Brisbane's Doctor Only Injectables Clinic

07 3350 5447

Stretch Mark Cream

Creams for Treating & Preventing Stretch Marks

Several stretch mark removal creams on the market claim to prevent stretch marks or fade them once they are present. However, only two stretch mark creams have evidence to show they work; Stratamark stretch mark cream and prescription vitamin A. Stratamark cream can help prevent pregnancy stretch marks and treat all kinds of stretch marks once formed. In comparison, Vitamin A cream is used only for stretch mark removal once they have developed. As a result, Stratamark does not entirely prevent pregnancy stretch marks, and no cream or treatment can fully treat stretch marks.

Stratamark stretch mark cream, prescription vitamin A creams, and other stretch mark treatments are commonly used together. The outcome of all stretch mark treatments, including Tixel stretch mark treatment, skin needling and PRP, is improved by adding a stretch mark cream. Once you understand these creams’ actions, it becomes obvious why combining them with clinical treatments improves stretch mark treatment.

The two stretch mark creams work to treat and prevent stretch marks.

Stratamark is a silicone gel cream used to treat and prevent stretch marks. It has a novel mode of action as the silicone gel forms a protective barrier that maintains the moisture and seal, speeding routine healing. In addition, this protective sheet encourages average collagen production.

No matter the cause of the stretch mark, starting early with treatment is best.

  • Red-purple stretch marks respond better than white stretch marks.
  • Combining creams with a vascular laser for stretch marks provides the optimum treatment.
  • If the stretch mark is not related to pregnancy or breastfeeding, prescription vitamin A can be added.

The use of silicone gel to heal and prevent scarring has been extensively known for over 20 years. However, it has not reached the widespread recognition of stretch mark creams that do not work. This is purely a function of marketing.

Stratamark is Safe to Prevent Pregnancy Stretch Marks.

Stratamark stretch mark cream is an inert gel containing no chemicals or products that could be harmful. It is not absorbed through the skin, making it the only stretch mark cream safe after the first trimester of pregnancy. It would be best if you started in the second-trimester pregnancy to heal and prevent as many stretch marks as possible. Though Stratamark will not prevent stretch marks entirely, it can avoid a large percentage of forming. It can also be used during growth spurts, excess weight, or muscle gain. To prevent stretch marks, it is best to use them for at least 90 days.

Prescription Vitamin A for Stretch Mark Treatment.

Prescription vitamin A (retinoid) has long been used for many skin concerns. Initially used for acne treatment, it was soon noticed that it improves acne scars by generating new collagen in the skin. It was then adapted as an anti-wrinkle cream and other scar creams. It was the first cream shown to fade stretch marks. However, its action is not as dramatic as Stratamark’s. Once again, early treatment for red or purple stretch marks gives the best outcome. Retinoids are not safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This limits its usefulness for the prevention and treatment of pregnancy-related stretch marks. However, it is considered safe for adolescents and can be used for stretch mark removal in growth spurts, weight gain and muscle gain. Retinoids are often combined with Stratamark and with active stretch mark treatments.

Summary of Stretch Mark Cream Treatment Approach

  • There is no miracle cure for stretch marks
  • Start early with all stretch mark treatments
  • Combine stretch mark creams with medical procedures.
  • Best to have a stretch mark prevention plan for pregnancy
  • Red-purple stretch marks respond better than white stretch marks.
  • Combining creams with a vascular laser for stretch marks provides the optimum treatment.
  • If the stretch mark is not related to pregnancy or breastfeeding, prescription vitamin A can be added.

Stratamark Cream Summary.

  • The gel cream normalises collagen production, helping them to heal
  • Applied twice daily
  • It works for new and old white stretch marks; however, the outcome is significantly better for early red stretch marks.
  • Start in second-trimester pregnancy to prevent stretch marks
  • Safe to use after the first-trimester pregnancy.
  • Apply twice per day.
  • It can be continued after pregnancy.
  • Combine with laser stretch mark removal for an optimal result (delay applying for two days after  laser)

What Stretch Mark Creams Do Not Work?

Several stretch mark creams have achieved widespread recognition to prevent stretch marks. However, they do not work. These creams are primarily used to try and prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. The best known are bio-oil, Palmer’s stretch mark lotion and peptide lotions for curing stretch marks.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks

Palmer’s stretch mark lotion does not contain any ingredients that will actively prevent stretch marks. It is an excellent moisturising cream containing shea butter but claims that rubbing it three times per day into areas prone to stretch marks will prevent these have never been proven. It is generally available relatively cheaply and would be a good moisturiser, but its value in preventing or treating stretch marks is not.

Bio-oil for stretch marks.

Bio-oil is another product marketed for scar and stretch mark removal. It is advised to rub in a circular motion three times per day for at least three months. The ingredients of bio oil for stretch marks include a little retinyl palmitate. However, despite its claims, there is no reason why it should work. The central part is mineral oil (think baby oil).

Peptide lotions for stretch marks.

Several peptides are helpful to stimulate collagen synthesis, so theoretically, peptide lotions may help fade early stretch marks. But once again, there is little research that substantiates this. So instead, you are better off sticking to Stratamark stretch mark cream, laser, PRP, and vitamin A, which have proven to improve the appearance of striae.

We provide a range of body treatments for not only treating stretch marks by also body sculpting with FMS Teslaformer and Cool Tech Fat Freezing.