Stretch mark creams can work in two different ways; one is by preventing stretch marks from forming, while the other aims to make existing stretch marks less visible. These two actions are usually incorporated into a cream so that there would be less confusion when buying a cream to use for stretch marks.
Preventing stretch marks from forming can be very useful when you are expecting them to form. This is especially evident during pregnancy, when the body will be forced to grow larger to accommodate the growing baby. The rapid increase in size will force the skin to stretch, usually resulting in tears in its dermal later.
A cream can prevent the formation of stretch marks by preventing the wounds from forming in the first place. It does this by increasing the elasticity of the skin so that it is more resistant to tearing even when stretched. This way, no wounds will form thus no scars as well.
Collagen and elastin are the main proteins which are responsible for increasing the skin’s elasticity. A cream can directly supply the skin with these proteins so that it can become more elastic, or it can stimulate the body to produce more of these proteins which also effective in increasing the skin’s elasticity.
As for stretch marks that are already present on the skin, creams can make them less visible by making their color lighter and more similar to that of your skin. This makes them almost invisible and you would have to look real close before they can be seen.
Stretch mark creams contain plant extracts and oils which help in lightening the appearance of such scars. By applying this on your skin everyday, it will slowly become lighter until they cannot be seen unless closely inspected. You cannot expect creams to take out your scars completely as they will always be present underneath the surface of your skin.
Aside from these two main actions, stretch mark creams also have some other added properties. They usually have added vitamins and minerals to help nourish the skin and make it smoother and softer to touch. They may also have moisturizing effects to ensure that the skin is hydrated at all times.
Preventing stretch marks from forming is always the easiest and best way to deal with the problem. But there are times when it is unpreventable and you can either use stretch mark creams to make them less visible, or you may opt to undergo expensive procedures like laser treatments or microdermabrasion to totally eliminate them from your skin.
Jen Hopkins has worked in the anti wrinkle skin care industry for years. She maintains websites about Stretch Marks Removal Cream, and Best Stretch Marks Cream. If you want to contact her, you can use the contact form at one of her sites.