Some Solutions for Stretch Marks!

It's been awhile since my last post, so I wanted to make this one good! I think almost every woman, regardless of age or weight, has encountered the dreaded stretch mark! If not, then I hate you! Just kidding..but I am very envious =). Personally, I got a few at a very young age after my teenage growth spurt, which has made me very aware about the prevention and treatment of them at an early age.

Cocoa Butter, as many of us know, is a great product to help the elasticity of the skin, but it's primarily a preventative measure that will help keep stretch marks from forming, say after pregnancy and weight fluctuation.

Below are a few products/methods that I've researched and either tried out myself or have read some great reviews on. Now, I definitely don't expect any of these products to erase stretch marks, but they can help diminish the appearance and texture of them. And, remember, be patient, these won't fade or go away in a week or even a month..it's a gradual process. Also, you have a better chance of getting rid of stretch marks that are "fresh" or new. so get to it and good luck!

Body Focus Stretch Mark Improver, The Body Shop: $42.90

This cream is from The Body Shop and runs about $40.00 for 150 ml. The description states it "diminishes the appearance and improves the texture of stretch marks. A light, non-sticky yet richly moisturising cream that sinks in to leave your skin feeling instantly soft, smooth and supple all over. With regular use the appearance of stretch marks is visibly improved or reduced." From reviews and research I've done, a lot of women really like this product and started noticing a change after 4 weeks of use.

**UPDATE: I found Body Focus Stretch Mark Remover for much cheaper, only $13.95 on this site: http://gunera.auctivacommerce.com. Click here to purchase

Maderma Stretch Marks Therapy Advanced Cream Formula: $39.99 (Drugstore.com)

I discovered this product from a TV commercial and I instantly started researching it. It came out awhile ago, but I wanted to wait until I gathered enough research on product reviews to list it. Maderma's a great brand and I've used it a lot in the past for scarring, so I would think this would hold up to it's name, but a lot of reviews are just average. Most poeple have said it works best on new stretch marks and doesn't do much for existing or old marks. Most see results after 8 weeks of use.