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.

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).

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.

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.

Birth Control Pill and Stretch Marks

Does The Birth Control Pill Cause Stretch Marks?

It is commonly said that taking a birth control pill results in weight gain which on its turn can result in stretch marks. But this does not have to be necessarily true. Some (young) women have shown to develop stretch marks even when they did not gain in weight at all. This might support the opinion that stretch marks are caused by hormonal changes. On the other hand when someone gains weight in a relative short period of time stretch marks are usually the result because the skin is not elastic enough to bear the growth.

Facts are that the birth control pill can cause weight gain and stretch marks. Also a fact is that birth control pills contain hormones. Some say especially the Depo Provera shot and the Diane 35 (Dianette) are causing women's skin to be prone to stretch marks.

It is recommended to consult your health care provider or well-woman clinic about the birth control pill you are using and if switching might be beneficial to you. Furthermore it is always beneficial to keep your skin hydrated. Moisturizers will add to your skin's elasticity which alows the skin to cope with hormonal changes and/ or expansion.