Perhaps the most significant, joyful and long-awaited event in family life is the birth of a baby. And of course, when preparing for the responsible role of a mother, every woman dreams of becoming ideal and the best. And in order to remain beautiful at the same time, you need to take care of your body not only during pregnancy, but also after it. After all, women's skin is subject to severe stress and changes for 9 months. Therefore, it is necessary to help her endure this test with dignity.
Unfortunately, not every factory-made drug that flaunts on store shelves is suitable for an expectant mother. And the main task of a woman is to find a product that can moisturize and nourish the skin, but not harm the baby’s health. And one of these products, judging by women’s reviews on the forums, was the Mustela brand cream for double-action stretch marks.
Operating principle
All anti-stretch mark products are divided into 2 groups: masking and warning. The latter do not allow the skin to stretch and it is they that experts recommend using in the first months of pregnancy.
The first type is intended for those who already have stretch marks. It is important to consider that no cream, including expensive ones, can help your skin completely get rid of stretch marks. After all, stretch marks are like scars - they cannot be hidden 100%. The only way out in this situation is to make them less noticeable and subtle.
It follows that Mustela anti-stretch mark cream belongs to both the first and second groups. On the one hand, the product masks existing stretch marks, making them lighter, on the other, it helps the skin become denser and more elastic, thereby preventing the appearance of new stretch marks.
"Mustela" for stretch marks: composition of the cream
When creating the product, the company's specialists focused on 3 important components, such as arabinogalactan, lupeol and elastoregulator. Thanks to them, the process of collagen production is stimulated, the skin becomes denser, more elastic and its resistance to stretch marks increases.
The effect is enhanced by Japanese Sophora fruit extract. This legume plant grows in three countries - China, Japan and Korea. By the way, extracts of this plant have been used for many years as a component to create products that slow down skin aging.
Also, the composition of Mustella cream for stretch marks includes the following active substances:
- Elastoregulator is the main component of the product. Helps increase the elasticity and firmness of the skin, thereby preparing it for subsequent stretching. This becomes a kind of warning for the formation of stretch marks and injury to the epidermis.
- Shea butter and avocado - soften and nourish the skin. Thanks to these components, the epidermis restores its protective properties and water-lipid balance. Oils not only moisturize, but also protect the skin from drying out.
- Lupeol extract, which is part of the Mustela cream for stretch marks, being a plant component, becomes an activator of collagen production. As you know, it is this substance that affects the tone and elasticity of the skin, which leads to the creation of a strong fiber frame.
- The most commonly used ingredient in the production of stretch mark creams is algae extract. Their popularity is due to the fact that they prevent overstretching of the skin and reduce its sensitivity.
- Japanese sophora, silicon, microelements and vitamins - this complex is included in the cream to restore the epidermis and reduce the severity of previously appeared stretch marks.
MUSTELA Double action stretch mark cream without fragrance / MUSTELA tube 150 ml
Properties:
Designed specifically for pregnant women, Mustela 9 Months Dual Action Stretch Mark Cream helps prevent and reduce the number of stretch marks thanks to a combination of innovative active ingredients of natural origin.
- Activates the production of the skin's supporting fibers thanks to its patented anti-stretch mark formula, thus enhancing the skin's elasticity and firmness. The skin better resists the factors that cause stretch marks.
- Promotes cellular renewal and regeneration of the skin due to a regenerating complex of substances based on Sophora japonica and oligo-elements.
- Instantly soothes skin and provides long-lasting nourishment with avocado peptides and moisturizing shea butter.
Efficiency:
A clinical study conducted on 26 pregnant women over 6 months showed:
- assessment by gynecologists at 8 months of pregnancy and 30 days after birth: 96% of women using Double Action Stretch Mark Cream did not find stretch marks during their pregnancy.
- 92% confirm the preventive effect
Usage:
Apply morning and evening to the stomach, chest and thighs with massaging movements until completely absorbed. Rich in natural gum, Dual Action Stretch Mark Cream may cause small clumps of cream to appear when massaged, especially on very dry skin. To avoid this, massage immediately after applying the product. If you have a caesarean section, wait a few weeks before massaging the product into the scar area. Period of use
- For prevention, use the product from the very beginning of pregnancy until 1 month after birth.
- For stretch marks that appear, apply the product locally as soon as they appear, using massaging movements for 2-3 months.
Pleasure to use Thanks to its melting texture and delicate aroma, the Double Action Stretch Mark Cream turns every application into a pleasant procedure. It is easily absorbed into the epidermis, making the skin soft and elastic.
For a very sensitive sense of smell, the Double Action Stretch Mark Cream is unscented.
Ingredients and naturalness:
Main active components of natural origin:
- Elastoregulator®, Lupeol and Arabinogalactan improve skin elasticity and firmness.
- Sophora japonica and oligo-elements stimulate cellular renewal.
- Shea butter moisturizes.
- Avocado peptides soothe and reduce skin reactivity.
