Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Does Strivectin Really Work?

Earlier I commented on using Strivectin to address some late-in-the-game stretch marks that popped up after my darling daughter decided to extend her leg through my abdomen. I'm writing now to report on how that turned out.

Well, let me tell you, those red marks are now practically invisible! The skin texture is also looking pretty good, too. (If you're looking for pictures, I'm sorry. You'll have to take my word for it.) I'm going to explain what I did to get this outcome. Keep in mind, everyone's skin is different and I think it was a combination of things that helped.

As soon as I saw those red lines, I went to Costco and picked me up a tube of that Strivectin. I read that it had 'proven results at eight weeks,' but to be honest I didn't do the research. I would have liked to compare it to Mederma, which is tons cheaper, but this was the only brand I had heard personal testimonies about so I went for it. (I told myself that a tube of lotion is way less expensive than a corrective procedure down the line. --Am I that vain? Possibly.) I proceeded to do exactly as the directions instruct and apply this stuff twice a day EVERY day, week after week, making sure to really rub it in.

Around this time, I was reviewing rehabilitation techniques for skin burns. It struck me that a component of the early skin recovery process includes breaking up adhesions and getting rid of slough. While I can't recommend this, I personally decided to go over my stretch marks with a loofah sponge in the shower each day before applying any lotions. (Note: This is not a pleasant sensation.)

During the day, between the Strivectin applications, I wanted to keep the skin moisturized and flexible (to avoid even more stretch marks) so I continued to use my favorite thing ever: Crabtree and Evelyn's La Source hand lotion. It smells so good and really leaves the skin feeling smooth and supple.

I did all these things diligently for eight weeks. I also remembered to lotion-up while I was in labor, because that is when a lot of skin damage tends to occur, especially during pushing.


Like I said above, I am really pleased with how things turned out and I feel that my neurotic efforts paid off. I'm sharing this in case it can help anyone else who doesn't care for this potential memento from pregnancy.

3 comments:

  1. Bah! I wish I would have seen this a couple months ago! I got a sneak attack from my tummy stretch marks, and they didn't show up til a week after Little Miss was born! 3 1/2 months later is probably too late to do much about it...

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  2. Are the lines still red and 'angry'? If so, there's still time!

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