Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Ingredients Commonly Found in Stretch Mark Creams

By Claire Jenkins

Have you tried different creams to improve the appearance of your skin? To get soft, smooth skin like young people you need to follow a daily routine of skin care. When it comes to stretch marks, it becomes very ugly and you want to get rid of them as soon as possible.

It doesn't help that there is so much conflicting information out there too. It can be difficult to discern which creams really work and which ones don't. There is a big spread in the prices among different brands so how do you choose the right one?

Stretch marks are formed with when the skin is stretch beyond its limit in a very short period of time. The elasticity is broken down and scars are the result. They first appear as red or purple streaks and change to white or sliver lines over time.

Obesity and pregnancy are the most common reasons for the development of stretch marks. Many people have stretch marks at one time or another, because large percentage of the population has been overweight or pregnant at some time in their lives! It's not just women who get stretch marks, either. Few people know that they are a complaint of body builders as well.

If you plan to lose lots of weight quickly, or if you are pregnant, you should take steps to avoid prevent stretch marks, but if you already have them, you can be treated as laser resurfacing or use creams to reduce their appearance.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent the damage of stretch marks from occurring. Stretch mark creams that contain this ingredient are typically most effective. This is why cocoa butter, which is rich in vitamin E, is such a popular choice for those looking for the best ways to combat these pregnancy scars.

Another ingredient that is commonly found in popular stretch marks creams is emu oil. While it sounds somewhat exotic, it has been used for thousands of years by the Australian Aborigines. They use it to treat burns, scars and many other ailments. Today the oil is clinically extracted from the bird's upper back and used for its medicinal properties.

However, many products tend to overestimate their ability to get rid of stretch marks. It is important that you read some independent customer reviews before purchasing. Perform a web search for your product, and consult review sites that are not associated with the manufacturer. Make sure you investigate the manufacturer's website and search for the source of their claims. - 16650

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