Creams, gels and lotions in the treatment of stretch marks

Cosmetic companies make tens of millions of dollars in sales of creams, gels and lotions for the treatment of stretch marks. The main ingredients of these products are very effective moisturizers, as well as substances that stimulate collagen synthesis.

Cosmetics will be effective if you start to use them, while stretching still have a reddish or purple hue. However, it is doubtful that they will be able to completely rid you of stretch marks.

Ingredients of creams to treat stretch marks

• Aloe gel

Aloe gel Aloe - its amazing healing properties   It consists primarily of water and polysaccharides (pectin, hemicellulose, glucomannan, acemannan, and mannose derivatives). Aloe has long been known for its healing properties. As a part of creams to treat stretch marks aloe gel stimulate tissue repair process, and deeply moisturizes the skin.

• Cacao butter

Cocoa butter is used for centuries to moisturize the skin and protect it from the environment. It contains antioxidants, effectively it softens and nourishes the skin.

• DMAE

DMAE - a powerful antioxidant Antioxidants: the truth about the notorious benefits That can reduce inflammation and improve skin tone. It is part of many agents for the treatment of stretch marks, and anti-aging cosmetics. However, in recent times, you can hear the suggestion that DMAE is dangerous to health. There is no consensus on this score from experts yet.

• Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid - a common ingredient in cosmetics, produced their sugar cane. It should be noted that products with a high concentration of glycolic acid may be used by professionals only creams with a low content of substances that can be purchased in stores and drug stores, ineffective. In addition, glycolic acid can be dangerous for pregnant and lactating women.

• Grapefruit seed extract

Grapefruit seed extract - sounds like the name of a natural substance, such as essential oils Essential oils and conception: can help the roses?   or grapefruit juice. It can be seen in the list of ingredients for the treatment of many extensions. In fact, often the substance is only given for a natural. For its production scrap obtained grapefruit used which remain after the production of juice and other products. Scrap obtained is processed at high temperatures, and with the participation of substances such as ammonium chloride, and the result is what is known as the grapefruit seed extract. Recently, a lot of information about these extracts sometimes contain substances which, in contact with the skin can cause her harm.

• Palmitoyl oligopeptide

This material penetrates into the skin and increases its elasticity by stimulating the production of collagen. With regular use of cosmetics containing palmitoyl oligopeptide, stretching decreases and the skin becomes smoother. In addition, this substance destroys free radicals responsible for the premature aging of the skin Aging Skin: The three most common problems and their solutions .

• Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 - one of the most effective stimulants of collagen and elastin. Furthermore, it has the ability to significantly reduce the wrinkles and prevent aging.

• Retinyl palmitate

Retinyl palmitate - a retinoid that promotes skin cell regeneration. Creams with this ingredient very effectively treat stretch marks, but before using them should consult a doctor - some people use retinoids is contraindicated.

• Shea butter

This natural substance intensely moisturizes the skin, promotes its restoration and slow the aging process.

Retinoids

These effective cosmetic substances are included in some anti-aging moisturizers and allegedly contribute to wrinkles and improve skin tone. Retinoids - a type of vitamin A, which accelerates cell division (ie, speeds up recovery of the skin), and prevents decay in skin collagen.

However, retinoids - many of the ingredients of care products for skin, which some experts recommend to guard against future mothers. According to some studies, a strong dose of vitamin A during pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. It is known that oral retinoids such as isotretinoin (Accutane, an agent for the treatment of acne) cause the development of congenital malformations in the baby.

If you are a long time to use creams containing retinoid, do not panic. There is no evidence that topical retinoids in the form of cause health problems in pregnant women.

There is no evidence pointing to the harmful effect of retinoids in contact with skin - doctors simply reinsured and use caution.

CONCLUSION:   best avoided

Skin Care: salicylic acid

This weak acid is used to treat certain skin diseases including acne. Salicylic acid is a part of the plurality of means for skin care, such as cleansers and tonics. It penetrates into the layer of facial fat and deep into the pores and facilitates exfoliation of dead skin cells. Salicylic acid belongs to the group of aspirin, so it also helps to reduce inflammation or redness. Beta-hydroxypropionic acid, - the form of salicylic acid which is used in certain topical exfoliating scrubs and to eliminate the signs of aging.

However, salicylic acid - another ingredient, is strictly contraindicated in pregnant women. Studies have shown that a strong dose of the acid in the form of oral cause congenital malformations of the child and the various complications of pregnancy.

As is the case with retinoids, physicians also reinsured not recommend moms use of salicylic acid in topical form. Applying a small amount of skin cream or other cosmetic products - for example, tonic containing salicylic acid, one or two times a day - does not hurt you or your baby.

However, the means for peeling containing salicylic acid, the situation is somewhat different. Use of these agents during pregnancy can be compared with the reception of one - two aspirins.

