Throughout history the herb Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) has been valued for its medicinal properties. The small plant, indigenous to south east asia was used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese folk medicine. It was used for many purposes among which are wound and skin care.
The successful application of these plant extracts have lead to the question whether it would be able to fade stretch marks. Secondary research on Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) extract as an stretch marks fading agent has led to the following conclusion:
In one randomized controlled study 80 pregnant women were treated daily with a cream combining Centella asiatica extract, alpha-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), and collagen + elastin. The women treated with this cream which brand name is Trofolastin, developed fewer stretch marks than the placebo group.
The same study showed that pregnant women who had previously developed stretch marks in pregnancy benefited more from treatment with the cream than did those with no previous stretch marks.
The downside is that Trofolastin is not available in the United States. It is in Spain. Developed and marketed by Novartis.
In Spain this cream is widely accepted and recommended by medical professionals such as doctors, nurses and dermatologists. At the moment this is the only stretch marks product on the market which is scientifically proven to cure and prevent stretch marks.
A possible alternative for Gotu Kola might be the stretch mark cream by Revitol. This cream is called Stretch Mark Prevention cream but can also be used on existing striae.
Similar to Trofolastin this cream also consists of natural ingredients. One of these ingredients is glycerine (which is a substance that occurs naturally in the human body). Glycerin is a so called humectant. Humectants are, next to emollients and occlusives, essential ingredients in skin care products. Glycerin, which is one of the best humectants known, draws water into the deeper layers of the skin. Other natural ingredients are squalene oil, and grapeseed extract.
Although there is no clinical evidence supporting the efficiency of Revitol it is a well reviewed, natural product which could be the best bet for those who can't lay their hands on Trofolastin. More information and reviews on the Revitol. website.
Source: Mallol, Belda, Costa, Noval, and Sola. (1991). "Prophylaxis of Striae gravidarum with a topical formulation. A double blind trial.”". International Journal of Cosmetic Science (13, 51-57).
InviCible Scars Review
12 years ago
2 comments:
I am trying revitol cream as we speak and I do have a feeling it helps but can't tell really because its too early. Just started a few weeks ago.
I bought this product because it is the only product that has actual research behind it, and its even in the Cochran Review for research. I was convinced based off the research alone.
I would buy it again in a Spanish website (http://www.farmacialanucia.es/trofolastin-anti-stretch-mark-moisturising-cream-250-ml-p-161.html) because they have the cheapest price and not getting streatch marks is priceless.
Post a Comment