Why do some Stretch Mark Creams Work

First published on 26th November 2014, in the Consulting Room

You researched all the stretch mark prevention creams, read all the reviews, took advice from friends and family, made your choice and stuck to it. So how disappointing that you still ended up getting stretch marks. Why didn’t it work for you?

WHY DO STRETCH MARKS HAPPEN?

The dermis (living layer of skin) is where our skin produces collagen and elastin, when abundant and undamaged the skin easily stretches and regains its shape.  Stretch marks are fine scars caused by tearing in the dermis when the skin lacks elasticity. Collagen gives skin its strength and durability, but elastin is more stretchable and helps maintain the skin's resilience.

HOW DO STRETCH MARK CREAMS OR OILS WORK?

By deeply nourishing the skin, penetrating through to the dermis, helping to heal, thicken and re-elasticise. With continued use the skin will become stronger and more elastic, allowing it to stretch even more without damage. Stretch mark prevention creams should not be thought of as a moisturiser.

SO WHY DO SOME PRODUCTS WORK BETTER THAN OTHERS?

It’s not always the product that’s not working, it’s probably more likely you’ve chosen a product that’s not suitable for your skin type. Just like choosing the correct face moisturiser for your skin, you need to use a stretch mark prevention cream that’s suitable your skin, be it dry, normal or oily. Also, how old you are needs to be considered as the skin loses elasticity as we age.

The oilier or younger your skin is, and the more elastic it is, the skin responds to treatment is quicker because it needs less elastin proteins to repair. Conversely, the drier, older or less elastic your skin is, the earlier and more long-term use of creams will be needed to prevent stretch marks happening.

Our skin type is inherited from our parents, and one can be forgiven for taking comfort in "My mother didn't get them, so I'm unlikely to", but how would your father's skin react to such stretching?

ARE EXPENSIVE PRODUCTS WORTH IT?

Elastin can be found in lots of shampoos and conditioners, and collagen in many face and body creams, but the size of the molecule needs to be refined and small enough to penetrate to the deeper layers of the dermis. Many stretch mark prevention creams and oils make the surface of the skin smooth and moisturised, but little, if any, collagen or elastin reaches the dermis. Try using a sample of cream and a few minutes later feeling how much remains on the surface, and how much sinks in. Micro molecules that penetrate to the dermis aren’t found in cheaper products.

HOW DO I USE STRETCH MARK PREVENTION PRODUCTS?

They should be applied morning and evening to areas prone to stretching: breasts, tummy, buttocks and thighs. For those with dry and less elastic skin, starting to use products early in the pregnancy is recommended, to prepare the skin for stretching. Continue using the products while breastfeeding, washing nipples prior to each feed. For dry skins, products need to be layered, with the stretch mark prevention cream used first, then a suitable skin moisturiser on top.