Stretch Mark Treatment

Understanding Stretch Marks: Causes and Signs 

Stretch marks are visible lines that form on the skin during rapid stretching, commonly affecting areas like the stomach, thighs, breasts, and arms. These marks, initially red or pink, eventually fade into white or silvery streaks.

While common during pregnancy, puberty, or after weight fluctuations, their appearance can cause discomfort

Causes of Stretch Marks: Why Do They Appear?

Stretch marks form when collagen and elastin fibers, essential for skin elasticity, tear under rapid stretching. Here are the main causes:

• Growth spurts: During adolescence, physical changes can lead to stretch marks on the back, hips, inner thighs, or love handles, often linked to increased cortisol levels reducing skin elasticity.
• Pregnancy: Due to significant hormonal changes, a pregnant woman's body secretes more cortisol and therefore less collagen and elastin. As the skin is less elastic, areas such as the stomach and breasts, which undergo rapid changes, are more prone to stretch marks during this period.
• Weight gain or loss: Rapid weight fluctuations or significant muscle growth impact areas like the thighs, stomach, and arms.

Types of Stretch Marks and Their Evolution

Stretch marks are deep skin tears, mainly affecting the dermis, caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. Their size varies from millimeters to centimeters. These scars take on different colors depending on their age and evolution, making it possible to distinguish several types of stretch marks. 

Brown stretch marks

Less common, brown stretch marks can result from hormonal factors or skin pigmentation variations, and sometimes specific medical conditions.

Pink stretch marks

These marks represent an intermediate stage between red and white stretch marks. They indicate that the skin is healing. While less visible than red ones, they still require care to prevent permanent pigmentation.

Red or purple stretch marks

Red or purplish stretch marks are more recent and still “active”, which means they will respond favorably to nourishing and moisturizing treatments. These marks are often the result of rapid stretching of the skin and rupture of elastic fibers.

White stretch marks

Over time, stretch marks fade into white streaks. These older marks require intensive and regular care to fade and restore a smoother skin texture. White stretch marks are the result of permanent degradation of collagen and elastin fibers.

Preventing Stretch Marks with Daily Skincare

Preventing stretch marks is challenging but possible. The key lies in enhancing skin elasticity, making it more resistant to tension and sudden stretching.

• Essential vitamins and nutrients: A diet rich in vitamins C and E supports skin health, promoting cell renewal and resilience.
• Intense hydration: Regularly apply the Nourishing Silky Butter, enriched with natural oils, to deeply moisturize your skin, maintain suppleness, and improve elasticity.
• Regular exercise: Regular exercise improves blood circulation, promoting better oxygenation of the skin and making it healthier and more radiant. It also stimulates the production of collagen, essential for maintaining the skin's elasticity and firmness, preserving its ability to stretch and regenerate.

Treating Stretch Marks: Natural and Effective Options

Stretch marks can be visibly reduced with consistent and suitable care, especially when treated early in their healing process. O’terra offers natural products designed to renew the skin without invasive treatments.

Natural solutions to reduce stretch marks

When used regularly, natural treatments can significantly repair skin and minimize stretch marks' appearance.

• Natural oils for skin: Oils like rose, avocado, almond, and argan are particularly effective in reducing stretch marks due to their hydrating and healing properties. These oils repair damaged skin tissues, improve elasticity, and enhance skin suppleness.
• Using a dermaroller: Paired with hydrating treatments, a dermaroller stimulates collagen production and activates skin regeneration mechanisms. By creating micro-perforations, it aids in reducing stretch marks' visibility, especially on areas like the stomach, thighs, and buttocks.
• Vitamin E for skin elasticity: Known for its antioxidant and reparative properties, vitamin E deeply nourishes the skin, promotes collagen production, and improves elasticity to reduce existing stretch marks and prevent new ones.

When to consult a professional?

Deep or uncomfortable stretch marks may require professional advice. In such cases, a dermatologist can recommend tailored solutions.

To treat or not to treat stretch marks: a personal choice

Stretch marks are natural and can appear at various life stages. If you wish to reduce their appearance, acting quickly is key, as older marks are harder to treat. However, there’s no obligation—what matters most is feeling confident in your skin, with or without stretch marks.

O’terra Products for Smooth and Supple Skin

O’terra offers natural and innovative products to visibly reduce stretch marks while supporting overall skin health. Choosing nourishing, well-formulated skincare products is essential for regaining confidence and feeling good in your skin.

Our top products to prevent and reduce stretch marks

• 3-in-1 Dermaroller: A beauty tool designed to stimulate cell renewal by creating micro-perforations in the skin, boosting collagen production and aiding the healing process.
• Nourishing Silky Butter: This ultra-hydrating, reparative butter contains vitamin E and natural oils, including soybean, sweet almond, argan, and perilla oils, to deeply nourish the skin and enhance elasticity.
• Reusable Silicone Body Patches: These patches promote deep hydration by keeping the skin moist, encouraging regeneration.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

How can I prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?

Hydrate your skin daily with O’terra’s Nourishing Silky Butter. This routine helps maintain skin elasticity, making it less prone to tearing.

Is it important to treat stretch marks?

There's no pressure to treat your stretch marks. It's a personal choice, and there's no right or wrong decision. If you choose to reduce them, it's good to know that acting sooner can be beneficial. But above all, it's important to remember that stretch marks don't define your beauty or well-being; they're simply a reflection of your skin's unique history.

Which O’terra products are best for treating stretch marks on the stomach?

The Nourishing Silky Butter and 3-in-1 Dermaroller are ideal for deeply hydrating the skin and promoting renewal, effectively reducing stretch marks on the stomach and other areas.

Can stretch marks disappear completely?

While it’s difficult to eliminate them entirely, regular use of products with natural ingredients and early care can significantly fade them.

What natural oils are effective against stretch marks?

Rose, avocado, almond, soybean, perilla, and argan oils, rich in nutrients, hydrate, nourish, and restore skin elasticity, helping prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Can I use a Dermaroller on stretch marks on my thighs?

Yes, the 3-in-1 Dermaroller is specifically designed to regenerate the skin by stimulating collagen production, making it particularly effective for stretch marks on areas like the thighs.