How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks - Solutions That Work Fast

It seems like every week there is a new stretch mark cream being advertised on TV or the Internet, but do they really work or is it just a lot of smoke and mirrors?

I've decided to review some of the new products out there so you can decide whether it's worth it or not. I'll give you the facts and you be the judge, okay?

P.S. If you want me to review any other products, just let me know! Click here to add a product to the list...

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Cossidia Skin Repair System Kit

Cossidia is another newcomer on the market - and the first product review requested by a visitor! Thanks Evelyn...you are helping a lot of women make a more informed choice about Cossidia thanks to your curiousity!

Now I hate to follow up that praise for Evelyn with bad news, but it didn't take me more than five minutes of resourceful searching to uncover some unpleasant news.

These are actual quotes by users:

• Approximately 5 months since first trying this product out, I have to say its pretty disappointing...Stretch marks are still pretty visible.


• ...gel smells kinda fishy...


• I used cossidia believing that my stretchmarks would soon fade but after a month of use, nothing happened. I'm so disappointed...

Sorry Evelyn, I was hoping I could recommend a winner for my first visitor submitted product, but Cossidia just is not worth the time or the money.

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Bio-Oil

Bio-Oil has been everywhere I turn lately. I've seen it on TV, in magazines, and on the Internet. They definitely know how to get their product in front of me! Question is, is it as good as they claim it is?

Yes and no.

Bio-Oil claims to heal scars and stretch marks and it does do an amazing job on scars. Over 80% of the people surveyed said it significantly healed their scars.

On the stretch mark side of the house? Not so much. Only 10% of those surveyed said that Bio-Oil worked on their stretch marks. Most saw no difference at all.

Good things about Bio-Oil? Great smelling and easy to apply.

Bad things about Bio-Oil? A lot of complaints about aggravated skin and an oily feeling that won't go away.

My verdict?

If you are trying to get rid of your stretch marks, Bio-Oil is NOT the way to go.

Revitol Stretch Mark Prevention

"Revitol is the most complete stretch mark solution I've found."

Don't take my word for it though...go out and try it yourself! You will be amazed!

Revitol Stretch Mark Prevention gets five stars from me. It's nearly perfect, there's just the fact that the pump bottle design makes it tough for me to get the cream out. It works on my stretch marks though, so I'm not going to complain too much!

I first started using Revitol about two years ago, right after I had my second child. The pregnancy wasn't bad as far as morning sickness goes, but I gained a lot of weight (a lot!) in a very short amount of time.

I had been trying cocoa butter, since that seemed to work with my first child, but either I got a string of bad jars, or the stuff just wasn't working like it used to. It was time to switch to something else...something better.

My search for the best stretch mark cream didn't start with Revitol - oh no! I got ripped off twice before I found Revitol. They were "top of the line" creams that I saw advertised on TV and I thought, "Hey, if they're spending the money to advertise on TV, it must be working for them right?"

Wrong!

The first cream was so foul-smelling that even my dog wouldn't go near it...and he eats his own poop (as disgusting as that is)!

The second smelled great, but three and a half weeks later I saw a report on the Net about this cream being more hype than help.

I was so fed up with stretch mark scams (as I now called them) that I just gave up hope in finding a good one. That lasted until I after I had my second child and had started to lose my baby fat...then the stretch marks seemed to multiplying!

I ended up turning to the Internet to help me find a good stretch mark cream, because there I could search for reviews on each product...instead of relying on my judgment (which was 0 for 2 at this point).

I found Revitol fairly quickly, since it is a big company online, but it took me the better part of a month to actually buy a bottle, since I was so scarred from my last two attempts. I got the one bottle package and decided I'd give them 30 days to do their best.

Bottom line?

It worked! I saw a dramatic reduction in my stretch marks in the 30 days I used Revitol. I went ahead and reordered the 6 bottle package just to make sure I don't run out!

