Merz Pharmaceuticals Introduces New Mederma(R) Stretch Marks Therapy Now Available in Drugstores Nationwide

GREENSBORO, N.C., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Stretch marks can make even the most beautiful women feel insecure and self-conscious. Approximately 90% of pregnant women and 70% of adolescent females have stretch marks, and they also commonly occur in people who have lost weight within a brief time period. Although they pose no health risks, stretch marks can cause negative body image issues for women of all shapes and sizes. With new Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy women now have an effective, clinically proven option to improve the appearance of their stretch marks.

From the makers of #1 doctor-recommended brand for scars for over a decade, Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy is a patented formula that combines a unique blend of ingredients, including the proprietary botanical extract Cepalin®, hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica leaf extract. This advanced formula is dermatologist tested and clinically proven to reduce discoloration, improve texture and enhance skin's softness, with noticeable improvement in about 4 weeks, and optimum improvement in 12 weeks when used twice daily.

"Stretch marks are very common and occur when the skin is stretched beyond a certain degree, such as during pregnancy or in times of weight increase when the connective tissue can be disrupted and show unattractive red marks on the skin's surface," says Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, a clinical and research dermatologist based in High Point, North Carolina, with a special interest in problems associated with skin, hair and nails. "In the clinical trial, 80% of women noted visible improvement in their stretch marks compared to non treatment, with a trend toward improved elasticity."

"Stretch marks can be a nagging reminder to new moms who have worked hard to lose their baby weight," says Victoria Pericon of Mom Blog Savvymommy.com. "An effective product that could help to improve the appearance of their stretch marks would provide a real confidence boost for these women," she added.

Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy is effective for all the areas of the body where stretch marks occur, including the arms, abdomen and buttocks. For best results, Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy should be used as directed twice a day for 12 weeks.

Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy is sold in a 5.29-oz tube and retails for $39.99. It is now available at CVS, Walgreens and in other drugstores nationwide.

About Mederma®

The Mederma® family of products, including Mederma® Gel, Mederma® Cream plus SPF 30, and Mederma® for Kids, has a long tradition of efficacy. The #1 doctor- and pharmacist-recommended brand for scars, Mederma® helps reduce the appearance of scars resulting from surgery, injury, burns, and acne, making them softer, smoother, and less noticeable. To learn more, visit www.mederma.com.

About Merz Pharmaceuticals

Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC, a wholly owned, U.S. subsidiary of the Merz Group of Companies was established in 1995 and develops and commercializes prescription products for Neurology, Dermatology, Podiatry and the #1 non-prescription product for scars, Mederma®.

With a 101 year heritage, Merz (KGaA) is known worldwide for its development of original compounds and formulations for medical professionals and consumers in 90 countries. Globally, Merz is a leader in the development of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of neurological and psychological disorders as well as for aesthetic medicine, including products for the treatment of wrinkles and aging skin, hair loss and acne. Research is concentrated in fields that have a strong need for therapeutic innovation such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, tinnitus, chronic pain conditions, addictions, and neuromuscular disturbances.

SOURCE Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC