Author: jgreene

Why Natural Treatments for Stretch Marks Don’t Work

Posted on October 19, 2016

If you perform a search online for ways to remove stretch marks naturally, you’ll find a number of articles suggesting dozens of ways that you can get rid of your stretch marks using things you probably have in your house right now. These articles claim that rubbing things like castor oil, sugar, aloe vera, or lemon juice onto your skin regularly will get rid of your stretch marks for good.

The problem is that these methods don’t work. If they did, there would be a lot fewer women in the world who feel self-conscious in a bikini after having a baby. Stretch marks can’t be gotten rid of using common household items, and they don’t go away on their own. To get rid of stretch marks, you have to have your stretch marks treated.

Why Don’t Natural Methods Work?

Your skin is composed of three layers. The topmost layer of your skin is called the epidermis, and it is the layer of skin that you can touch and feel. The middle layer of skin is known as the dermis; it is the layer beneath the epidermis. The bottommost layer of skin is called the hypodermis.

When applying natural treatments to your skin, you are only treating the epidermis. However, stretch marks are actually scars in the dermis. This is why stretch mark scars don’t look like other types of scars you get from skin injuries. In order for a treatment to have an effect on stretch marks, it must be able to penetrate the epidermis and affect the dermis.

So Are Stretch Marks a Life Sentence?

No. Just because natural methods of treating stretch marks don’t work, it doesn’t mean that you’ll have to live with your stretch marks forever. There are many lotions and creams available that can significantly reduce the appearance of your stretch marks or get rid of them for good. Like the natural treatments, these products are simply applied regularly to the areas of your body afflicted with stretch marks. With regular application, you will be much more likely to see improvement in your stretch marks than you would using a natural treatment method.

What Other Treatment Options Are Available?

Other common methods of stretch mark removal include deep chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatment, and tummy tuck surgery. Some of these treatments are more effective than others; while laser treatment is an effective method of removing stretch marks, chemical peels and microdermabrasion may simply reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Disadvantages of alternative stretch mark treatments include costs and risks. Laser treatment can require months of recurring treatments to get rid of stretch marks and can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. Deep chemical peels can leave your skin red and raw for weeks after treatment. A tummy tuck is a serious surgery and carries all of the risks of any surgical procedure.

If you’re interested in finding out the potential costs of alternative stretch mark treatments, use our cost calculator to get an idea of how much you may need to spend to get rid of your stretch marks for good.

Celebrity Secrets for Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Posted on October 17, 2016

There are lots of tips for avoiding stretch marks during pregnancy. Some recommend following a special diet or using a special product, but how can you be sure that the tips you follow will effectively prevent you from getting stretch marks? If you’re expecting a child and trying to find the best way to avoid stretch marks as your body expands to accommodate your growing baby, consider these tips from some of your favorite celebrities on how they avoided stretch marks during their pregnancies.

Kate Middleton

While carrying both her son and daughter, the Duchess of Cambridge reportedly used Bio-Oil—a skincare product containing lavender, rosemary, and chamomile oils—to prevent stretch marks and keep her skin soft. Because sun exposure can weaken skin so that it’s prone to stretching and scarring, Middleton used bronzer for color and avoided sunning or tanning. She also practiced yoga during both of her pregnancies to prevent the excessive weight gain that can promote stretch marks.

Molly Sims

Model and actress Molly Sims followed a specific diet during her pregnancy to avoid developing stretch marks. Sims recommends eating a diet that’s rich in fatty acids—nuts (sesame seeds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds), legumes (split peas and lentils), fish (salmon and cod), and greens (kale, spinach, and collard greens) to prevent the development of stretch marks during pregnancy.

Ali Landry

1996 Miss USA winner Ali Landry is a fan of cocoa butter for stretch mark prevention. Landry applied cocoa butter lotion twice a day during her pregnancy to prevent stretch marks, and she applied tummy butter to her stomach at night before going to bed. She also recommends drinking plenty of water to keep skin hydrated in order to avoid developing stretch marks.

Victoria Beckham

Fashion designer and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham posted to Twitter that her preferred stretch mark prevention product during her four pregnancies was Elemis Japanese Camellia Oil Blend. Elemis Japanese Camellia Oil Blend is designed to strengthen skin and make it more elastic, containing sweet almond oil and camellia oil as its primary ingredients.

