There are just some things we cannot get away from, no matter how hard we try. Stretch marks are one of them – if you’re predisposed its tickets for you I’m afraid. But here’s the good news – if you start with preventative measures now or start treating stretch marks when they first appear, chances are you can greatly reduce their appearance.
Stretch marks are actually a form of scarring on the skin that happens at a dermal level. When our skin stretches (from weight gain, muscle gain, pregnancy, etc.) the dermis actually tears, and this causes the thin lines we see on the surface of the skin.
Do not panic just yet! They are treatable…but only to a point. Once the stretch mark has turned white there is no more blood flow. This means that nutrients and active ingrediants (from products that we apply to ourselves) won’t be delivered to the area and so that stretch mark is there to stay (unless you opt for laser). However, if the stretch mark is still red/pink/purple, there is still blood flow – attack that stretch mark like a mad woman!
I’ve selected four products that I believe are miracle workers. One of them I have personally used and the other three, friends of mine have used and have seen great results.
Bio Oil
A South African favourite and a real steal at R74.95 (125ml at Dischem).
Bio oil is a combination of minerals and plant extracts in an oil base. It is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin. You use a tiny little bit and massage it in.
I have personally used this product for all of the scarring on my legs (for those of you who don’t know, I have had about 6 operations on my legs with about 8 scars to boot…fun times) and it made all the difference. The trick is to use Bio Oil while there is still blood flow and to actually massage it in, not just apply it.
You might still see a slight difference in stretch marks (and scarring) once they are whiter but the difference will not be as dramatic.
Mama Mio
Mama Mio is renowned for being a pregnant woman’s hero, but I know a few women who use their products even though they aren’t with child.
1. Tummy Rub Oil (R570 Wellness Warehouse) & Tummy Rub Butter (R540 Wellness Warehouse)
The same but different. I love that there are two consistency’s to choose from, depending on your preference. For me personally, I would use the butter but I know a lot of people who have used and loved the oil.
These two products are full of Omega 3, 6 and 9 to help build your skins strength and elasticity. Because it is made with pregnant woman in mind, its aim is to prevent stretch marks during this time period. I think though, that this is an awesome product to use for preventative measures.
You apply it from boob to butt (front, side and back) twice a day.
2. Goodbye Stretch Marks (R800 Wellness Warehouse)
Clinically proven to reduce stretch marks by an insane 70%, this product cleverly combines ingredients that improve the skins texture, reduce the discolouration of the stretch mark as well as repair and regenerate skin cells at a dermal level (remember it’s a tear in the dermis – this will help to heal the tear). Again, you apply this product twice a day, every day.
Just a little reminder, with all products you need to use them for a good 6-8 weeks to see a huge and sustainable difference. I would suggest taking before and after pictures so that you have something to compare to.
Have you got any hero products when it comes to stretch marks? Comment below and tell me all about it!
0 Comments