Hello,
I know that I am responding 6 months later, but maybe you are still searching for a stretch mark cure. That being said, I am not an expert I am just a 26 year old woman who has had these ugly marks as a result of weight gain when I was 22. My marks have faded over time and I have done a ton of reasearch and spent a TON of money on treatments for these unsightly reminders of the past.
First, let me tell you what I have tried. I am trying not to write a novel here, but if this helps anyone then it was worth it! When I first developed then I tried Palmers Cocoa Butter which really didn't do anything for me. Then I tried Cool Beam Laser treatments which stung and just took the redness away and turned them into white streaks. Not to mention, I am not rich, I work a minumum wage job, and had put money aside over a long period of time for stretch mark treatments. My theory is if something bothers you and you want to do something about it go for it. Although, it may seem hypocritical to say that true beauty is within us. If you feel attractive on the outside your personality reflects it.
Next, I tried Strivectin SD which I was excited about buying due to all of the positive attention it was receiving, until 6 months later my wallet was empty and the marks were still just as visible. I know what you must be thinking...This stupid girl keeps spending all this money...well yeah I know. It seemed everytime one thing failed I would swear off buying or trying anymore products, then five or six months later I would look in the mirror and the stretch marks would mess with my head again. So I would start researching and click on the buy button and try, try again. The next product I tried without success was Captiva Stretch Mark Cream. That was when I hit rock bottom.
There is so much more to life then ones appearance. The media and magazines have shown us the ideal body and the ideal woman. Even if it is alot of airbrushing, they still don't have to look so perfect. I couldn't accept these tiger stripes on my thighs, sides, and breasts. So I went for another type of laser treatment called Fraxel. The laser seemed to hurt me more then other patients(thats what the doc said). At one point I could barely stand it. I think I am just a wimp though. Anyway, being that it is two years later I can say that the 4 treatments I went through were very overly priced. I saw the doctor not too long ago and he actually said that he wasn't sure if the Fraxel did anything for the marks, or if they just got better on their own with time. I can honestly say I see about a 10-15% difference in the before and after photos. I don't think that is worth a couple grand, but thats my fault because there aren't any guarantees. So you would have thought after all of this I would be done!
About a year after the Fraxel I tried Trilastin which to my surprise started working. I'm still using it, but I'm not sure if it has stopped. Now I'm trying Jean Wu's Exfoliation therapy, which makes sense. They are getiing lighter. Also, I have been eating healthy, exercising and drinking a lot of water. Now that I have lost weight I fear more stretch marks will appear, but I won't do any laser treatments and one thing I have learned is that you can't let these things consume you like they consumed me. I wasted too much time and too much money on the stupid marks. I am not saying to give up hope, because I will never give up hope. Everyone wants to feel comfortable infront of their lover or in a bathing suit! But you have to thank God for your life. I mean it might seem like a copout but there are far worse things in this world then stretch marks. Wow, I have never written about my marks before, so I guess I had a lot to say, hope I helped someone.(Sorry for writing a book! I guess I had to vent)
P.S. If anyone has truely had success vanishing their stretch marks and has any more tips for all of us please let us know. No advertising crap!