The best way is to keep them from appearing in the first place. Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy increases the moisture content of skin. Moisturized, supple skin is more elastic and less apt to form stretch marks. If you’re pregnant, you may begin using it as soon as the second trimester. For existing stretch marks, experts believe that the most effective way to reduce them is to begin care as soon as possible, preferably when the marks first form1. But even those with older stretch marks have options to improve how they look and feel.

Dermatologists and researchers report that:

• Creams with onion extract, like Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy, can significantly improve the softness, texture and appearance of stretch marks.
• Heavy moisturizers and other over-the-counter products that are good for hydrating the skin can sometimes make stretch marks softer, look better and can reduce itchiness.
• Self-tanners and sunless tanning products can help camouflage stretch marks. (But avoid suntans and tanning beds, because they not only can make the stretch marks appear worse, they’re also not good for the health of your skin.)
• Prescription cream with tretinoin (which comes from Vitamin A) can reduce the length and width of stretch marks when they are new, though it’s not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.
• Chemical peels can improve how skin feels and looks.
• Laser therapy can improve the color of stretch marks and how elastic, or flexible, the skin is.

REFERENCES:

• Striae Distensae (Stretch Marks) and Different Modalities of Therapy: An Update, Dermatologic Surgery, April 2009.
• SKINmed: Dermatology for the Clinician, April 2010.