommendation, the following are three alternatives that work for some people (and again remember that best results will occur if stretch marks removal is initiated as soon as the marks appear):

StriVectin-SD – Formulated with peptides, this cream for removing stretch marks works by stimulating production of collagen, which Skinception does as well. More collagen allows damaged skin cells to have the chance to repair. For application, StriVectin-SD should be applied to the affected area two times a day for two full months. The product is supposed to work on skin of all types and has even improved older scars in some cases.

Mederma Stretch Mark Therapy – This is another stretch mark removal cream that people use. The active ingredient in the formula is called allium cepa, an onion extract, coupled with sulfur and pennywort. Both onion extract and pennywort contain anti-inflammatory properties, while sulfur works by fighting off infection and bacteria. In addition to reducing signs of scarring, Mederma Stretch Mark Therapy actually promotes the appearance and texture of softer and smoother skin. This cream would also be applied two times a day for approximately two months.

TriLastin-SR – This is the last option for stretch mark removal creams worthy of being mentioned. The unique formula of this product produces what the company calls “collagen infused microspheres” that could impact even older and deeper scars. Although complete removal might be impossible, more stubborn stretch marks could be repaired to some degree. Additionally, the ingredients in TriLastin-SR help stretch marks to fade. Applied two times a day for two to three months, most people regardless of skin type see some improvement.

If you are serious about returning to the stretch mark-free skin that you once enjoyed, learn as much as you can about your different stretch mark removal options. Even if you have tried a few solutions without success, you will find an approach that works for you. Take a look at a list of our stretch mark cream reviews.