Kim Kardashian

Like Kate Middleton, Kim Kardashian also recommends using Bio-Oil to avoid developing stretch marks during pregnancy. Beyond preventing stretch marks, Kardashian also notes that she uses Bio-Oil on her face to avoid getting wrinkles around her eyes.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Film star Gwyneth Paltrow recommends a simpler solution for avoiding stretch marks—sweet almond oil. While sweet almond oil can be found in many stretch mark prevention products, it can also be bought on its own at your local grocery store. Paltrow recommends applying significant amounts of sweet almond oil to your stomach, chest, and thighs during pregnancy to keep your skin hydrated and soft.

Finding a Stretch Mark Prevention Product

To purchase one of the products recommended by the celebrities above or to find a different stretch mark prevention product that will work best for you, browse our catalog of stretch mark prevention creams and lotions.

Choosing the Best Stretch Mark Removal Treatment

Posted on October 14, 2016

Stretch marks can feel like a life sentence. While they made fade in color over time, they will never go away on their own. Stretch marks will impact your self-confidence. They will limit your wardrobe: you probably won’t want to wear a bikini if you have them on your stomach, and you won’t want to wear sleeveless tops or dresses if you have them on your arms. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Stretch marks are not a life sentence, but in order to go back to a life without stretch marks, you’ll need to have your stretch marks treated. Stretch mark treatments can be expensive and grueling—for some treatments, you’ll have to go to the doctor for months of recurring procedures—but they don’t have to be. To choose the best stretch mark treatment for your needs, read more about the ins and outs of the treatments below before making a decision on which treatment is best for you.

Deep Chemical Peel

A deep chemical peel for treatment of stretch marks is the process of applying an acidic solution to the areas of skin over your stretch marks in order to burn the damaged skin in that area and promote skin regeneration. The average cost of a deep chemical peel is $6,000, and only one treatment is needed. A deep chemical peel does carry some serious risks because it requires you to be put to sleep with anesthesia.

While a deep chemical peel may result in a slight improvement in the appearance of stretch marks, it is not considered a highly effective treatment. Learn more about chemical peels for stretch marks.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is the process of sanding skin with a crystalline spray in order to exfoliate and remove the topmost layer of skin, eliminating dead skin cells and damaged skin in the process. A single session of microdermabrasion costs, on average, between $75 and $200, but as many as a dozen treatments may be needed in order to reap the full benefits of the procedure.

Microdermabrasion may create the illusion of diminished stretch mark visibility by improving the overall appearance of your skin, but because the procedure does not impact the middle layer of skin that houses your stretch mark scars, it does not have any impact on your actual stretch marks. Learn more about microdermabrasion for stretch marks.

Stretch Mark Removal Lotion

Stretch mark removal lotions contain ingredients that encourage skin regeneration and may reduce the visibility of stretch marks by promoting new skin growth over the areas of damaged and scarred skin. This treatment method is the most cost-effective and least intrusive since the lotion can be applied at home—there’s no need to go to the doctor for repeated treatment sessions.

A stretch mark removal lotion can reduce the appearance of stretch marks and is an inexpensive and easy way to take the first step to a life without stretch mark stress. Browse a list of stretch mark removal products.

What You Need to Know Before Starting CrossFit

Posted on October 12, 2016

CrossFit is a popular workout and training program that encourages people to push past their limits to lose weight, gain muscle, and get stronger. Proponents of the program absolutely love it; they rave about its benefits and attempt to recruit others. People who aren’t fans of the program, on the other hand, warn that it’s dangerous: trainers with minimal credentials encourage people to push further than they feel they should go. This combination could lead to injury and other serious health conditions.

Regardless of which side is correct, you need to do your own research to determine if the CrossFit program is right for you. Talk to your doctor before starting the program, and consider these four pieces of information designed to assist you in making a decision:

CrossFit Is Not for Beginners

If you’ve spent the last year sitting on the couch eating potato chips and watching Netflix, you probably don’t want to start exercising at the level of intensity required in a CrossFit program. While you’ll probably lose weight if you stick to it, you’ll be so sore after you first workout that you’ll never want to go back, discouraging you from sticking with the program. Additionally, going from not working out at all to working out at such a high intensity can lead to injury and other serious health issues.

Becoming a Trainer Requires Little Education

You can become a CrossFit level 1 trainer by taking a weekend course and passing a written test—that’s it. What this means is that pretty much anyone with a little extra cash and a couple of free days can take on the title of coach. These coaches may have varying levels of education on proper form and health and could coach you into doing reps of an exercise incorrectly, increasing the likelihood that you’ll be injured. An injury could leave you stationary for weeks and force you to start all over again after healing.