The more money you put, the greater the amount of salicylic acid enters the bloodstream. Always consult your doctor before you carry out the procedure of peeling. It is better to entrust this process professionals - for example, your dermatologist who knows the secrets safe peeling during pregnancy.

CONCLUSION:   best avoided

Soybeans

Some expectant mothers prefer to use products based on natural ingredients, such as soy, believing that in this way they protect themselves from the harmful effects. However, this is not the case.

Typically, lotions and care products for skin, based on soy - are safe. Containing soy funds can emphasize the "mask of pregnancy '(dark spots). A similar effect has also bergamot oil, which contain many organic means.

Soy has estrogenic effects, further highlighting the dark spots, known as melasma or chloasma. However, active soy, which is part of some cosmetic lines will not cause any problems because the estrogenic components have been removed.

CONCLUSION:

If your skin appear dark spots or melasma, we advise to refrain from the use of such funds or to choose cosmetics based on "active soy". Otherwise, the agent containing soy are safe.

Means for acne treatment

In the first trimester of pregnancy for many women, there are a rash on the skin - is the result of changes in the level of estrogen Estrogen - the key to bone health . Sometimes this trouble happens even to those women whose skin before pregnancy was flawless. When it comes to acne caused by pregnancy, a dermatologist will likely prescribe a topical antibiotic is safe.

However, if you want to avoid another visit to the doctor, it is better to use gel purification, containing not more than 2% salicylic acid (this information is listed on the packaging). This small amount is considered safe.

If you want to be confident in the security means 200%, consult your gynecologist or dermatologist. In the treatment of acne Acne treatment: how to get rid of blackheads   during pregnancy, avoid special lotions, gels and creams to treat acne is a long-acting, as well as means for peeling at home, which include salicylic acid or retinoids. Naturally, in any case, do not take pills retinoid Accutane (Accutane).

Conclusion : Consult a dermatologist or only use a mild detergent solution, sold without prescription.

Means for hair removal or slowing hair growth

Lotions for chemical peels (depilatories), or agents that promote hair growth slow down, seem an accomplishment at the time, when you can barely bend down and did not get it - not to mention the fact to see - before their own feet. The good news - all of these funds are considered to be harmless.

When it comes to tools for hair removal, you can not select certain ingredients that should be feared. In this case, the only danger - the possibility of an allergic reaction. If you are using (by means of chemical hair removal), as expected, they will not cause any problems. It is a topical solution that does not enter the bloodstream, and therefore can not harm your child.

If in the past you have experience allergic reaction to the means for hair removal or slowing hair growth, it is better to refrain from the use of these funds in the period of pregnancy.

Further, during waiting baby skin some women become supersensitive so allergic to such ingredients may occur even if they did not exist. Before depilatory apply to the entire leg, put it on a small patch of skin below the knee, and wait 24 hours to see whether there will be an allergy.

Conclusion : Safe to use

Sunscreens

Pregnancy does not mean that you ordered the way to the beach. In fact, it is a feeling of warm sand under my feet and a light breeze caressing your skin and hair flying - perfect relaxation Relaxation and stress - calm, not panic! Which only can recommend the expectant mother. And remember the teachings of their mother: never forget the sunscreen.

Sunscreens, including creams, ingredients that penetrate the skin are harmless, when you are waiting for the addition to the family. The concentration of ingredients that still penetrate deep under the skin, sunscreens so insignificant that it should not worry. Better use of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide - is effective physical sunscreens are not penetrate the skin.

In addition to using sunscreen, we usually recommend other ways to protect against the sun - to stay indoors between 10 am to 4 pm; wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and appropriate clothing. Also do not forget to re-apply the cream every two hours. If you have melasma, use a sunscreen Sunscreen is not just for the beach   with whitening effect.

Makeup

You may rarely think how harmless your favorite cosmetics, but during pregnancy, this aspect can not be ignored.

The packaging of many cosmetic means "nekomedogenny» (noncomedogenic) or "does not cause acne» (nonacnegenic). This means that such agents do not contain oils and do not clog the pores. They are completely harmless and will not affect the health of the child.

Please try not to use cosmetics containing retinol or salicylic acid (common ingredients of cosmetics for skin prone to acne).

If you want to display super-careful during pregnancy, pay attention to the cosmetics line based solely on minerals. They use only the ingredients which remain on the skin surface and do not cause irritation to most women.

Conclusion : Do not use cosmetics containing retinoids or salicylic acid. The rest is harmless cosmetics.

Parting words dermatologist

Pregnant women should always consult your doctor or gynecologist before using any means of skin care. However, even if it turns out that you used means comprising a plurality of harmful ingredients, do not panic. Just stop using it and pick up a more secure means.

Most of the funds of prestigious brands are very safe. If these funds are applied to the area of ​​less than 10% of the total area of ​​the skin, the danger of their impact on the entire body is negligible.