Stretch marks are a completely normal occurrence in both men and women. They can come about through a variety of completely natural factors:
- Growth spurts
- Weight gain
- Pregnancy
- Genetics
These marks occur because the skin grows faster than it can generate new skin cells to accommodate for the expansion, so the skin literally stretches and reveals striations in the skin. Common places people get stretch marks are:
- Buttocks
- Arms
- Stomach
- Legs (specifically thighs)
- Chest
Despite the fact that stretch marks are completely natural and not harmful, many men and women wish to remove them from their bodies. One solution many people turn to are creams that can supposedly fade the appearance of stretch marks.
But do these creams really work? Are there alternatives to stretch mark creams? Let’s find out.
Does Stretch Mark Cream Work?
According to a variety of studies, stretch mark cream has very little proven effectiveness. It might help slightly reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but none have been scientifically proven to completely remove the marks.
If your stretch marks are relatively new, over-the-counter creams might be somewhat effective in helping fade them. But, if you’ve had your stretch marks for a long time, they might be a little more difficult to remove.
Bottom line: stretch mark cream is not the miracle product that some people think it is. If you're looking for an affordable, low-risk potential solution, it’s worth a shot, but don’t be surprised if they do not deliver the results you want.
Which Products Do We Suggest?
This brand has surged in popularity due to it’s great reviews. We suggest this product if you’re specifically looking for a treatment for the buttocks (they also have a great product for chest acne).
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks
We suggest this brand because it’s affordable and accessible, while still providing a ton of nutrients to your skin.
StriVectin SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate
Diminish the looks of fine lines and stretch marks with this moisturizer! It increases the elasticity of your skin and boosts collagen production.
These products will not replace professional services at a spa, nor provide the same results so we suggest to use these in conjunction with the spa services below. They will provide hydration for your skin and help treat new stretch marks before your appointment with an esthetician.
Alternatives to Stretch Mark Creams
If you want a permanent solution to stretch marks, thankfully, there are alternatives to creams. Professional cosmetic procedures that are done at a licensed spa or dermatologist’s office are more effective than creams you would apply at home. And, although they carry a higher price tag, the results are indicative of the price!
Here are some of the best alternatives to stretch mark creams.
Laser Genesis
This treatment boosts collagen production, which promotes new skin growth as well as firmer, tighter, younger-looking skin. It can help decrease the appearance of stretch marks on various areas of your body.
Laser Genesis is both corrective and preventative, so you can receive this treatment to fade stretch marks that already exist, or receive regular treatments to prevent them from appearing in the first place.
Lumecca Body
Lumecca body also works to boost collage, which again is a great way to treat and prevent stretch marks. By using intense pulsed light, the procedure is able to reach deeper layers of your epidermis (skin) to treat at a deeper level to see more visible results. This treatment is best used on the arms or back, but check with your aesthetician!
Morpheus
Morpheus is a procedure that combines microneedling and radiofrequency for ultimate results. Micro-injuries to the skin encourages skin to regenerate itself and turn over new surface skin cells, while radiofrequency targets deeper layers of the skin for results that go deep.
Fractora
Fractora utilizes radiofrequency technology that penetrates the skin at a deep level, not just the surface layer of the skin. You’ll notice a reduction in stretch marks in as few as three treatments! Fractora is a great option for all skin types, boosting collagen production and turning over new skin cells in patients of any age and skin tone.
Microneedling
Similar to many of the other treatments listed, microneedling increases collagen production in your skin, which turns over new skin cells and helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Microneedling works by micro-injuring your skin with a small needle, which then causes your skin to repair itself and create new skin that doesn’t have marks.
Can You Prevent Stretch Marks?
There is no way to 100% prevent stretch marks, but there are a few preventative measures that you can take that might help prevent some stretch marks.
Intensely moisturizing your skin is one preventative method. Many pregnant women moisturize their stomachs with rich moisturizers like cocoa butter or shea butter to keep their skin as healthy as possible.
Regular treatments like the ones listed above could also help prevent stretch marks, as they increase collagen production, which promotes new skin growth.