CrossFit Works

Like any program that encourages regular exercise, weightlifting, and constant improvement, CrossFit does help people get in shape, lose weight, and build muscle mass. It’s high-intensity workouts provide regular practitioners with sculpted bodies and can provide desired results to individuals who already engage in regular exercise and weightlifting in their daily lives and are looking to get to the next level. CrossFit also promotes dieting to assist in getting into shape, which can also add to the program’s effectiveness.

Weight Loss and Muscle Gain Can Cause Stretch Marks

Before starting any new diet or exercise program, it’s important to keep in mind that losing weight rapidly and gaining muscle rapidly are two of the most common causes of stretch marks. Since one of your goals for getting in shape is likely so you can look your best, you may want to start using a stretch mark prevention product daily before beginning CrossFit. An over the counter stretch mark prevention lotion or cream may reduce your likelihood or developing stretch marks when you start CrossFit.

Untested Ingredients to Avoid in Your Stretch Mark Cream

Posted on October 10, 2016

There are many different products available for stretch mark prevention and removal, but how do you know which is best? One easy way to take certain products out of consideration is to check the list of ingredients for chemicals that are unsafe, untested, or ineffective. The following three common stretch mark cream ingredients have been shown in scientific studies to be harmful—particularly to pregnant mothers. If you find that a cream you’re considering has one of these ingredients listed, it’s best to avoid that product altogether.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract has been touted as a fix for many skin issues, such as stretch marks, eczema, and acne. While it is said that grapefruit seed extract tones the skin and heals skin issues, there have not been many studies proving its effectiveness for these uses. In fact, one study performed by the American Botanical Council in Austin, Texas, found that what was being called grapefruit seed extract in several products was actually a chemically-altered derivative that could no longer be considered a natural supplement. The other chemicals found in the products tested were not called out in their ingredients.

Because there is no evidence that grapefruit seed extract works for treating stretch marks and because products containing it may contain other potentially unsafe and untested chemicals, it’s best to avoid stretch mark creams containing grapefruit seed extract.

Dimethylethanolamine (DMAE)

DMAE is a chemical sometimes used in anti-aging creams because of its ability to increase skin firmness and reduce the visibility of age spots. Due to the same properties, it can be effective in reducing the visibility of or removing stretch marks. However, some studies have shown that DMAE has adverse effects on embryo development, so it is best for pregnant women and women trying to conceive to play it safe and avoid this chemical in their stretch mark prevention or removal creams.

Almond Oil

We tend to trust supplements touted as “natural,” but oftentimes these natural supplements are untested and can cause unintended side effects. Almond oil is one example of this. While almond oil is naturally occurring and can soften the skin and prevent stretch marks, a study performed in Italy found that women who had applied almond oil to their stomachs during pregnancy were twice as likely to go into labor prematurely than women who did not. For this reason, it is best for pregnant women to avoid stretch mark prevention creams that contain almond oil.

Find a Stretch Mark Cream

Make sure to talk to your doctor before using any stretch mark cream to determine whether or not the product is safe, especially if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive. Many stretch mark creams and lotions contain natural ingredients—such as aloe vera, cocoa butter, and Vitamin E—that may help promote cell development, increase skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks. Check out our catalog of stretch mark prevention products.

7 Facts About Stretch Marks That May Surprise You

Posted on October 7, 2016

Whether you’re suffering from stretch marks currently or trying to prevent them, there are some facts about stretch marks that you need to know that will help you live with less stress, prevent stretch marks more effectively, and understand what will and won’t get rid of stretch mark scarring.

Men Can Get Stretch Marks Too

While you typically hear more women stressing and complaining about stretch marks, it’s mostly because of the correlation between stretch marks and pregnancy. The truth is that men are just as likely to get stretch marks as women are, though men usually develop them due to rapid muscle gain, weight gain, or weight loss. Male bodybuilders worry about stretch marks almost as much as pregnant women!

Stretch Marks Can Develop Anywhere

Stretch marks are not exclusive to any part of the body—they can appear anywhere. Common places that stretch marks form are stomachs, thighs, breasts, arms, hips, and buttocks, but they can show up anywhere on your body where skin is stretched due to changes in the shape of your body.

