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Exercise & Nutrition

Stretchmarks

24 years ago

Anyone found a product to eliminate stretchmarks? Mine are mainly on my stomach and formed when I was pregnant (28 years ago!). They're white, most are not too deep...just look ugly. I've been looking at a system (www.stretchmarks.com) but would like to hear from someone who's had success with getting rid of stretchmarks. Thanks for any input.

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Comments (26)

hjazmen_aol_com
24 years ago
I too am looking for something to help with stetchmarks!! If anyone has any suggestions they would be well appreciated!!
pbernade_roosevelt_edu
24 years ago
I tried the stuff at www.stretchmarks.com although I didn't use it for as long as they suggested, I got no results. Plus, they delivered it in a box that very clearly read "Stretchmark cream" which was highly embarassing. Plus, the blue plastic coating on the tube rubbed off everywhere. Needless to say I wasn't very happy with this since I ended up paying $35 for the stuff. The truth is that although you can't completely erase the damn things you can minimize their appearance by keeping your skin well hydrated (drink plenty of H20)and keep the area well moisturized with cocoa butter, Vitamin E or wheatgerm oil. One herbalist told me that applying lavendar essential oil on the marks will improve their appearance because lavendar helps to regenerate skin cells. I'm willing to give it a try!
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Interesting digressions here, from the original topic. First, big stomachs go with the territory of pregnancy, and whether covered or not, there is no reason to find them a problem, irregardless of attire. Like babies themselves, it is simple biology (how we can perceive babies as miracles is another issue), and biology is something we should be embracing, rather then finding "unmentionable". Nursing babies, is simply a function of motherhood, for most, and entirely too much fuss is made of it. Sorry, but I see puritanical aspects to some of the comments, and I place those in the same basket as all religious extremism, along with Islamic Jihad. However, I will agree, that nursing in public should include a lightweight drape, to make it palatable for everyone, yet, momentary flashes should not be considered objectionable. I also agree that rest rooms are not the best place to find privacy, much less sanitation. On the other hand, I am not an advocate of babies in the first place, as the entire world's resources are severely strained by burgeoning populations, everywhere. That's what happens, when you allow religion to speak ahead of science. Having babies should be an activity of responsibility, and not one of fashionability. I find it incredible, that people who cannot even support themselves, are having babies, just because it is "popular". No one will suffer more, than the children themselves, from being brought into a world, where they are not properly cared nor provided for. I cite the example of a post presented here, which I will simply mention.....in that a young mother (unmarried?) was ignoring her own responsibilities as a parent, and a grandmother was being expected to raise her child, while she went out and partied half the night! (I won't even get into the divorce rate and the psychological issues created in children in such situations.) Yet, everyone is complaining about property taxes......and the vast majority of those funds go to fund schools for the children, that everyone seems to think they should be entitled to have. Perhaps everyone should be forced to go back to the old method of school funding......where parents had to group together in the community to pay for a school building, and a school teacher, along with all other costs of maintaining and equipping the school, and educating the students. Perhaps that might make people wake up to their true financial responsibilities of child bearing. Someone please explain to me, where the world went insane?
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Removal of stretch marks is the most effective when they are just formed, i.e. when they are reddish in color. Dermatologists recommend various treatments for the marks, but their removal is very difficult once the marks fade. Although, one can use Olive oils, Coconut butter or Vitamin E or Vitamin A for massaging over the marks. Aloe Vera Gel soothes irritating skin which has been recently stretched. For an effective prevention of stretch marks, exercising is the best bet, as it keeps the muscles and skin firm. Also eating foods, which are rich in proteins, Vitamin C and E help in promoting and maintaining healthy skin. Here is a link that might be useful: Stretch Marks Removal
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Wow...ok dude listen up, these forums are probably about 80-90% female....and I'm sure they may give you some different opinions....but I'm going to relate to you what I went through (didn't turn out too well, sorry to say), since SOOOO much of what you wrote could have been written by me about 5-6 years ago (I'm 47 now...) I too was an educated man (I guess I still am..lol), a good provider, hard-worker, helped with the kids, the laundry, cooking, you name it. Always faithful, not out boozing or golfing with the boyz all the time...very rarely in fact. I worked about 55-60 hrs a week for years getting a software company off the ground, plus was renovating a house we bought...this is going back to 2001-2004 or so. I thought things were going well...I was fairly happy, my kids were awesome, I thought my wife was sort of happy (as happy as she can be, she was never the 'happy type')...after all she was doing what she wanted to be doing (being a stay-at-home). In 2004 sometime, shortly after my mother died, I started to feel something was 'off'. Not sure if I just finally noticed things, or if mom gave me sort of a 'kick in the head' on the way out...but I started realizing we had completely disconnected. I was doing my stuff...working and fixing the house, she was consumed with the kids 24-7 (or so I thought...more on that later), and