Darn Those Stretch Marks!

Image via Wikipedia While spending time with my son, I decided to show him my stretch marks. Sort of an attempt to say "see what you kids have done to me!". Well, this is what he suggested:

"I think we need to cut it off. We should cut off the skin and then put a looooooong, loooooooong plaster that stretch until the back (pretending to put on the plaster, or some of you call it band-aid, and wrapping his hands across my tummy to my back). Cut off the skin so new skin can grow.
Oh, but what about the belly button? Mommy, how to cut the belly button? Aiyah, never mind-lah, cut it out also so you can have a new one, don't want this old looking one anymore."

I tell you, I was laughing my head off.

On the other hand, I was kinda impressed too because he actually incorporated what he had learned before to come up with a solution. You see, he sort of has this corn like infection on his finger and after putting some medication, some of the skin started to come off. So I explained to him that it's a good thing coz' then new skin will grow. I guess that's how he came to think of skinning my belly so new skin will grow. Hahahaha. But his comment on my belly button cracked me up.

Anyway, back to the topic of stretch marks -- how many of you mommies were able to get rid of stretch marks? I've tried the Palmer's coco butter and all it did was made my stomach itch. Apart from that, I guess I haven't been too diligent in trying to get rid of it. But lately I have been doing a little reading about stretch mark creams and thought I'd share the knowledge here.

So here are some tips if you are also wondering about stretch mark removal:

• First thing is, don't just choose any moisturizing product from off the shelf. You will need a product that can go deeper, past the skin's top layer (epidermis). Highly recommended are products that have high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin E, collagen, elastin, glycolic acid, and emu oil, liposomes and aloe vera gel. These ingredients are able to penetrate into your second layer of skin called the dermis. The dermis is where the stretch marks occur. They help to replace damaged skin cells and also activate the renewal of healthy cells.

• Eat foods that promote skin health such as those rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, silica and protein. These would include nuts, fish, carrots, citrus fruits, milk, eggs and leafy greens. The right kind of nutrition will help your skin stretch better and also to bounce back quicker after birth. Avoid coffee, caffeinated drinks, tea and smoking, as they are not good for your skin's health.

• Whether you get stretch marks or not are influenced by many factors such as:
  - Genetics. If your mother or sister had them during pregnancy, the chances of you getting them are higher.
  - Skin condition. Dry skin will be less elastic and makes you more prone to stretch marks.
  - Amount of physical stretching. If you are carrying a very large baby or more than one baby, you are more likely to develop stretch marks.
  - Ethnicity and skin tone. If you have fair skin, the probability of having them increases.

So, care to share your stretch mark experiences?

Here are some stretch mark cream reviews:

• Trilastin SR (Results in about 3-4 months, 1 tube can last up to 45 days)
  
• Revitol (active ingredients include squalene oil, aloe vera, Vitamin E, DL-Penthenol, and Vitamin A Palmitate)
• Purely Shea (100% organic, unrefined, unscented)