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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- British Journal of Dermatology: Striae Distensae: A Comprehensive Review and Evidence-Based Evaluation of Prophylaxis and Treatment
- British Journal of Dermatology: Striae Distensae: A Comprehensive Review and Evidence-Based Evaluation of Prophylaxis and Treatment
- Journal of Family Practice: Clinical Inquiry: Do Any Topical Agents Help Prevent or Reduce Stretch Marks?
- Journal of Family Practice: Clinical Inquiry: Do Any Topical Agents Help Prevent or Reduce Stretch Marks?
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Can You Get Rid of Stretch Marks Using Vicks?
Stretch marks are a type of scar that occurs when the skin expands rapidly, such as during pregnancy or adolescence. Many products claim to remove stretch marks, but none is particularly effective, according to a 2014 review published in the "British Journal of Dermatology." Some users of Vicks Vaporub topical ointment claim that it works to heal stretch marks. However, Vicks Vaporub is a medicine indicated to help alleviate cough and cold symptoms -- not for skin treatment.
Effects on the Skin
Vicks Vaporub topical ointment contains a combination of eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, petrolatum, camphor and turpentine oil. These oils may make overly stretched skin feel softer and can reduce a dry appearance that makes stretch marks stand out. The makers of Vicks Vaporub, however, do not claim that its product can actually reduce stretch marks or recommend its use as a treatment for skin conditions or scarring. According to a clinical inquiry published in the "Journal of Family Practice" in 2012, no topical agent has been proven to effectively prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks 2.
- Vicks Vaporub topical ointment contains a combination of eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, petrolatum, camphor and turpentine oil.
- The makers of Vicks Vaporub, however, do not claim that its product can actually reduce stretch marks or recommend its use as a treatment for skin conditions or scarring.
Related Articles
References
- British Journal of Dermatology: Striae Distensae: A Comprehensive Review and Evidence-Based Evaluation of Prophylaxis and Treatment
- Journal of Family Practice: Clinical Inquiry: Do Any Topical Agents Help Prevent or Reduce Stretch Marks?
- Khine H, Weiss D, Graber N, Hoffman RS, Esteban-Cruciani N, Avner JR. A cluster of children with seizures caused by camphor poisoning. Pediatrics. 2009 May;123(5):1269-72. doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2097
- Paul IM, Beiler JS, King TS, Clapp ER, Vallati J, Berlin CM. Vapor rub, petrolatum, and no treatment for children with nocturnal cough and cold symptoms. Pediatrics. 2010;126(6):1092-9. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-1601
- Cherrez Ojeda, I., Calderon, J.C., Guevara, J. et al. Exogenous lipid pneumonia related to long-term use of Vicks VapoRub by an adult patient: a case report. BMC Ear Nose Throat Disord. 2016;16:11. doi:10.1186/s12901-016-0032-6
- Farahnik B, Park K, Kroumpouzos G, Murase J. Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;3(2):77-85. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2016.11.001
- Wollina U, Goldman A. Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae). J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2017;10(3):124-129. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_118_17
Writer Bio
Andrea Cespedes is a professionally trained chef who has focused studies in nutrition. With more than 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, she coaches cycling and running and teaches Pilates and yoga. She is an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer, RYT-200 and has degrees from Princeton and Columbia University.