when we did talk, it was about the kids, or the house, stuff like that. I realized this sitting in an airport on a business trip once, waiting for a flight, every other guy was on the phone yapping with their wives for a long time in the terminal I was at...my call lasted two minutes...we had nothing to talk about. This was a defining moment in my life, it turns out. When I got back from my trip, I started to do a lot of the things you spoke of, talk to her, try to reconnect, be more attentive, etc. I got the cold shoulder in a major way. I read on a thread either here, or in the "Stepfamilies" forum which, aside from the home-improvement forums is the other one I go to, "once a women shuts down....she is gone". I think this is what happened to my wife. To make and incredibly long and painful (for me) story short, I stared having feelings she might have been having an "outside interest" somewhere (I honestly, foolishly, thought she was too good a person to cheat on me...) So, I did what all suspicious spouses do these days...hit the cell phone while she was sleeping. Over the next few weeks, I figured out she was having an affair for 9 months with a contractor that had done work on my house (despite her lies and denials every step of the way, even after she admitted everything)...great, not only was he f%$#ing my wife, but I paid him 15K on top of that. Talk about salt in the wounds...ugh! The next couple years were a mix of trying to put it behind us (which I said I could do, in order to try to salvage the family), which was for the most part unsuccessful because she resisted communication, resisted therapy, etc. She also went to school during these few years and finished her degree...which should have been a huge red flag for me that it was all part of her "exit strategy". Three years later, she is gainfully employed, and although during this time I never felt like we ever really reconnected, no matter how hard I tried, on the surface we were 'both in it for the long haul', or so she said. I am sure you can imagine what happens next....within 6 months of working, I start getting those gut feelings again that she is 'distracted'....a little more investigation, and I figured out she was doing it again. Basically she strung me along for 3 god damn years, thinking we were going to salvage the marriage...when deep down she knew the whole time as soon as she got "self-sufficiant", she was out of there. I was never disrespectful to her, I was faithful, a good provider and an awesome dad. I deserved better....as I imagine you do too. My advice to you...attack the problem full force. Tell her all that you said in your post, and tell her (if it's true) that the most important thing on the planet is your relationship with HER (not keeping the family together, not avoiding divorce...etc.), and that you are prepared to do whatever it takes to make it as good as it can be, starting with marriage counseling. Don't sit back and hope it changes, which is what I did between the two affiars.....I gave up too easily. Be proactive and do bold things. Arrange for someone to watch the kids and take her away for a weekend...spur of the moment, things like that. I know that I probably had an opportunity to reconnect with my wife, and I was too passive in my attempts, because I am a logical thinker, i.e. I think like most men. One more piece of advice, stay away from women unless they are an actual "female-friend" that you had BEFORE this started....the fantasy of other women will cloud your vision...you have a family that needs your attention right now. Give it your full attention and maybe you have a chance to fix it. If it doesn't work, you will have time afterwards to engage in flirting and chasing women (which I must say, was a pretty fun thing to do after 15 yrs of being with one person...lol!) Now flash forward, I am divorced, have a great girlfriend of 3+ years, have 50% custody of my two kids, 13 and 10, just bought a nice house after renting for a few years....so on the surface, it's all ok, right? Not really, not a day goes by that I don't hate her for two things....first, making my kids grow up like this. It's not a big deal to her, she was raised by a single mom, and she turned out fine (uhmm...really?). I had an awesome, stable childhood and hate the facts that my kids have been forced to deal with this, even though (for the sake of the kids), I am nothing but pleasant and accommodating to her, despite all she but me through, while deep down, if it wasn't for the kids......ok I won't go there, but you can only imagine the hatred I have for her. And second, the feeling of betrayal from someone you were putting all your efforts towards making happy (yes, sometimes my efforts were misguided, but they were still done with the best intentions), is pretty hard to take. I will always be a bit "bitter" about this I imagine. Good luck! Keep us posted...
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lfd_axion_net
24 years ago
My sister tried a seaweed soap she got as a free gift from Avon and she reduced/elimated most of her stretch marks. They were six years old by this time. She has recently had another child and is going to try this again. Good Luck!
meeshgaf_aol_com
24 years ago
mother's friend..and cocoa butter help.
eggers4_worldnet_att_net
24 years ago
After I had my 2nd child I received a flier in the mail for a product called Barmon Stretch Mark Cream. It takes a little while to work, but it does work. It's not guaranteed to get rid of your stretchmarks (if they are severe enough like mine anyway), but they have made mine noticeably lighter. I have marks on my stomach, hips, behind the knees and armpits. Although a little pricy ($20 a jar), the company offers a refund for up to 3 jars with no time limit. Once the marks lighten, they don't come back. The secret is that there is lanolin that helps get the Vitamin D into the skin. The cream is a little funky...mine has dried to what look like little wax pieces, but it rubs in nicely. Only thing i don't really like is that it doesn't rub in all the way so you have a little oily layer on your skin. If you want to check it out, the website is www.barmon.com