0% parabens, phthalate, phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin. The highly tolerable hypoallergenic formula* is tested under dermatological and pediatric control for optimal safety for you and your baby. The product is compatible with breastfeeding, provided that hygiene rules are observed (nipples must be clean and washed before breastfeeding). Composition of Unscented Double Action Stretch Mark Cream:
Water, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Ethylhexyl cocoate, Cetearyl alcohol, Dicaprylic carbonate, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Butylene glycol, Beeswax, Laureth-23, Galactoarabinan, Shea butter, Glyceryl stearate, 1,2-hexanediol, Cetyl alcohol, Cetiaryl Glucoside, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xanthan gum, Cetyl palmitate, Cocoglycerides, Scleroglucan, Zinc gluconate, Pentylene glycol, Sunflower seed oil, Sophora japonica fruit extract, Hydrolyzed avocado protein, Maltodextrin, White lupine seed extract, Citric acid, Tocopherol.
"Mustela" for stretch marks: instructions
This product not only lightens stretch marks, but also significantly improves the appearance of the epidermis. In addition, the drug has successfully passed dermatological testing and is approved by independent experts.
So, how to properly apply Mustela cream for stretch marks? Instructions for use: rub the cream daily, twice a day - morning and evening. It is applied with massage movements precisely to those areas that are most susceptible to the appearance of stretch marks. These are mainly the hips, stomach and chest. Thanks to its good texture, the cream is easily distributed over the surface of the skin and quickly absorbed into the epidermis.
However, if a young mother decides to continue using the product after the birth of the baby, and the child was born by cesarean section, then it is not recommended to apply the cream to postoperative scars.
It is worth noting that Mustela stretch mark cream, as a result of long-term use, lightens existing stretch marks and prevents the appearance of new ones.
Anti-stretch mark cream Mustela 9 Months double action
When I found out that I was going to become a mother, I immediately purchased at the pharmacy all the necessary things for expectant mothers, vitamins, including a cream against stretch marks during pregnancy.
I chose Mustela cream, I liked the look, the nice packaging, the famous brand, the manufacturer’s promises... It promised to prevent the appearance of stretch marks and even reduce existing ones.
☀Small digression☀
When I read reviews and opinions on the Internet that no cream can save you from stretch marks, because... this is the location of the skin, its “reserve”, elasticity and genetics, to be honest, I didn’t believe it, and I thought that nothing would appear for me when using creams for stretch marks! Although, my mother and sister developed stretch marks during pregnancy...
As it turned out, I was wrong to not believe numerous arguments. Because I started getting stretch marks around the 8th month of pregnancy. I just got up one not wonderful morning, went to the mirror and saw red stripes in the lower abdomen!
Meanwhile, until this morning I regularly smeared myself with Mustella, morning and evening. Belly, thighs, butt.
That same day I ran to a good pharmacy and found another wonderful cream (there is a review), which prevented the further appearance of stretch marks and slightly reduced the existing ones. So, was it a mistake for me to trust Mustella, or is it still a matter of genetics? But the fact is that the cream did not prevent stretch marks. Although he promised.
I believe that pregnancy stretch mark cream helps the skin stretch better and become more elastic, thereby at least minimizing the appearance of stretch marks, if not preventing them.
This is the first cream in my life that creases when applied!
The product is not very thick, but it is poorly absorbed and rolls off, as I already wrote. If you are patient and rub it in small portions for a long time, it will not roll off. Softens the skin. Well, you already know about stretch marks... They have appeared.
The product itself has a volume of 150 ml, a hinged lid, a distinct, fresh smell. Hypoallergenic.
I also want to encourage girls who, like me, have stretch marks! Girls, they are becoming invisible! My thickest stretch marks slid down to the pubic area, the rest were thinner and became invisible! This happened about 8-9 months after giving birth! Now, after 11 months, they are almost unnoticeable.
But next time I won’t buy Mustella, a cream for stretch marks during pregnancy, and I can’t recommend it, because... He didn't keep his promises! I give it a two, only for the skin softening effect.
I recommend trying this cream, even if stretch marks have already appeared.
Advantages
The cosmetic product has a number of positive qualities:
- gives the expectant mother a feeling of comfort;
- stimulates the formation of natural collagen and elastin;
- nourishes and moisturizes;
- eliminates itching that occurs during the formation of stretch marks;
- eliminates irritation and soothes the skin;
- strengthens the epidermis;
- launches skin regeneration processes in damaged areas and renews cells in healthy areas of the skin.
Women's opinion
What is the opinion of expectant mothers who have tried the effect of Mustela cream against stretch marks? Reviews from customers indicate that in general they are satisfied with the effect of the drug. But the only disadvantage of the cream: high cost.
According to mothers, one 150 ml tube is, at best, enough for a month of daily use, which is not entirely economical.
Otherwise, Mustela anti-stretch mark cream for pregnant women received positive reviews from customers.