It's packed with stretch-mark removing ingredients like:

- Squalene oil (similar to human oils; strong regenerating capabilities)

- Vitamins E, A, and D3 (essential for optimal skin health)

- DL-Penthenol and grapefruit seed extract (restores collagen and elastin)

- Aloe vera extract (anti-inflammatory with healing properties)

Here's the scoop - straight from Revitol's website:

Revitol's Stretch Mark Prevention Cream contains a powerful combination of concentrated ingredients proven to individually strengthen the skin, improve collagen structure, and increase natural elasticity. This cream penetrates deeply into the skin cell layers and works to improve their elasticity by strengthening the collagen and elastin-rich tissues that are responsible for the flexibility and elasticity of the skin. The product has a rejuvenating effect by stimulating cell growth and production; enhancing skin renewal.

This product helps to decrease the appearance of existing stretch marks, and is also an effective preventative treatment method for them. Stretch Mark Prevention Cream can be used after pregnancy to eliminate the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating skin renewal. As the skin cells regenerate they will replace the existing scar tissue and heal ruptures present in the dermal layer.

Vitamins A and E found in the cream penetrate deeply into your skin to soothe, protect and heal skin ruptures. As skin expands during pregnancy, vitamin D3 and squalene oil are essential in helping the skin accommodate the growing underlying tissues without rupturing and causing scar formation. The aloe vera present in this product works alongside the other ingredients to protect and soothe the skin, while moisturizing and healing at the same time.

Karen T. - London:

Normally I don't write testimonials, but in this case I really have to!!! I am 40 years old and I didn't believe that Stretch Mark Prevention Cream would work with me during my pregnancy but, actually, It worked really well! I did not think my skin would be able to regenerate itself...but I can wear my bikini again without worrying about showing my body! Congrats on this great product!

Eva K. - Peterborough, ON:

Thank you for this great product! I already had a lot of stretch marks from puberty before I got pregnant, and...when I got pregnant, my breasts started growing a lot! I was devastated...but my best friend indicated me to your product, and although skeptical I gave it a try because it was geared at pregnant women. My stretch marks started disappearing and I have not gotten any new ones! Amazing! I'm completely happy with this product. Thanks a lot!

Charlotte H. - Calgary, Canada:

I'm a 39 year old woman and...I'm amazed at the difference in my skin; it feels healthy, nourished and strong. I'm really excited about this product and will definitely continue to use it!

* Emphasis mine

Barmon Stretch Mark Cream

Barmon's Stretch Mark Cream has shown some amazing results and their money back guarantee is out of this world!

Barmon's offers a three tube money-back guarantee.

This means that you can try out up to three tubes of Barmon's stretch mark cream and if they don't work, you can simply send them back and get a full refund! And that's not even the best part...the best part is there is NO TIME LIMIT on this guarantee!

~ Spring Celebration Sale ~

For the rest of the summer season all on-line orders are just

$15.95 per tube

when you order two or more tubes! Regularly $29.95 per tube.

Free Shipping on orders of 30 dollars or more

You could order two tubes of Barmon's tomorrow and then decide six months from now they don't work...and Barmon's would still give you a full refund! Now that's a guarantee!!

I give Barmon's Stretch Mark Cream two thumbs up and I recommend them to any woman (or man) looking to erase their stretch marks.

Give it a try!

Testimonials:

This is the best cream I have ever used for stretch marks. I have three kids and have never been more satisfied in all my life. I have tried anything from stinky lotions to plain old vitamin E, all of which were in vain.

Thank you so much for your product!!

Very Satisfied,
Elissa S.
West Virginia

I have used Barmon's Stretch Mark Cream for three months and have just finished my third jar. I typically use it once a day and I am very pleased with the results.

After having my second child I could not believe the stretch marks on my lower stomach! This cream has proven to really fade them quickly. I plan to order another jar or two.

