The white or silver serpentine lines you see skating across the surface of the skin can occur whenever there is rapid growth combined with hormonal fluctuations (think: puberty or pregnancy). “Hormones weaken the cellular structure, softening the collagen support network,” says Leanne McCliskie, education manager for the International Dermal Institute in Toronto. “Then, when the skin is stretched to accommodate increased weight or muscle, the weakened tissue tears.” According to Dr. Danielle Marcoux, dermatologist for L’Oréal Paris, stretch marks are most commonly spotted on the thighs, breasts and midsection. They will appear at first as slightly inflamed red or purple lines—and that’s when topical ingredients like the ones below are most effective. Once the inflammation subsides and the mark becomes white or silver, it’s pretty much there to stay.
Vitamin A (retinol): When it comes to skin science, vitamin A in its retinol form is the beauty equivalent of fusion. It is the most potent collagen booster available topically. This skin saver props up collagen cells that have fallen over due to aging, sun damage and trauma such as excessive stretching. The molecules strengthen the very foundation of the skin. “Much as you’d need to repair crumbling bricks at the base of a house, retinol patches up a crumbling cellular foundation,” says McCliskie. Most over-the-counter retinol offerings contain only about 0.1 per cent retinol, while prescription products can boast a potency of up to 1 per cent.
Where to get it: Lancaster Suractif Non-Stop Lifting Advanced Body Cream ($77, at The Bay), Curel Restore & Revive Age-Defying & Firming Moisturizing Lotion ($12, at drugstores) and Clear Clinical Vitamin A Booster ($250, dlkonavenue.com).
Vitamin E: These molecules have great chemistry with the lipids contained within cellular membranes. Magnetically attracted to those lipid-containing membranes, vitamin E works to repair any damage it finds there. These cellular paramedics can work their healing magic only when stretch marks are freshly torn; once the tears have settled in and become silvery fixtures on your skin, vitamin E isn’t much use.
Where to get it: Phytomer SeaTonic Stretch Mark Reducing Cream ($65, at 800-361-6089), Fruits & Passion Solstis Body Cream Vitamin E Protein Complex ($22, at Fruits & Passion), Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks ($7, at drugstores) and Avon Super Shape Anti-Cellulite and Stretch Mark Cream ($25, avon.ca).
First published in FASHION Magazine June 2006
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