It is also worth noting that on the forums, young mothers expressed dissatisfaction with the effect of use. But experienced ladies immediately responded to these negative comments and explained that there is no drug in the world that can completely remove existing stretch marks. Therefore, you should not expect a miracle from Mustela cream. At best, it will significantly lighten stretch marks, but it, like other similar products, cannot completely remove them from your skin.
Prevention is the best remedy for stretch marks during pregnancy
In the morning -
If you use an oil- or lanolin-based skin moisturizer for stretch marks throughout pregnancy, you can reduce the stress on collagen fibers caused by excessive stretching of the skin. This cream for stretch marks during pregnancy will actually help somewhat reduce the risk of their occurrence.
During the day -
Constantly moisturizing your skin from the inside is another way to prevent stretch marks. Sufficient intake of clean water internally (6-8 glasses per day), plus a well-chosen moisturizer for stretch marks - reviews indicate that the number and size of stretch marks are sharply reduced
In the evening -
Every evening, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy, it is best to apply a regenerating cream for stretch marks during pregnancy, which restores collagen in the skin. The main components in such a cream should be antioxidants, vitamins A, E, C and B5, as well as hyaluronic acid.
Such products will allow you to very quickly and with good results restore damaged collagen matrices at night. At night, new collagen is produced, which restores skin thickness and strength. These properties of the skin help prevent stretch marks because the stronger the collagen fibers in the skin, the greater the tensile force that can be applied to it without any damage to the collagen fibers.
Other drugs from the Mustela brand
In addition to the cream, the manufacturer recommends purchasing a special intensive gel against stretch marks. The product must be used during the first three postpartum months. Apply the gel twice a day to existing stretch marks. However, according to customers, it can be used even during pregnancy.
According to representatives, the gel significantly reduces the number of stretch marks, soothes and strengthens the skin, improves its appearance and accelerates the process of tissue restoration.
The product is packaged in a 75 ml tube and has a dispenser for ease of application. The composition of the gel is the same as that of the cream, only it contains copper gluconate, algae extract and vitamin B5, which is necessary to prevent the appearance of new stretch marks, to accelerate tissue regeneration.
However, the gel is also not recommended for use on C-section scars.
Body gel Mustela Mustela for intensive stretch marks - reviews
I immediately apologize for not attaching real evidence in the form of a photo of an allergic reaction to my review, since at the time of using the cream I did not plan to write a review. And even then I was in such a state of shock that I wasn’t thinking about taking photographs. I really hope that you will listen to my words and take my advice.
During pregnancy, I used Mustela cream for stretch marks for 9 months, smeared it on my stomach, and not a single crack appeared on my stomach. I don’t know if the cream is to blame, although I’m still inclined to believe that it saved me. But where stretch marks appeared was on the hips and higher to the lower back. The fact is that I gained a lot of excess weight and my skin couldn’t stand it. And I didn’t smear these places at all - I’m a fool. Otherwise, maybe the skin wouldn’t have cracked if I had thought to apply it everywhere.
I purchased an intensive action cream gel two months after giving birth.
Why did you choose him:
— during pregnancy I already used a similar one from Mustela;
— natural composition (unfortunately, on the packaging only in the international language);
- does not cause allergies;
- can be used during breastfeeding.
Its price is high, about one and a half thousand. But when it comes to the body after childbirth, and plus I’m still a nursing mother, I wouldn’t want the products to harm the baby, yes, it’s a little expensive, but the main thing is that there is a result.
In the evening, after a shower, I applied the cream to the skin in the necessary problem areas (buttocks and higher to the lower back), put on nightwear (cotton shorts and a T-shirt) and went to bed. I would like to note that I am not allergic to cosmetics or medications. Pah-pah-pah. And during that period, she followed a “nursing mother” diet, that is, allergies could not arise from food products. In the middle of the night, my skin began to burn all over my body, a rash broke out and I began to itch. The itching was intense and painful. It itched wherever the skin was at least a little irritated (you run your foot under the blanket, that’s all - your foot itches). Words cannot express how scared I was. I couldn't sleep because of the itching. In general, the night and day passed like this, by the end of the day the itching and redness subsided. Thank God, the allergic reaction was not passed on to the baby through the milk. On the second night my problem repeated itself. Moreover, I didn’t apply the cream anymore, but simply put on the clothes I slept in last night. Apparently, part of the cream was absorbed into it and caused a repeated allergic boom on my skin.
In general, I survived this rash in a few days, did not take any medications (contraindications - lactation), and endured it. And I was very upset by this reaction to the hypoallergenic cream.
In this connection, dear girls, I beg you, if possible, test this cream from someone, so as not to buy packaging for a considerable price, which may be useless in the future. I had to give my cream to a friend, she uses it, I can’t say whether it’s successful in the fight against stretch marks, but that’s for sure without consequences. Probably, it actually contains some components in high concentrations, which alone help to defeat stretch marks, but they played such a cruel joke on me.