Sincerely,
Brenda M.
Kansas

>

*************** Frequently Asked Questions ***************

Stretch marks are caused when skin changes shape too quickly. This sudden change causes a tear in the middle layer of your skin...the dermis. These tears, or stretch marks, can cause a lack of self-confidence due to the diminished self-worth and feelings of unattractiveness that inevitably develop.

Simply put, stretch marks make you feel less attractive and less self-confident.

Is there a way to prevent stretch marks?

Yes!

It has been proven that certain creams and lotions can prevent stretch marks if used correctly. This is great news for every mother-to-be! Imagine going through your entire pregnancy knowing that you will have your figure back after your baby is born. No stretch marks and no feeling unattractive - just the same beautiful body you had before you got pregnant. It is possible!

But what about those who already have stretch marks? Are they out of luck?

No!

While it is best to start using lotions before stretch marks appear, it is not necessary. Stretch marks can still be reduced after pregnancy or weight loss, but time is of the essence! It is a fact that the longer you wait to start using these lotions, the less effective they are at reducing the appearance of stretch marks. The sooner you start, the better your chances are at reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

So if it's been a few years, I shouldn't even bother, right?

Not true!

Yes, it is true that the earlier you start, the better the lotions work. However, you can still experience a dramatic reduction in the appearance of stretch marks by using a stretch mark cream or lotion. The problem with older stretch marks is this: stretch marks are just the result of that middle layer, the dermis, scarring over. So the longer you wait, the harder that scar gets and the more difficult it is to remove it. But it is just a scar and the nutrients present in these lotions can still have a healing effect on that torn layer of skin. It will just take a little more time than those who started using it before they had stretch marks.

So will these stretch mark lotions work for everybody?

Yes!

While they may not make your stretch marks completely disappear, these lotions will promote healing and reduce the appearance of your stretch marks over time. How much reduction depends on your skin type and the amount of stretch marks you currently have, but you can diminish the appearance of stretch marks no matter who you are! Thousands of women, all of different ages and races, have seen positive results from using these stretch mark lotions and I'm positive you can too!

Want some more information on stretch marks? Check out this excerpt from Wikipedia:

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks or striae, as they are called in dermatology, are a form of scarring on the skin with a silvery white hue. They are caused by tearing of the dermis, and over time can diminish but not disappear completely. Stretch marks are generally associated with pregnancy and obesity. Stretch marks are the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth (e.g. puberty) or weight gain (e.g. pregnancy), and anabolic steroid use. Although the skin is fairly elastic, rapid stretching of the skin will leave permanent stretch marks. (Source: WD Writers).

Symptoms and Signs

They first appear as reddish or purple lines, but tend to gradually fade to a lighter color. The affected areas appear empty and soft to the touch.

Human skin has three different layers: the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the subcutaneous stratum (innermost layer). Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the resilient middle layer that helps the skin retain its shape. No stretch marks will form as long as there is support within the dermis. Stretching plays more of a role in where the marks occur and in what direction they run. Stretching alone is not the cause.

Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body. They are most likely to appear in places where larger amounts of fat is stored. Most common places are the abdomen (especially near the belly-button), breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs (both inner and outer), hips, and buttocks. They pose no health risk in and of themselves, and do not compromise the body's ability to function normally and repair itself.

Mama Mio Stretch Mark Cream

Created by three moms with seven kids between them, Mama Mio is definitely a potent stretch mark zapper.

Wondering why Mama Mio is so great?

I'll let the founders of Mama Mio tell you:

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Let's start with the Awards:

1. "Product of the Year" - Mom's Choice Awards (2007),
2. "Best Stretch Mark Cream" - GoMama (2007),
3. "Best Pampering Product" - Pregnancy & Birth (2007),
4. "Best Pampering Product" - Pregnancy & Birth (2006),
5. "Best Stretch Mark Cream" - Pregnancy & Birth (2007),
6. "Best Stretch Mark Cream" - Pregnancy & Birth (2006),

Next up is the Distinguished Honors:

1. Member of the Royal College of Midwives,
2. Tried and tested by the National Childbirth Trust,
3. Featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Redbook, Pregnancy & Newborn, Bazaar, Fit Pregnancy, American Newborn, Pregnancy, American Spa, Pulse, People, Baby Center, and more!

