MB asks…I recently found out that I’m pregnant. My mother has stretch marks and as I have read that it’s genetic in nature, I’m concerned about developing stretch marks during my pregnancy too. I have read here on beauty brains that there isn’t really any over the counter treatment for them. Is there any way to prevent or at least reduce the amount of stretch marks that occur? I have read elsewhere that Camellia oil may be helpful. Is it true?
The Beauty Brains respond:
Congrats on your pregnancy! While there’s no definitive cure for stretch marks there are some treatments that you may find helpful.
Reducing stretch marks
Stretch marks can be reduced depending on their age. According to Dr. Leslie Bauman, who’s quoted in this WebMD article, they respond to treatment best when they are still red or purple. As they age they become more silver or white and are then more difficult to treat. Dr. Baumann explains that moisturizing helps prevent marks from forming by increases skin pliability and that ingredients which stimulate collagen can help fade stretch marks.
The case for camellia oil
The camellia plant is a type of evergreen shrub which has shiny leaves and rose-like flowers. Its seeds can be cold pressed to yield a high quality oil which consists primarily of oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated Omega-3 fatty acid and Omega-6 Linoleic acid. (http://goldportbeauty.com/camellia_oil.htm)
Camellia oil has been found to reduce trans-epidermal water loss, so it will help moisturize. And there’s at least one study showing that Camellia oil can stimulate the growth of human dermal fibroblast cells which are responsible for the production of collagen. But this effect was only shown cells in the lab, not from application on real skin. The result was also proven to be concentration dependent so if you are using camellia oil, make sure it’s not diluted down with some other oil.
What else might work?
Nut butter products (like coconut and shea) are effective moisturizers, according to the article, and may help prevent stretch marks from forming. Also, retinoids have been proven to be helpful in reducing their appearance but can’t be used if you’re pregnant or nursing. And you could always try a skin resurfacing laser.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
There’s no definitive proof that camellia oil will get prevent or get rid of stretch marks but there is at least some evidence that it might help.
Comments on this entry are closed.
what is a cure well what can help wit white strech marks?
Also try to remember pretty much everyone has stretch marks to some degree. This reminds me of an awesome quote on cellulite I would like to share here:
“Cellulite is a condition of subcutaneous fat that causes a dimpling effect under the skin. Under men’s skin, the connective tissue is criss-crossed, ensuring that cellulite (probably) does not bulge out. For women, the tissue is organized into a column shape, allowing for cellulite to appear. Combine that with a tendency towards thinner skin and a higher percentage of body fat, and it’s hardly surprising that women are more likely to show cellulite than men are. As a result, an estimated 90% of women experience cellulite post-adolescence. It’s so ubiquitous among ladyfolk that some doctors have even proposed that cellulite qualifies as a secondary sex characteristic, right up there with breasts, hips, and pubic hair.
Although various treatment methods have been proposed for treating cellulite, a solution to the supposed problem is remarkably elusive (even liposuction is unable to address this issue, as one’s connective tissue and skin thickness aren’t changed by the procedure).”
Source: http://www.brightestbulbinthebox.com/2013/07/beauty-bullshit-fat-girl-slim.html
I’ve used Cammelia oil both pre- and post-delivery and can say that it’s soothing, but I don’t believe it’s enough on its own to prevent stretch marks. I loved TriLastin-SR and Burt’s Momma Bee the best. Prevention is the key, though, and I’d slather on ANY topical treatment multiple times a day during pregnancy as your belly and breasts expand.
Believe me – the trouble is worth it, as I’ve seen through skin consulting how tough it is to reverse the stretch marking effect once it’s already happened.
-jada
Camellia oil seems a good option to get rid of stretch marks naturally. My sister is pregnant and your blog will really helpful for her. I will definitely share this blog with her. Thanks for sharing.