The beauty and skin care industry has gradually gone from strength to strength over the past couple of centuries. This is made possible by the insatiable desire to meet unrealistic beauty standards that are constantly being promoted by the general media. The exponential advancement in the scientific field has also fueled this obsession by regularly formulating newer and better scientifically advanced skin care products that boast of quick results.
Ranked as one of the most profitable markets in the world, analysts predict that the cosmetic market in the United States will be worth well over USD$62 billion this year. Out of this seemingly incomprehensible figure, 34% is attributed to the skin care product section. In this category alone, stretch mark removal creams and cellulite creams are highly demanded.
Stretch Mark vs. Cellulite
Both stretch marks and cellulite present themselves as a result of changes in skin tissue. Stretch marks can be described as stripes or streaks that appear on the skin due to distension of the skin. This is caused by a sudden change in the elasticity of skin tissues or imbalanced production of collagen during the process of wound healing. Drastic changes in weight or pregnancy are common events that promote the prevalence of stretch marks.
On the other hand, cellulite appears as dimples on the skin surface. These dimples seldom appear independently; they announce their arrival in groups. Cellulite develops due to a lack of collagen production that restricts tissue regeneration, causing fat to accumulate in the subcutaneous tissue and result in cellulite forming on the surface. Both skin disorders are most likely to appear in areas with high-fat content, such as the abdomen, hips, arms, thighs and buttocks.
Although an effective weight management can ward off the prevalence of both skin conditions, it is not the only contributing factor. Most people are unaware that genetics, hormones, skin tissue structure, and dietary habits possess the ability to alter the risk of stretch marks or cellulite. Rather than implementing preventive measures to counteract the influence of these conditions, most people prescribe to over-the-counter treatment methods to eliminate the problem.
What Products to Use?
Common Ingredients
There has been general confusion over the type of products to use for stretch marks or cellulite removal. Some believe that both products are identical due to their ability to enhance collagen production and stimulate the skin tissue renewal process. Some skin care firms have even marketed their products as a multi-purpose cream that can effectively treat cellulite and stretch marks at the same time.
There are sound reasons behind these claims. The best argument is the chemical composition of both products. They are highly dependent on ingredients such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, caffeine, zinc, retinol A, and collagen. These elements are highly influential in promoting skin and tissues regeneration, which can help to speed up the process of eliminating cellulite and stretch marks.
Retinol A
In addition, retinol A plays a vital role in the whole treatment process. It is a category of Vitamin A that specifically stimulates the natural production of collagen in the body. As mentioned above, both cellulite and stretch marks are caused by an altered collagen level. According to a research article published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, it has been positively proven that topical application of retinol A for a period of 6 months helps to improve skin elasticity and promote smooth skin texture. This treatment process prohibits the development of cellulite and stretch marks.
In conclusion, both cellulite creams and stretch marks removal creams are essentially exchangeable products that can be used for either skin disorders. It has been established that these products rely on similar ingredients and offer identical benefits to the skin. The main ingredient that comes into play is retinol A. It helps to increase the production of collagen to regenerate tissues at the subcutaneous level to ward off any cellulite. It also improves skin elasticity and tension, which helps to eliminate the existence of stretch marks.
Conclusion
Having established that cellulite creams and stretch marks removal creams are fundamentally similar products, it should be pointed out that topical application of skin care products might not be the most effective treatment method. Cellulite and stretch marks clear indications of problems in the body, the best solution is to implement preventive measures to ward off these negative effects. For instance, a healthier lifestyle and balanced diet can help to ensure that collagen production maintains its normal rate, thus effectively reducing the risk of developing cellulite or stretch marks. Massages and exercises should also be done regularly to help the skin maintain its elasticity and build up muscle mass promotes better skin structure.
Related Video
Cellulite – A Big Stubborn of Women
References
https://www.livestrong.com/article/41793-difference-between-cellulite-stretch/
https://www.thebeautyinsiders.com/cellulite-creams
