The physical appearance of the skin greatly affects a person's self-image. Use of cosmetic produtcs helps to keep the skin healthy and visually appealing. With them, we take care of the skin to prevent irregularities or to try to correct them. Stretch marks are a common occurrence and affect the psychological state of a person. They are skin lesions that can occur in both women and men in the area of abdomen, chest, thighs and buttocks. We separate the initial form of striae rubrae, which are reddish-pink colored linear lines and the white colored chronic phase scars, striae albae. Stretch marks are caused by mehanical stretching of the skin, hormonal changes or natural structural disorder of the skin. In the area of occurrence there is a rearrangement and lack of collagen and elastin fibers.
In our diploma thesis we researched the composition of cosmetic products used for elimination and preventive striae skin care. In online shops, drug stores and pharmacies we choose 53 different cosmetic products. We focused on the active cosmetics ingredients for stimulating collagen production, cell proliferation and anti-inflammatory activity, moisturizing cosmetics ingredients, ingredients that form film layer on skin and antioxidants. We also checked the frequency of preservatives.
The most common ingredient for stimulating collagen production is shea butter, which is present in 38 % of cosmetic products. Wheat germ oil and vitamin B5 are active cosmetic ingredients for stimulating cell proliferation and are present in 15 % of our products. The ingredient with anti-inflammatory effect is jojoba oil, present in 21 % of products. The most common cosmetic ingredient with moisturizing effect is propylene glycol as humectant (26% of products), with the occlusive effect is silicone (25% of products) and Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil as an emollient (28% of products). Beeswax as film forming ingredient is present in 11 % of products. Vitamin E predominates as an antioxidant.
The most effective method of skin care for stretch marks is preventative skin care. Existing stretch marks can not be completely removed, but their appearance can be diminished. From clinical research studies we have come to the conclusion that the most effective ingredients are: Centella Asiatica Extract, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Niacinamid, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil and silicones.
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