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The creams and oils used to reduce stretch marks and even avoid them, must have moisturizing, healing properties and contribute to the formation of collagen and elastin fibers, such as glycolic acid, retinoic or chamomile oil, for example.
The use of these products can help to reorganize these fibers, reducing the size, improving the appearance of stretch marks and preventing new ones from forming, however, being more effective in red or purple stretch marks. These stretch marks are scars that are formed due to skin stretching in a short period of time such as during pregnancy, during growth during puberty, or when the person undergoes sudden weight changes.
Thus, the creams used to reduce and avoid stretch marks, must have some substances, the main ones being:
1. Retinoic acid
Also known as tretinoin, retinoic acid can help eliminate stretch marks, as it improves the quality of collagen and increases its production, making the skin firmer and thus reducing the thickness and length of the stretch marks. In addition, retinoic acid also promotes cell renewal, improving the appearance of the skin. Here's how to use retinoic acid to treat stretch marks.
The treatment time varies according to the size of the stretch marks and their thickness, and can be found in various concentrations with gel or anti-stretch mark creams.
2. Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is a chemical scrub that removes the upper layers of dead skin, revealing healthier skin and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Thus, its application, which must be daily, reduces the thickness, length and color of the stretch marks.
However, this ingredient can be very strong for some skin types and should be used with caution in order for skin irritation to occur.
3. Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil can be used to reduce stretch marks, as it has a regenerating and emollient effect on the skin, in addition to being rich in fatty acids such as oleic acid, linolenic acid and vitamin A, which contribute to the strengthening of collagen synthesis and elastin, which are essential for maintaining the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Some creams already contain rosehip oil in their composition, but if necessary it is possible to add the drops to an anti-stretch mark cream that you do not have, or to place them in a common moisturizing cream before the moment of application on the skin.
4. Camelina oil
Cameline oil is rich in fatty acids essential for skin health, such as omega 3, which strengthens elasticity, smoothness and reduces the risk of new stretch marks. In addition, this oil also prevents premature skin aging, preventing the formation of expression lines.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that prevents premature skin aging, and is also essential in the production of collagen, bringing more elasticity to the skin. In addition, this vitamin also has a whitening power, which can be useful in darker stretch marks.
6. Chamomile oil
Chamomile oil strengthens the skin tissue, improving elasticity and protecting it from dryness, which is a risk factor for the formation of stretch marks. In addition, its healing properties reduce the depth of stretch marks.
7. Centella asiatica
Asian centella is a medicinal plant with many benefits for the skin, which is even indicated for those who are sensitive to cosmetics, as it can be used in very irritable skin.
This plant has antibacterial, antioxidant properties, helps in the production of collagen, proliferation and dermal remodeling, reducing the appearance of stretch marks, and improving the overall appearance of the skin.
8. Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is a great moisturizer for the skin, as it improves elasticity and reduces the risk of dryness, bringing the aspect of uniformity where it was applied.
Only pure oil can be used to prevent stretch marks from pregnancy or diet to gain weight, or also add it to an anti-stretch mark cream to enhance its effects.
9. Vitamin E
Creams rich in vitamin E, provide deep hydration, reduce the chances of the appearance of new stretch marks, as they increase the skin's elasticity and cause cell regeneration. In addition, vitamin E, has antioxidant properties, very important to prevent premature skin aging. Check out other 7 benefits of vitamin E.
10. Almond oil
Almond oil has vitamin A, which helps in the production of new skin cells, smoothing stretch marks, reduces cell damage caused by time and wearing tight clothing, in addition to deeply hydrating and preventing skin dryness.
Watch the following video and see other techniques that can be used to eliminate stretch marks: