Cream made from green tea may prevent stretch marks

Scientists believe green tea may prevent stretch marks, particularly in older women.

The researchers spent four years researching a compound derived from the tea at the University of Manchester.

They found that the compound, which is already said to improve brain function and aid fat loss, helps calm red and angry skin.

Its benefits mean that it has now been included in a new cream, Solution for Stretch Marks.

The lotion —which will cost £39.99 for 100ml in Britain — will stop the marks from developing, but is not expected to help stretch marks already there.

Solution for Stretch Marks is billed as the first effective treatment and could help older mothers, whose skin is more prone to scarring.

The cream’s creators, said the solution “works on a deeper level” than other treatments.

Stretch marks are lines which appear on the surface of the skin.

They most commonly appear on the stomach or thighs.

Causes include pregnancy, weight gain and growth spurts during puberty.

Around 80% of women are thought to get stretch marks to some extent during pregnancy.

A wide variety of ointments claim to ease the condition but a recent review in the British Journal of Dermatology concluded that very few actually work.

Previous research had alluded to green tea’s ability to improve bad skin.

A study in Taiwan found that regular consumption of green tea can improve the appearance of blemishes in adult women.