Striae, or more commonly known as stretch marks, are a type of scarring on the skin with an off-colour hue. Stretch marks are the result of the rapid stretching of the skin that occurs when the body grows, such as in puberty, pregnancy, or weight gain. They may also be caused by hormonal changes related to puberty, pregnancy, bodybuilding and hormone replacement therapy. The collagen and elastin fibres that help maintain our skin elasticity can tear when the skin is stretched too quickly. It can give rise to stretch marks as the skin heals itself.
Stretch marks, those always-unwelcome-pesky-lines, also make many people self-conscious. But fear not!
There are numerous ways to remove stretch marks and their appearance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to a few best stretch mark removal creams, products, and home remedies to remove stretch marks
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
With a blend of cephalin, hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica plant extract, Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy works to nourish the skin. Hence, this stretch mark removal product not only helps in the minimising of the visible marks but ultimately improves the texture and softness of the skin. This stretch mark scar cream has been clinically shown to increase skin's moisture content and help improve skin elasticity and the appearance of stretch marks. One of the best ways to remove stretch marks using this will work best when used twice daily and consistently for at least 3 months.
Cicatricure Scar & Body Gel
Extremely popular in Latin American countries, this one is readily available in India too and is quite loved by dermats and patients alike. The formula for this best stretch mark removal cream includes onion extract, chamomile and marine extracts, which are known for their regenerative benefits. This stretch mark product is a non-greasy gel that gets quickly absorbed into the skin making it very easy to use on a daily basis. The gel is designed to fade the appearance of scars and stretch marks while improving skin elasticity and with regular application, you can expect to see smoother, more uniform skin texture making it one of the best stretch mark removal creams for teenagers as well.
Body Merry Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream
Most of the ingredient list of this stretch mark removal product is made of natural and organic ingredients like shea butter, vitamins E and C along with plant stem cells that combine forces to help protect your skin from stretch marks and scars. This among the best stretch mark removal creams is formulated to increase the skin's natural elasticity, which can keep stretch marks from forming as skin expands due to pregnancy or rapid growth. The cream is a nice rich texture but it is not greasy, so you can and will want to use it every day making it one of the top stretch mark creams.
Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil
Bio-Oil is a well-rated skincare oil, known to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, and ageing or dehydrated skin and its regular use is a top tier home remedy for stretch marks. The vitamin and plant extract-rich oil is picked up by skin quickly, as it is non-greasy and light - thanks to its PurCellin Oil formula. Its regular use can help reduce the possibility of new stretch marks forming and diminish existing ones.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion
Palmer's lotion is a cult-favourite around here, appreciated for its particularly creamy mix of cocoa butter, shea butter, and antioxidant vitamin E. The formula of this best stretch mark removal cream helps moisturise intensely and make the skin more flexible, a great way to prevent stretch marks from occurring. It works to create the smooth texture of the lotion preventing roughness and dryness while massaging daily can help mature the blood flow and skin repair making it one of the top stretch mark creams
Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Cream
Clarins; the cosmetics giant is skilled in botanical wizardry, using the likes of Centella Asiatica extract – a plant with healing qualities – in creamy form. This essential ingredient assists the stretch mark scar cream in stimulating the creation of collagens and increases the flexibility around the skin, and decreases the chances of stretch mark formation. The stretch mark removal product is also blissed out with nourishing oils and plant extracts that hydrate and appease the skin to give it a luxurious healthy feel.
Paula’s Choice RESIST Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment is a derivative of vitamin A and one of the best ways to remove stretch marks. The retinol in this top stretch mark cream encourages your skin to make more collagen and can even out discolouration. It should be applied after the smoothing treatment and other adjunctive topical agents like antioxidants (e.g. vitamin C, vitamin E) and emollients to help nurture and replenish the skin, providing hydration and softness
Curél Ultra Healing Body Lotion
Curél Ultra Healing lotion is created for seriously dry, tight skin prone to stretch marks and is one of the best stretch mark removal creams for them. Ceramides, naturally occurring lipid molecules within the skin, are critical for preserving the skin's barrier and retaining hydration. It is a rich, non-greasy oil that preserves normal skin barrier functions, restores and improves elasticity and reduces tissue tensile stress to prevent new stretch marks as well as reduce existing ones. This non-greasy formula makes it a popular best stretch mark removal cream for teenagers.
Mustela Stretch Marks Prevention Cream
This stretch mark scar cream from Mustela is packed with new and expectant mums in mind for a safe yet effective method of preventing and treating stretch marks. The stretch mark product is formulated with a mix of naturally derived ingredients, such as skin-supporting avocado peptides and a patented extract from the larch tree, galactoarabinan, to keep skin from losing its elasticity.