By Katie Martlew
Whether your stretch marks are a result of weight gain or loss, puberty, or war wounds from a pregnancy, chances are you’d rather live without them, than learn to love them. We give you the low down on what causes them, and provide you with our top pick of the products that will help you combat them…
Skin care powerhouse Guinot gives us the low down on stretch marks, and why we get them…
Stretch marks: what are they?
Stretch marks are unsightly marks on the skin that look like small scars. They can be reddish, purple-toned or white, depending on whether they developed recently or have been present for some time. Stretch marks are found on the bust, abdomen, hips, thighs and, more generally, wherever the skin has been stretched.
Why do we get them?
Stretch marks appear when rapid weight loss has occurred, during pregnancy or at puberty: whenever elastic tissue in the skin has become weakened. Stretch marks form when the skin is stretched so far that the collagen breaks down and the fibres in the dermis tear. In response, the body forms scar tissue, known as stretch marks.
“In regards to pregnancy it is always best to use a cream from the start of pregnancy to prevent stretch marks from occurring. If stretch marks are already visible the sooner cream is applied the better, so that it can start to mend the tissues in the skin.” Laura Pritchard, Managing Director Guinot
RESCU’s editor is pregnant and has been happily road testing the many offerings on the market. Here’s her pick of the best creams, oils, lotions and potions to kick stretch marks to the curb…
1. Guinot Cream Specifique Vergetures
What is it? The latest body cream from Guinot is a pharmaceutical targeted action cream that reduces the appearance of stretch marks, while firming and toning the skin. The cream reinforces the external structure of the epidermis, improves cellular cohesion and strength while stimulating the synthesis of elastic fibres and helping to stop their deterioration.
Key ingredients: Crelastine B (promotes the production of collagen and elastin) Sepilift (re-tones and strengthens tissue) Evening Primrose Oil (nourishes and strengthens) Vitamin E (general healing properties) and Hydrocyte Complex (blend of sugars designed to hydrate the skin on all levels)
300ml RRP $100 Stockists: 1300 300 954 or visit www.guinot.com.au
2. Eleusian Divine Creation Oil
What is it? Formulated for expectant or nursing mothers, this 100% pure and natural multi-function oil, assists in regaining skin elasticity and tone, while supporting the body’s physical and hormonal changes throughout pregnancy, labour and post pregnancy.
Key ingredients: Rasberry Leaf (delivers extra nutrients to aid the toning of the womb) Rose Hip Oil (promotes cell growth, increases elasticity and strengthens the immune system) Plant Extracts (assist in the release of fluid retention from all areas of the body) Divine Essential Oils (soothes, hydrates and keeps skin soft and supple)
125ml RRP $49.50 www.eleusian.com.au
3. Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil
What is it? A soothing natural body oil that smoothes and nourishes the skin, enhances skin tone and helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the stomach, thighs, bottom and breasts.
Key ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil, (delivers intensely moisturizing fatty acids and keep skin supple), Wheat Germ Oil (refines skin’s texture with a high dose of Vitamins A, D and E), Arnica Montana Flower Extract (helps ease tightness and provides a layer of comforting warmth when massaged into the skin)
100ml RRP $27.90 www.weleda.com.au
4. Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula for Stretch Marks
Actress, model and notorious bad girl Angie Everhart (pictured top) is Palmers celebrity ambassador for their Stretch Mark Products. She tells how the Palmers Stretch Mark range was the first thing she bought when she found out she was pregnant: “My mom gave me that advice—be sure you put a lot of moisturizer on your tummy so you don’t get stretch marks. I used the cream morning and night, and I haven’t gotten any stretch marks. It was great in the first trimester because there’s no fragrance in it to make you nauseous.”
Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula for Stretch Marks Range
What is it? A comprehensive and great value range of specialist products to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Key overall ingredients: Cocoa Butter (a natural skin moisturiser which keeps skin supple) Antioxidant- Vitamin E (powerful antioxidant which helps prevent cell damage, fights off free radicals and fades scars over time) Collagen (improves skins firmness while preventing deterioration) Elastin (keeps skin supple and gives it a flexibility to stretch while improving overall skin tone and appearance.)
Products in the Palmers range to try:
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks RRP $15.70
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks RRP $15.70
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter RRP $15.70
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil RRP $24.95
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Bust Firming Massage Cream RRP $16.70
For extensive stockist information visit www.palmersaustralia.com.au or call 1300 191 918