Good luck to all of you.
childrensgarden_hotmail_com
24 years ago
Rebecca, I would bet that the cream had little to do with the lightening. Stretch marks lighten on their own with time. Mine are a shimmery silvery skin-tone, and I have used nothing special on them.
eggers4_worldnet_att_net
24 years ago
Becky M,

I don't think that is true in my case. I have the same stretch marks from my first child and they haven't lightened a bit in 3 years until I started using this cream. But I appreciate the response.

Rebecca
norahs6_webtv_net
24 years ago
I think it used to be a prescription,but now it's over the counter.It's called Mederma. it's for scars,strech marks.... My mom works for a dermotoligist and gave me tons of samples of it. I'm using it ,but it says to use for 3-6 months before seeing results.
arc_yahoo_com
24 years ago
Sharon, any results from your cream? I'm very interested.
didi400_mailops_com
24 years ago
I posted this message earlier on (same one)

No amount of creams or lotions will make them disappear! Though it will make your skin feel soft.
Try starting a resistance training program to increase you muscle mass and lower your bodyfat %. As the muscle grows, your skin will tighten and make your stretchmarks seem to disappear. I've had three children and have stretchmarks on my belly, back of thighs, breasts and buttocks.
Resistance training is making them seem much less noticeable as everything tightens. (smooth skin without noticeable lines)

And don't worry about looking muscular. If anything you will get nothing but a lean and toned look to you!

Susie
illusion_tu2_hotmail_com
24 years ago
is there any surgery orlaser skin care thing you can do for them? I'm only 18 and don't want to be stuck for life!
samantha_herroyalhigness_net
24 years ago
I believe the same laser procedure that removes tattoos will remove stretch marks. I'm sure it's painful, but might be worth it. Check with your dermatologist.
NsNatalie631_hotmail_com
24 years ago
Hi my name is Natalie......I'm 13 years old and i have stretch marks all over my behind if u have any products or advice to give me it would be gr8ly appreciated!
Sincerely
Natalie NsNatalie631@hotmail.com
egeisler_5598_yahoo_com
24 years ago
hello,

i was a 13 year old with the same problem and i was super skinny. i'm 35 now and still have them and am still super skinny. if they would disappear i could love my body. i never had access to help or got any advice. i hope you find an answer before it is too late. i know how it can bring you down. good luck
mydoxies_earthlink_net
24 years ago
My OB says that nothing works other than laser surgery.
psikilla_telusplanet_net
24 years ago
Hey I'm a 17 year old guy who weight lifts. Check out JimiGel, it really worked for me (had 3-4 stretchmarks going down my shoulder on both shoulders). I think the site is
www.jimigel.com

