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Common Skin Conditions / Common Skin Conditions / Body Care / Skincare Tips
Stretchmarks: A Guide - From the Experts
Stretch Marks are a natural result of the skin stretching, normally during pregnancy. Most mothers try to avoid them and if they do get them, they spend a lot of time and money looking to improve them. There are some basic things that expectant mothers can do to prevent Stretch Marks and we have some tips to help, including a new clincially proven Stretch Mark Oil that contains ingredients that are screened for safety and are proven to prevent Stretch Marks in many women.
You work hard to keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful but no matter what you do, you're still at risk for the dreaded stretch mark - deep scars in the connective tissue caused by rapid stretching of the skin. We've described below how Stretch Marks are formed and the evidence that exists for their treatment.
Why do I get stretch marks?
You may already know that human skin has THREE main layers.
The top layer, or epidermis, contains thin layers of flattened dead skin cells that work together to form a semi-permeable membrane. This epidermal “barrier” helps keep water and many chemicals outside of the body, but let’s other chemicals pass through where they are absorbed into the bloodstream.
The next layer, or dermis, is made up of tiny capillaries, nerves, hair follicles and glands that secrete protective oils onto the skin. It also contains the collagen networks that give skin its strength and elasticity.
The deepest layer, or subcutaneous tissue, is where you’ll find the larger blood vessels, fat cells, and supportive connective tissues. This layer is helpful in temperature regulation.
When you cut yourself with a knife or sharp edge, the wound heals with an abnormal scar that looks different and is weaker than normal tissue. Stretch Marks, or striae gravidarum, are a unique type of scar because they only involve the dermis - there is no break in the epidermis itself. They happen during times of rapid growth such as puberty, pregnancy, excessive weight gain or even with weightlifting. They also appear to be related to an increase in your body’s steroid hormones. Stretch Marks can occur anywhere but are more likely to happen in areas where fat is stored such as the abdomen, breasts, hips, and buttocks. When the skin stretches rapidly in these areas, tension builds on the collagen matrix inside the dermis and it eventually starts to tear. As the damaged tissues heal, new collagen grows but it lacks the smooth, regular appearance of normal collagen. Instead, there is a disorganised, chaotic structure with significant inflammation. The Stretch Marks initially appear as wavy or bumpy areas of reddish/purplish discoloration. Over time, they may change to a white or silvery appearance but they never go away completely. About a third of women develop Stretch Marks during puberty. Around 70% of women get them during pregnancy. Even men can get them from rapid weight gain or body building.
Some disreputable companies have promoted "miracle" products that claim to prevent all Stretch Marks or make them vanish. As a result, many people are wary of Stretch Mark treatments - but there is real hope. Published medical studies and clinical trials have shown an increasing number of effective treatments.
Safe and Effective Prevention of Stretch Marks
Uncontrollable risk factors:
Sking type: your risk is higher if you have fair skin
Maternal age: your risk is higher if you are a teenager or young mother
Family history: your risk is higher if Stretch Marks run in your family
Prior history: your risk is higher if you had prior Stretch Marks during puberty
Controllable risk factors:
Weight gain: your risk is lower if you avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy
Hydration: your risk is lower if you drink eight glasses of water each day
Stretch Mark Treatments
Reduce the appearance of stretch marks and support your skin. Created by our team of skin and scarring experts, this formulation combines active natural phytochemicals and deeply moisturising natural ingredients with vitamins C and E to provide a soothing and active stretch mark treatment.
- Diminish the appearance of Stretch Marks
- Soothes & hydrates the skin
- Reduce redness
Certified vegan, Paraben, alcohol and fragrance-free
Kelo-stretch™ features a unique dual formula to address weakened collagen and elasticity issues which cause of stretch mark formation and has demonstrated efficacy in improving skin elasticity, reducing the width of stretch marks.
Kelo-stretch prevents new stretch marks forming and reduces the size and colouration of existing stretch marks. It contains titrated extract of centella asiatica—a sustainably sourced, natural ingredient which stimulates collagen synthesis, along with shea butter and sweet almond oil to smoothe, soften, moisturise and nourish.