Think I'm done? Think again!

Mama Mio is also endorsed by many major celebrities, including

1. Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil movie series),
2. Rachel Weisz (Runaway Jury; Constantine),
3. Victoria Beckham (wife of David Beckham; Posh Spice),
4. Lindsay Davenport (Tennis player - Career record 724-189),
5. Christy Turlington (Supermodel for Calvin Klein and Maybelline)
6. Stella McCartney (fashion designer & daughter of Paul McCartney),
7. Mariska Hargitay (Olivia Benson on Law & Order SVU),
8. Jennifer Beals (The "L" Word - Showtime)

Click here for the full list of celebrities...

And finally, a testimonial from one satisfied customer:

Mama Mio's Goodbye Stretch Marks has changed my life!

After my son was born I was left with bright purple stretch marks on my belly and I was coming to terms with them (because my son is so worth it) when I was introduced to Mama Mio's Goodbye Stretch Marks.

After just 4 months my stretch marks are hardly visible!

My husband has not only noticed the difference in my tummy, but he has also commented on the increase in my confidence. I have told my friends (and anyone else who will listen) about this product and I have also started using Mama Mio's Tummy Toner so I'm looking forward to seeing results from that too! Thank you so much for these amazing products!

Heather, NYC

--------------- Coupon Alert ---------------

Use the coupon code "mommy" when you order. It will get you an extra 15% off your order.

StriPeptin Stretch Mark Cream

StriPeptin has been taken off the market.

I sent off an email to a friend of mine at StriPeptin to see if I could find out what happened. Here's what he sent me:

• Due to some legal issues surrounding the name Stripeptin, we have been forced, by court order, to cease our Stripeptin campaigns. Stripeptin and all sites related to Stripeptin have been taken down. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Don't despair though...there's still a stretch mark solution available from Nutritional Science (makers of StriPeptin). It's called Captiva and here's a little more information about it:

Captiva Stretch Mark Formula

Captiva's stretch mark cream, called
Stretch Mark Formula, tackles one of the toughest skin problems women face today: stretch marks.

This stretch mark cream is the newest in Captiva's Body Conditioning Series, which also contains the Intensive Firming Scrub, the the Advanced Firming Treatment, and the Cellulite Refining Treatment.

Used together, these four products will treat any skin problems you are currently facing and without any of the harsh chemicals or unpleasant side effects commonly associated with body creams.

Captiva's Stretch Mark Formula works by utilizing some common ingredients in an uncommon way.

First ingredient? Peptides.

Sounds like something out of a medical dictionary, and it is. Peptides are linked amino acids that, in the case of Captiva's Stretch Mark Formula, get deep under the skin, into the dermal layer, where true healing can actually take place.

Second ingredient: Aloe Vera

While you might have only thought of aloe vera when you had a sunburn, it is actually a key ingredient in Captiva's Stretch Mark Formula. Aloe vera has been proven, again and again, to help increase the healing properties of our bodies.

Other ingredients include:

Cocoa, shea, and mango butters, used to hydrate and help heal your skin and Vitamins A, E, and C, to help your skin achieve its best health.

Being new on the market means there's not a lot of testimonials, but being the same company that produced StriPeptin, I'm betting it will be another solid product.

They do offer a free trial and an impressive guarantee:

Captiva guarantees that, in 25 days, Stretch Mark Formula will:

• improve the appearance of stretch marks up to 20%

or they won't keep your money. Period.

That's an amazing guarantee considering you get to actually see results before spending any money!