Genetics May Make You More Susceptible

While there are differing opinions as to whether or not susceptibility to stretch mark scarring is inherited, some research shows genetics may play a role in your likelihood of developing stretch marks. If one or both of your parents have them, you may be more likely to develop them as well.

Age May Play a Role in Susceptibility

Collagen is a protein found in the body that plays a huge role in skin healing, elasticity, and strength. As you get older, your body produces less collagen. In fact, it is the reduction of collagen production by the body that causes skin to wrinkle. Ample collagen production makes you less likely to get stretch marks, so the older you are, the more important is it to take steps to prevent stretch marks.

Losing Weight Does Not Get Rid of Stretch Marks

You may think that stretch marks caused by pregnancy or weight gain can be eradicated by losing weight, but losing weight will not get rid of stretch marks. In fact, losing weight rapidly can actually cause more stretch marks to form!

Stretch Marks Do Not Go Away Without Treatment

After some time passes, stretch marks may fade in color from red to white. However, stretch marks do not go away on their own and must be treated in order to get rid of them. A number of treatment options are available for getting rid of stretch marks, including stretch mark creams, laser treatment, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and microneedling.

Stretch Marks Are Considered a Cosmetic Issue

Though stretch marks can itch, get inflamed, and cause emotional distress due to the self-consciousness they cause in sufferers, health insurance companies always consider stretch marks a cosmetic issue and will not cover treatment. If you’re curious about how much treatment may cost, you can use our treatment calculator to get an estimate.

Symptoms of Stretch Marks: Are You at Risk?

Posted on October 5, 2016

Stretch marks are a form of visible scarring of the skin that occurs when skin is stretched rapidly over a short period of time. While some people report a burning or itching sensation prior to stretch marks appearing, in many cases no symptoms are noticed prior to the development of stretch marks.

Since stretch marks do not have signs and symptoms that could be recognized, it’s better to understand if you’re among the types of people who are at high risk for developing stretch marks in order to take steps to try and prevent their development. Stretch marks commonly develop on the following individuals:

Pregnant Women

Because the body grows so rapidly in order to support a growing baby, pregnant women are at high risk for developing stretch marks. It’s common for stretch marks to develop on expecting mothers in their second and third months of pregnancy. Stretch marks most commonly appear on a pregnant woman’s abdomen and/or breasts due to the rapid growth experienced in those areas.

Adolescents

While some children grow at a slow, sustained pace, others experience tremendous growth spurts. When an adolescent child goes through an extreme growth spurt, stretch marks can sometimes appear on his/her body as a result of stretching of the skin. Adolescent girls may also develop stretch marks on their breasts due to the sometimes rapid growth in that area during puberty.

Body Builders

Body builders commonly develop stretch marks on places like arms, thighs, and buttocks when muscles grow rapidly in those areas. Body builders who use aids such as steroids or human growth hormone are at an even greater risk for developing stretch marks because of the rapidity with which muscles can grow while using these supplements.

People Experiencing Rapid Weight Gain or Loss

Individuals who gain or lose weight very rapidly are very likely to develop stretch marks. Stretch marks due to weight gain can appear anywhere on the body, but they commonly appear on the upper arms, underarms, abdomen, back, and hips. Stretch marks due to weight loss are typically the result of losing weight rapidly, so individuals on drastic diets or who have undergone surgical procedures to lose weight are at a much higher risk for stretch mark development than individuals who lose weight at a sustained pace over time.

How to Avoid Getting Stretch Marks

If you’re in a high risk category for stretch marks, there are things you can do to help prevent their development. Exercising regularly can help slow the pace at which your skin stretches, lessening the chance that stretch marks will appear. Avoiding steroids and other supplements that encourage muscles to develop rapidly will also help discourage stretch marks.

There are also many products available that can help strengthen skin and prevent stretch mark development. Lotions and creams can be applied to the areas of your body that are at risk for stretch marks that will make your skin more pliable, discouraging the stretching that causes stretch mark scarring. Check out our catalog of stretch mark prevention products to find one that will work best for you.

Will Microneedling Get Rid of Your Stretch Marks?

Posted on October 3, 2016

If you’re determined to get rid of your stretch marks for good and considering treatment options, you may be considering microneedling. Microneedling, also referred to as skin needling or collagen induction therapy, is a process where a doctor runs a tool covered in several fine needles over stretch marks. By creating minor injuries where skin has been damaged, microneedling encourages your body to repair damaged skin through increased production of collagen and elastin.

