Spilling the tea on stretch-marks

Firstly, what are stretch marks? 

Stretch-marks are really common, and very normal - it is thought that between 55-90% of women have stretch-marks somewhere on their body. Pregnancy is an obvious cause, not only due to physical changes resulting in skin having to stretch, but also hormonal changes that can make the skin less elastic. However they can also occur due to adolescent growth spurts and body changes (I personally even have stretch marks on my knees from teenage growth spurts), weight fluctuations, high-dose steroid use, and some medical conditions.

The big surprise, and something that goes against everything you equate with youth and skin elasticity, is that younger mamas are more prone to developing stretch-marks than their more mature counterparts. I had noticed, over my years as a midwife, that a lot of younger women had quite severe stretch-marks, but until recently did not know it was a researched fact. 

Also known as striae, stretch-marks occur in the dermal (middle) layer of the skin when it becomes over-stretched, often around the breasts, abdomen and thighs. As the skin stretches beyond the capacity of normal elasticity, it causes changes in the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. There is also an inflammatory response with an increase in blood supply. This is why new stretch-marks have that well-known reddened appearance and can be irritatingly itchy. 

Over time scar tissue is formed, and the lines change in colour and texture and eventually become finer and more ‘silver’ in colour. I see companies showing ‘before and after’ photos of how their product has ‘changed’ the appearance of someone’s stretch-marks - but was it the product or just the effect of time???

When you mention pregnant skin, most people’s first thoughts are ‘stretch-marks’.  There are many claims and promises out there about preventing, treating or erasing stretch-marks, we look at what is truth and what is myth.

Can stretch-marks be prevented?

There has been a lot of research about preventing and treating stretch-marks, and while there are no definitive answers, there are some results that show promise. If you ‘google’ stretch-marks there is a lot of information out there. Let’s explore some of the popular theories.

Skincare products - despite all the hype, and plenty of products advertising otherwise, there is actually no evidence that rubbing cocoa butter, olive oil, or similar, into your skin will prevent, or heal, stretch-marks. The real benefit in these products is symptom relief - relieving itching, promoting skin softness and hydration and providing comfort. However, several studies show promising results around the benefits of applying Centella Asiatica (aka Gotu Kola, Cica) extract and Hyaluronic acid in stretch-mark prevention. Whilst we figured it was worthwhile including these ingredients in our Sumptuous Bump luscious body crème, we don’t make any claims around stretch-mark prevention - we do not feel that there is enough evidence to make such promises. We will continue to watch this space.

Drinking water - everyone seems to carry an enormous water bottle these days. Adequate hydration is good for your general health but can it help with stretch marks? There is not really any research showing that dramatically increasing your water intake has any effect on stretch-marks, or even necessarily on skin hydration. However you should certainly stay adequately hydrated for your general well-being, especially when pregnant. Urine should be clear and pale - if it is dark yellow then it is time to up the hydration. 

Diet and exercise - whilst there are no singular foods or nutrients proven to specifically prevent stretch marks, eating a varied diet rich in protein, collagen, good fats and vitamins will nourish skin from the inside out, helping with skin health, and maintaining a strong skin barrier and promoting elasticity. A healthy diet and exercise regime can also prevent excessive weight gain in pregnancy. The whole idea of ‘eating for two’ truly is an old wives’ tale. 

Genetics - there is strong evidence that genetics play a part in whether a woman is likely to develop stretch-marks in pregnancy. A study conducted by ‘23andMe’ found that people who have a genetic variation that affects skin elastin are more likely to develop stretch-marks.

So the upshot is that while there is a lot of research around stretch marks, and a lot of unfounded claims, there is still a lot to learn.

It is time for women to embrace stretch-marks as a badge of honour - they are a reminder that you, and your body, are truly incredible!

References

C. Boira, M. Meunier, M. Bracq, Amandine Scandolera, & Romain Reynaud (2024) The Natural Centella asiatica Extract Acts as a Stretch Mark Eraser: A Biological Evaluation. Cosmetics, 11(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11010015

B. Farahnik , K. Park , G. Kroumpouzos , & J. Murase (2017) Romain Reynaud (2024) The Natural Centella asiatica Extract Acts as a Stretch Mark Eraser: A Biological Evaluation. Cosmetics, 11(1), 15; International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 3(2), pp77-85

J. Mallol, M.A. Belda, D. Costa, A. Noval, & M. Sola (1991) Prophylaxis of Striae gravidarum with a topical formulation. A double blind trialInternational Journal of Cosmetic Science, 13(1), pp. 51-57

L. Metrus, & M Allen (2023, October, 12) Does Drinking Water Actually Give You Clear, Hydrated Skin? https://www.byrdie.com/drinking-water-stay-hydrated