TriLastin

- TriLastin comes in fifth in my reviews. They offer a great product that works on some women, but their customer satisfaction rating wasn't near as high as the top three stretch mark creams.

They did have a very good guarantee - a 60 day money back guarantee that gave me plenty of time to try it out, without having to worry whether I could get a refund or not.

Actual Testimonials:

Trilastin SR is a godsend. I have been praying for an easy answer for what I call the ugly skin on my belly. When I was pregnant I got stretch marks from my bellybutton down to my unmentionable! I even got them on my rear-end. For the first time in my life I didn't like myself. When I found Trilastin SR my heart skipped a beat...I added it to my daily routine and after just a few weeks I noticed that my skin looked healthier, more even. My stretch marks aren't as puckered and they are a lot lighter. I am starting to feel more like the old me again. I can't wait to see my skin in a couple of more weeks!

Deanna

I am beyond words for my gratitude to Trilastin-SR. I had my baby last year and I can't begin to explain how heartbroken I was when I found out that the horrible marks on my belly were there for good...Luckily, I found out about Trilastin-SR through a friend and began using it. Unbelievable! I've only used it for two months and the change has been so dramatic, even my doctor was impressed...EC Research has my eternal thanks for developing such a fantastic product.

Dana

Promaxyl

- Promaxyl was among the cheapest we found - only $49.95! They also have a very good 60 day money-back guarantee. So why are they in this list?

The biggest reason is this:

I couldn't find any information about their company or how long they've been around. I have searched all over the internet but I can't find a single mention of their company.

They claim to be a subsidary of Skin Research Laboratories out of the Los Angeles area, but the only Skin Research Laboratories I can find is in Toronto, Canada.

This lack of information may not mean anything, but I put a lot of faith in a company that I can contact, so that's one of the first things I look for.

If you're okay with buying from them, you will get the cheapest price on stretch mark cream, but I can't guarantee your buying experience.

Stretch Marks May Predict Pelvic Risk

Study: Twice As Many Women With Prolapse Also Had Stretch Marks

As seen on CBS News, WebMD, and more...

A woman's stretch marks may mean she is more likely to develop pelvic prolapse, a new study shows.

In pelvic prolapse, the structures that support the pelvis weaken. Symptoms include pelvic pressure, pain, seeing or feeling a vaginal bulge, and urinary and/or rectal incontinence.

Stretch marks are red, pink or purple streaks in skin that's been stretched, such as in pregnancy or after weight gain or extreme weight loss. About half of all pregnant women get stretch marks, which often fade after delivery, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Women's Health Information Center.

The new study, published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, doesn't predict pelvic prolapse for every woman with stretch marks. But it does show twice as many women with pelvic prolapse also had stretch marks, compared with those without prolapse.

About the Study

The study included 116 women seen at doctors' offices. The researchers included Alexa Kimball, MD, MPH, of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
The women were about 60 years old and had had two pregnancies, on average. Nearly half had stretch marks (46 precent).

About 70 percent of the women had pelvic prolapse, based on a previous diagnosis or their self-reported symptoms. Those symptoms included pelvic pressure, urinary incontinence, protrusion of pelvic organs through the vagina, or a "falling down" or "dropped" sensation. The researchers didn't examine the women to check for pelvic prolapse.

Stretch marks were reported in 54.7 percent of the women with pelvic prolapse compared with only 25 percent of those without prolapse.

Cause Unclear

The researchers considered the women's age, weight, menopausal status, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, preterm labor, number of pregnancies, and use of oral steroids. Those factors didn't change the results.

Scientists don't know exactly how pelvic prolapse and stretch marks happen. Both have been linked to lower levels of collagen, note Kimball and colleagues, adding that genes could play a role in both conditions.

Stretch marks may signal a woman's risk of eventually developing pelvic prolapse, the researchers conclude. They call for more studies to check that theory.

