Various forms of lines emerge on our bodies as we age, from wrinkles to stretch marks, over the years. Stretch marks are the long, narrow lines that develop when our skin swiftly stretches (or shrinks!), according to the American Academy of Dermatology, causing the collagen and elastin support network to break.
Depending on your skin colour, stretch marks will range from red to purple to dark brown and generally grow on the belly, hips, thighs and/or breasts, typically during puberty and during pregnancy: in addition, a 2015 study by the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology found that over half of all pregnant women would develop stretch marks during pregnancy.
Below is a list of the best items for avoiding stretch marks, helping to heal them once they have formed and even helping to hide them temporarily.
BIO-OIL Skincare Oil
To reduce acne marks and wounds, apply Bio-Oil daily — even though you’ve had the blemishes for a couple of years. More than half of the participants have seen improvements to wounds after two weeks in one clinical trial.
PALMER’S Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
Replace your standard moisturizer for one that’s rich in hydrating ingredients like argan oil and shea butter, both found in this cult-classic and budget-friendly lotion.
MUSTELA Stretch Mark Prevention Cream
This product has been a go-to for pregnant women for decades, and it has glowing reviews: according to a clinical trial conducted on 26 pregnant women, 96 per cent of women who used this product regularly throughout their pregnancy did not develop stretch marks.
KIEHL’S Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen
Protect your skin every day by applying an SPF: “sunscreen protects the skin against continuous damage.” A winner for best sunscreens in our Lab check, Kiehl’s lotion has won high scores all over.
NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Hydrating Body Gel Cream
Holding skin hydrated is one of the easiest ways of preventing the emergence of stretch marks. In this body gel cream, the hyaluronic acid helps to quench the thirst of the skin and keeps it clean and moisturized which can stop stretch marks in their tracks.