The market for stretch mark lotion is enormous, with manufacturers offering what can seem to be a confusing array of different products claiming to finally remove those stretch marks for good. Different brands offer different ingredients in their products, and companies working on formulas for those products are always investigating the properties of new ingredients in the hope of finding the perfect formula.
As you browse the shelf marked ‘Stretch Mark Lotions’, you’ll find lots of different ingredients on the labels, and they all have their benefits – but some are more effective than others. This guide will outline the properties of the Super Six – the ones you want to be looking for when you make your purchasing decision.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a potent botanical ingredient that’s known for its soothing properties and its ability to speed up skin healing. It’s a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body from free radicals that might otherwise hinder the healing process.
DMAE
Dimethylaminoethanol, or DMEA, is known for its rejuvenating effect on the skin and so can be helpful in removing stretch marks. Some people have claimed that it’s dangerous so it’s a little controversial in some circles, but it’s known to have some great skincare benefits.
Cocoa Butter
The skin care sector is awash with cocoa butter products, with lots of lotions and creams taking advantage of its healing and moisturising properties. These properties make cocoa butter an obvious choice for stretch mark lotion, where it’s used to help make skin soft, healthy and nourished.
Grape Seed Oil
This natural oil, which is produced from pressing grape seeds, is another popular ingredient with skincare manufacturers. Its many benefits include toning, moisturising and antiseptic qualities. It contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that’s vital for skin health.
Shea Butter
Like cocoa butter, shea butter encourages the skin to heal. It helps to moisturise the skin while adding a pleasant fragrance, effectively disguising any unpleasant chemical smell.
Retinoids
Retinoids, like those found in retinyl palmitate, are acids that push the skin cells to multiply and separate, allowing the new growth that is so important in skin renewal. Retinols can work really well to waken up the skin cells, but they should be used with caution as they can cause sensitivity in some people.
So those are the Super Six. This isn’t a ‘be all and end all’ list, and there are other ingredients that can be helpful. Think of this list as a starting point: it will provide you with some guidelines to help you choose the ingredients you want to have in your lotion. If you don’t have the time or the budget for extensive and expensive trial and error, bring this list with you next time you shop for stretch mark lotion.