SOURCES: Salter, S. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, March 22, 2006; online edition. Womenshealth.gov: "The 2nd Trimester of Pregnancy." WebMD Medical Reference in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic: "Cosmetic Procedures: Stretch Marks." News release, The Journal of Investigative Dermatology.        

Our contribution to Wikipedia:

Many creams and lotions that claim to erase stretch marks are sold on the market and though scientific research validating their claims is still in progress, users have reported significant improvement in the appearance of stretch marks. While some of these results could be construed as a "placebo effect", the sheer number of positive reviews suggests that there is some truth in the claims. Further research will be necessary to determine exactly how these creams and lotions work to eliminate stretch marks.

How to get rid of stretch marks in 60 days or less!

Big changes!!!! Big changes!!!! Big changes!!!!

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The list has been entirely redone, factoring customer satisfaction into the ranking algorithm. This simple addition has produced massive changes in the list, rocketing some creams from the basement to the VIP suite, while others have dropped completely off the map.

Be sure and check out the new and improved stretch mark cream list...now with customer satisfaction built in! ;-)

---------------------------------------- 11-12-07 ----------------------------------------

I was reading today on 43things.com and it really makes me mad when I see so many people writing:

"You can't get rid of stretch marks"

"Just get over it"

"Accept it and move on"

and more.

Why are there so many people that seem to get a high off ruining people's dreams? What gives them the right to destroy other people's dreams and goals, just because they tried once and it didn't work out for them? And don't even get me started on those people that spread negativity even though they've never even experienced it! That's just plain retarded!

Sorry I'm venting here ;-)

Just sick of seeing people attack and destroy what they don't understand.

If you're one of these people, back off and let people decide for themselves. Stop forcing your opinion on others.

If you're out there looking...make your own decisions. Don't let anyone, even me, force you into buying something (or not buying something).

Have a great day and let's get rid of those stretch marks!!!

---------------------------------------- 11-11-07 ----------------------------------------

Just wanted to say congratulations to all the women and men who have written me and stated their desire to make 2008 the year they get rid of stretch marks! It's a wonderful wonderful thing to hear and read these emails of hope and resolution over and over...keep em coming and good luck to all!

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Excerpt from MedicalNewsToday.com:

Apart from stretch marks occurring during a sudden weight gain or loss, women are very likely to develop stretch marks when they are pregnant. This will depend on several factors such as:

-- Age - younger women tend to have a more elastic and supple skin than older women so the younger you are the less likely you are to get stretch marks.

-- Genetics - if your mother or an older sister got strech marks then you are more likely to as well.

-- Growth of baby in the womb - if your baby is growing very quickly or if you are carrying an extra big baby then the weight is sometimes more than the skin can handle. Carrying more than one baby or having excess amniotic fluid makes stretch marks even more likely.

---------------------------------------- 11-09-07 ----------------------------------------

Hiya!

Sorry it's been a while...I've been feeling kinda out of it. I'm not sure if I told ya'll or not, but I'm 20 weeks and 3 days pregnant and I'm still feeling a lot of sickness. The doctors aren't sure what exactly to do because a lot of treatments and tests aren't available while you're pregnant, so please keep me in your prayers!

On a positive note, I've heard a lot of positive feedback for the new list and especially for Mama Mio. Thanks to everyone who has written and keep the emails coming!!!

---------------------------------------- 10-30-07 ----------------------------------------

Guess who got an award?
(Hint - If you guessed Mama Mio, you'd be right...)

Mama Mio just keeps piling on the awards! Six, seven, and eight came this month (October) in the form of two repeat awards and a Product of the Year award.

Congrats to the wonderful mommies at Mama Mio and keep up the good work!

---------------------------------------- 10-1-07 ----------------------------------------

Welcome,

I just wanted to let you know that if you want me to check out a product not on this list, or if you have any questions you want to ask me, email me at ihatestretchmarks@gmail.com. I love getting email and I love helping people get rid of stretch marks!