Condition overview
- Stretch marks, also known as striae, are pink, purple or red streaks that appear on the stomach, thighs and other areas of the body.
- These scars are caused by the physical stretching of the dermis (middle) layer of the skin, usually due to weight gain, growth spurts in adolescents or during pregnancy.
- Widespread stretch marks can also be the result of Cushing’s syndrome or a similar adrenal gland disease. If you think you could be suffering from Cushing’s syndrome, please consult your physician immediately.
- Treatments can help fade the appearance of stretch marks over time, but it’s impossible to completely remove them.
Key ingredient to look for
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Birch
Long known for its purifying and detoxifying effects, birch leaf extract fortifies skin with a high level of tannins, flavonoids and saponins. Also helps against muscle soreness and bruises, promotes the excretion of fluids and increases metabolic activity.
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Shea
Rich in saturated and unsaturated fatty acids along with vitamin E and carotene, shea softens and smoothes skin. It also protects against dryness, environmental damage and accelerates the healing of superficial wounds and irritations.
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Wheat Germ Oil
Known to help restore skin, refine its texture and keep the connective tissue healthy, antioxidant-rich wheat germ contains high amounts of vitamin E, lecithin and essential fatty acids.
Recommendations
Pregnancy Specific
Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil
Help keep skin firm during pregnancy while also helping to avoid stretch marks with this rich body oil.
Erbaviva Stretch Mark Oil
Softens, protects and moisturizes with nourishing wheat germ oil blended with rose and carrot seed essential oils.
Erbaviva Stretch Mark Cream
Formulated with beneficial shea butter, sea buckthorn and feverfew extracts combined with rose and carrot seed essential oils to help protect skin.
General
Weleda’s Buckthorn Body Oil
Heals, firms and helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Made from buckthorn blossom and birch leaf extracts blended into a hydrating sunflower seed and jojoba oil base.
