Sunless Tanning and Stretch Marks

Does sunless tanning help fading stretch marks? Yes it does to a certain extent for me. But that doesn't have to mean it will work for someone else too.

I think it depends on the skin type and on the stretch marks themselves. My experiences with using a sunless tanning lotion is that it works better on younger striae. Generally the older the stretch marks are the more white they get. This is due to a loss of pigmentation if I am correct. In my case these tended to get more noticeable or their appearance stayed the same while the more pinkish colored marks faded after applying sunless tanning lotion. This effect is stronger when I tanned the natural way. I also noticed that exfoliating really is important. The results are less satisfying if you don't.

So in conclusion it might help a little but at the end of the day you'll have to try it yourself in order to find out in what matter. Maybe you already use a product you are satisfied with but I know I have searched for a good product for a while so here some info on my favorite non orange self tanning lotion.

Does Mederma Work for Stretch Marks?

This is my review of a few products I have tried. First of all something about Mederma for scars (and stretch marks). Many people are positive about Mederma. They think it is the best remedy for scars available but research done on the active ingredient of Mederma, which is onion extract, showed no clinical improvements. In fact a control group in one study who were treated with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) did show better results. Scientists thought this was due to the hydrating properties of petroleum jelly. One study showed onion extract (Allium Cepa) to have anti-inflammatory properties and to improve collagen organization in a rabbit ear model. However this did not lead to improvement of scar appearance in humans.

Well, although it might not work for scars maybe it does for my stretch marks I thought. (An acquaintance convinced me to try it). I am aware of the fact that stretch marks are a type of internal scars but they can't be compared in terms of treatment. So I started using Mederma on my stretch marks. Mine are located mainly on my breasts and thighs. For a period of at least 8 weeks as recommended by the manufacturer I applied the Mederma gel on my stretch marks three times a day (sometimes even 4).

Unlucky me, but it didn't work. A waste of time and money (Mederma isn't cheap) but also a bit wiser. I am convinced some products work for some people so I think it justified me trying. I also think many products work for nobody. Anyhow, time to move on. I continued my search for the holy fading stretch marks grail. There must be a product that can at least fade my striae to a certain extent. I just refused to give up.

My search led me to the insight that a few criteria are important when determining which product to buy. This time no more trial and error for me. (I also used cocoa butter and a cream I don't even know the name anymore previously) I am going to take this structurally. Crucial are the active ingredients present in the product. Also the amount of the ingredient. Many times a manufacturer only adds a tiny bit of the ingredient in the product only to be able to mention it on the label.

After I found out Mederma did not work for my stretch marks I learned something new. An effective dermal product has to have a good delivery system such as liposomes, micro-sponges, or some other type of carrier. Otherwise it will not work.

My research also brought me to composing a short list of effective ingredients. Important ingredients are the so called occlusives, humectants, and emollients.

-Examples are glycerine, dimethicone and squalene oil which is a good emollient. Vitamin E and grape seed extract which are known to fortify the collagen and elastin in the lower skin layer (epidermis). Fatty Acid-rich ingredients to increase skin elasticity. Shea Butter, Borage Oil , Wheatgerm Oil, (rich in Vitamin E) Rosehip Seed Oil or Sweet Almond Oil are examples of the latter.

During my search for a Mederma alternative I stumbled on a natural product that met the criteria I found were important. It has squalene oil in it which promotes healthy skin while the vitamin E and grapefruit seed extract act to strengthen the collagen and elastin found deep in the lower epidermis.

It it supposed to work by stimulating the production of the skin's natural collagen.
Another natural ingredient is vitamin D3 which is produced in very small amounts by the human body when skin is exposed to sunlight. For it to aid in the regeneration of the epidermal layer sunlight can never provide enough of this vitamin. The purpose of the vitamin D3 in this product according the manufacturer is to complement the vitamins E and A in the stimulation of new dermal cell production. (Research has also shown that the reason people with dark skin tend to scar worse has to do with a lower vitamin D3 synthesis in their skin)

The product that was finally going to help me with fading my stretch marks is called Revitol stretch marks prevention cream. So I hoped. It also works on existing striae according to the manufacturer. (I hope so because my striae is there for almost a year now) Their website states that it will take longer to notice the full effects on older tissue. Since mine are there for a while I guess I have to be patient. I decided to start applying the cream religiously. The first thing I noticed after using the cream for a small week is that it really firms my skin. Nice, but that's not what I bought it for.

A few weeks later I started to get skeptical. Again another product that doesn't work. Throw it in the bin next to the Mederma bottle I thought. Just keep going for at least a week was my intention. Until my husband told me my stretch marks were fading. Although the result was minimal at first this gave me hope. And after another week or so I started to notice it myself too! At this moment I am still using the Revitol cream and am happy with it. My stretch marks are fading! And however they are not gone by far the improvement is substantial. I am glad I did not give up and kept optimistic about finding a product that actually works for my existing stretch marks. Imagine how it would work when used preventive. For more information visit the Revitol website.