Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Fading Stretch Marks with Trofolastin (Gotu Kola Extract)

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).

Friday, January 15, 2010

Tummy Tuck for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks located on the abdominal area can be removed with a mini tummy tuck. This surgical procedure, also referred to as partial tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is commonly performed to remove loose excess skin but is also an effective way to remove stretch marks. Only downside of this procedure are the scars. But there are ways to prevent them from getting ugly and to treat them so their appearance will be as little noticeable as possible.

The tummy tuck for stretch marks can be considered a last resort. Especially when there is also loose skin as a result of pregnancy or weight loss present. But also when other measures such as exercising avidly, following a strict diet, using hydrating creams, regenerating potions, firming ointments and other anti-stretch marks products all did not work. Then the tummy tuck for stretch marks is a relative invasive (compared to using a cream) measure. Big advantage however is that the outcome is not unclear. This procedure does make sure you get rid of your striae. Guaranteed.

Jessica Alba about her Stretch Marks

Self Magazine's February issue features an interview with Jessica Alba. In the interview she admits that she has learned to love her stretch marks. Her stretch marks have developed after the birth of her now 18 months old daughter Honor.

"Pregnancy was the most incredible experience I’ve ever had," Alba (28) says. "So I’ll take the stretch marks. I’ll take the sagging boobs. I’ll take the cellulite I can never get rid of." source: USMagazine.

Another star who is open about her stretch marks is British actress Sienna Miller. She states she has cellulite and stretch marks like any other woman.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Best Stretch Marks Lotions

There are plenty massage lotions for stretch marks on the market. They all claim to prevent stretch marks. Ingredients such as cocoa butter, vitamin E, collagen, soybean oil elastin, aloe vera, and shea butter or combinations should be the reason these products work.

But do they really work? Do they lubricate the skin in order to make it retain its natural elasticity and suppleness? The problem is that stretch marks are hard to reach because they are located inside the deeper layers of the skin.

When dermatologists or other experts are asked the range of efficient stretch marks products and treatments can be brought back to a handful. One of the options is a prescription cream with tretinoin. The brand name of this cream is Retin-A. The efficacy of this lotion is clinically proven but expectations should not be set too high. Stretch marks can be improved, mostly not removed.