Is Microneedling Effective?

Stretch marks are scars that form in the middle layer of skin, and like scars from injuries, they do not go away on their own. While they may fade over time, getting rid of stretch marks requires undergoing a treatment that can penetrate the top layer of skin and affect the middle layer of skin where stretch mark scars form.

The process of microneedling allows a doctor to use long enough needle to impact middle layer of your skin. When skin is damaged through the microneedling process, it triggers the development of collagen and elastin in your body, which will promote skin regeneration in the damaged areas. The skin regeneration process can encourage new skin growth in areas with stretch marks, improving the tone and texture of skin and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

In addition to treating stretch marks, microneedling is also commonly used to treat wrinkles and acne scars. The treatment can be performed in a doctor’s office, requires only a topical anesthetic, and is generally considered a safe and low-risk treatment option.

Microneedling Treatment

More than one microneedling treatment is generally required for stretch marks. Your doctor will develop an individual treatment plan that considers the severity of your stretch mark scarring, but you can probably expect to need five or more treatments with intervals between treatments of 4-6 weeks. On average, a single microneedling treatment costs around $700, so if five treatments are needed, the entire process will take 4-6 months and cost around $3,500. Determine your likely costs for microneedling treatment.

Alternative Stretch Mark Treatments

If microneedling isn’t right for you, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to suffer with stretch marks forever. There are several other options available for getting rid of stretch mark scarring:

  • Laser treatment, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion treatments can also be performed by dermatologists and may be effective in treating stretch marks. These treatments use varying methods to damage skin and promote regrowth, though like microneedling, multiple treatments will likely be needed.
  • Many stretch mark removal products are available for purchase over the counter. These products, when applied regularly, may reduce the appearance of stretch marks and are much more cost-friendly than treatments performed in a doctor’s office. If you’re interested in getting rid of your stretch marks but unable to afford the high costs of microneedling or laser treatment, using a stretch mark removal product is a great starting point on your journey to rid your body of stretch marks. Find a stretch mark removal product.

Is Vitamin E Safe to Use for Stretch Marks While Pregnant?

Posted on February 10, 0209

Most women are aware that the things they take in to their bodies while pregnant can affect their unborn babies. Drinking alcohol, smoking, and taking over the counter medicines or prescriptions should obviously be avoided unless approved by your OB/GYN.

However, did you know that simple exposure can also affect your baby? Products and chemicals applied to the skin or inhaled can be just as damaging as those you consume. Because of this, it’s critically important to fully investigate the beauty products you use while pregnant.

Generally popular for pregnant women because of their increased risk are stretch mark prevention products. A common product for preventing stretch marks is Vitamin E oil. Below, we discuss one study’s findings on the potential dangers of Vitamin E intake during pregnancy. Keep in mind that this is intended to be informational only; you should always check with your doctor when making a determination on whether or not a product is safe for use during pregnancy.

Potential Dangers of Vitamin E Use During Pregnancy

A study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in February of 2009 found that high consumption of Vitamin E during pregnancy resulted in an increased risk of infant congenital heart disease.

The study was conducted by surveying 757 mothers: 351 were mothers of children suffering from congenital heart disease, and 406 were mothers of healthy children. Each mother completed a food frequency questionnaire, answering questions about their food intake for the previous 4 weeks. The mothers were also asked if their diet had changed since they’d given birth, and mothers who said their diet was different after pregnancy than during pregnancy were removed from the study.

What remained were 600 valid study participants: 276 who were mothers of children suffering from congenital heart disease, and 324 who were mothers of healthy children. The researchers then evaluated the surveys in order to determine potential factors leading to congenital heart disease in infants.

What they found was that the mothers of children with congenital heart disease had a significantly higher daily intake of Vitamin E than the mothers of healthy children. The study concluded that higher-than-recommended levels of Vitamin E consumption could lead to congenital heart disease in infants, with the highest risk periods being just before conception and during early pregnancy.

Conclusions

While this study covered intake of Vitamin E and not application of it, the findings are worth considering when determining the safety of Vitamin E oil use during pregnancy because of the ability for exposure to have an impact on fetus development. While it may be possible that Vitamin E applied to the skin isn’t absorbed into the body in the same way that it is when ingesting it, it’s still worth careful consideration when choosing a stretch mark prevention product.

If you have concerns about the safety of Vitamin E and other ingredients in beauty products during your pregnancy, make sure to consult with your doctor.