Common Stretch Mark Cream Ingredients
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Here are the most common ingredients found in popular stretch mark creams. Read what each ingredient contributes so you can find the best stretch mark cream for reducing stretch marks and avoid the ones that will waste your time and money.
Since stretch marks are caused by structural damage in the collagen matrix of the dermis any ingredient that generates or replenishes collagen will help minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera gel consists primarily of water and polysaccharides (pectins , hemicellu
loses, glucomannan, acemannan, and mannose derivatives). Aloe Vera is recognized for its healing properties and can be used both internally and externally. Traditionally, aloe vera is used for its anti-oxidant, gastrointestinal, and nourishing properties. Aloe vera is especially effective for healing surface skin wounds, such as a sunburn.However, since it is high in water content you want to stay away from creams that have a high amount of aloe vera.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is an emollient that has been used for years to heal and moisturize skin that has been exposed to the elements. It contains natural antioxidants that prevent decay. Its healing and softening properties make it a common ingredient found in soaps, lotions, creams, and balms. However, its properties allow it to be most effecting in preventing stretch marks. Many women choose cocoa butter creams for prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a solid fatty oil made from the nuts of Karite Nut trees. The oil from these nuts is extracted and then mechanically refined. The benefits of shea butter are primarily a result of its high content of non-saponifiable fatty acids. As such, it works well with the body because its an extremely therapeutic emollient that helps heal cracked, aged, and damaged skin.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid, also know as hydroxyacetic acid, is derived from the sugar cane. It is able to
deeply pentration the skin but does so by breaking down the surface skin to allow the underlying skin to appear, which if used improperly can cause severe damage. Dermatologist may use it in high concentrations for controlled healing of the skin but over the counter skin creams are only allowed to have concentrations above 10% due to its deterioting abilities. However, any concentration below 10-percent has little to no effect. Consequently, there is much debate over the safety and effectiveness of glycolic acid.
Siegesbeckia Orientalis
Siegesbeckia orientalis is an herb that has been used for centuries as a means to effectively regenerate damaged tissues by restoring collagen and restoring the collagen matrix. The overall effect of siegesbeckia orientalis causes skin blemishes and other imperfections to be eliminated.
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Dimethylaminoethanol
Also known as DMAE. It is an antioxidant cell stabilizer used to reduce wrinkles and inflammation and increase skin tone. However, there are health concerns with the effects of DMAE when used as a main ingredient. DMAE has been found to have properties similar to amphetamines. As a result, side effects may include headaches, muscle tension, and insomnia. With the uncertainty of the side effects you should stay away from any product that uses DMAE as its main ingredient.
Grapefruit Seed Extract 
Grapefruit seed extract is neither grapefruit juice nor an essential oil. It’s actually a synthetic product that’s often touted as natural. Chemical manufacturers take leftover grapefruit pulp and chemically alter the compounds that make up the extract. Chemical reagents and catalysts, such as synthetic ammonium chloride, are generally used in this process. Grapefruit seed extract has become a highly controversial chemical compound. A number of studies conducted worldwide have reported abnormal and suspicious chemical activity in several randomly selected grapefruit seed extracts.
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Palmitoyl oligopeptide, a synthetic protein, effectively penetrates the skin to stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the dermis and increases the skin’s smoothness and elasticity, helping to reduce stretch marks. Oligopeptides have also shown to be highly beneficial for preventive purposes by destroying the free radicals responsible for premature aging, collagen breakdown, and skin damage.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3, another synthetic protein is a piece of a collagen molecule that is merged with palmic acid. When combined this ingredient stimulates glucosamnoglycans, elastin, and collagen. When palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 deeply penetrates the skin it causes an increase in collagen production which reduces the appearance of stretch marks.
Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is easily metabolized by the skin cells and converted into retinoic acid. This acid directly affects the skin and encourages the division and renewal of cells by increasing the skin’s metabolic rate. However, retinoic acid is the active form of vitamin A present in Retin-A which breastfeeding mothers are advised to stay away from.
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