Good Luck
xenaheart_earthlink_net
24 years ago
I saw somebody posted using a creme above, I am using a creme now and it's been working great! I did try Barmons, Emu Oil, Vitamin A without any response.

Anybody mind sharing if they have found products that do work? I'm 36 and have had marks since I was 12 or so. Thanks!
jprizzo_earthlink_net
24 years ago
Cutting Gel or Dermalin APg will help that.

fatburnersdirect.com
MrsJim
24 years ago
on Cutting Gel or any of these expensive creams, just buy a tube of Preparation H. Yep, that's right, Preparation H, the yellow tube of...you know what it's for!

Because that little tube which costs MUCH LESS than I'm willing to bet most of the products names above do has the EXACT SAME ACTIVE INGREDIENT. I know Cutting Gel does.

I've been using Prep H for years off and on to help reduce swelling under my eyes. All you have to do is get over the hemmorhoid connection and just apply it to your stretch marks. Although I've never used it for that purpose, I'd be willing to bet that you'd see a difference after a while and WAY CHEAPER too!
xenaheart_earthlink_net
24 years ago
I don't think Prep H would work for the marks, however, thanks for the info. I have been using a creme that works great from www.stretchmark.com , I was just wondering what others were using.

I heard Dermalin falsely advertises for what it does. Those kinds of treatments utilizing pills and liquids scare me! :) Thanks again for the input!
ssell49024_yahoo_com
24 years ago
Bar-Mon cream seems to be working for me too and I've only been using for a couple of weeks. It is pricey though and it's very thick and oily so it will not absorb into the skin directly. I will continue to use it awhile longer and then probably quit.
Shaketa
24 years ago
Well when i first got pregnant i used COCOA BUTTER thru the owe thing and when i had my son i cannt say they are completely gone but u better believe i love my stomach form just having a 9lbs 8 oz boy andf i was little and i still us it and it works on my hips. I just have little one but i dont think u can ever get rid of stretch marks, but u can lighten them so try some real cocoa butter ....
softskinrules
24 years ago
I tried Barmon but didn't find it helpful. I also thought the consistency was waxy and smelly! I tried Emu Oil and others.

I have stretchmarks that are 25 years old. (I'm 36) I got them from growth spurt and then as an adult with pregnancy. My son is now 13 and my marks are starting to disappear! On my lower ab and breasts and upper arms. The improvement is wonderful! The creme, Striae from Regentrol Labs is no more expensive than Barmon and is backed by US Patent and clinical study. I researched this product extensively as I was tired of trying products that just didn't work. I found them at www.stretchmark.com. Good luck with the Barmons and Cocoa Butter. Shaketa, there is hope to eliminate marks, not just lighten them. You may want to consider checking that product out. Thanks! :)
starz
18 years ago
I used to have moderate stretch marks and they were UGLY. I first had to use a microderm cloth (or you could use a cream) then I used SMT stretch mark therapy cream from http://www.beautyenvy.citymaker.com/smtstretchmarktherapy.html worked really well, but wasn't overnight. It took about 4 weeks before I saw big changes.
crystally101
16 years ago
im 13 years old and i just started getting stretch marks i started noticing them 2 days ago and i didn't know what they were till they turned white and I'm not sure if its usual for my age to get them i have them on my legs on the side is it because im getting taller?? im around 5"5 so will you help me out!!
michaelsmith0004
16 years ago
Irritated from stretch marks?? Wanna know......how to get rid of stretch marks and interested in stretch marks removal products? Check out the link :-

Here is a link that might be useful: Stretch Marks

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