Stretch Marks - Prevention

Prevention

Between 75% and 90% of women develop stretch marks to some degree during pregnancy. The sustained hormonal levels as a result of pregnancy usually means stretch marks may appear during the sixth or seventh month, primarily during the 3rd trimester, as that is when skin tends to be subjected to higher levels of stretching forces. A German research team tested the application of massage and cream and found that only one-third of women with this treatment developed stretchmarks, while two-thirds of an untreated control group developed stretchmarks, but it is not clear if this was a double-blind study.

A randomized controlled study tested whether oils or creams prevent the development of stretchmarks. This study found a daily application of a cream (Trofolastin) containing Gotu Kola extract and vitamin E was associated with fewer stretch marks during pregnancy. Another study, though lacking a placebo control, examined a cream (Verum) containing vitamin E, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, elastin and menthol. It was associated with fewer stretch marks during pregnancy versus no treatment. During pregnancy, the pregnant woman can prevent itchiness from the dry, stretched skin by keeping it moisturized. Japanese traditional medicine recommends Egg Oil from the fourth month of pregnancy to prevent stretch marks.

Another randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study of 300 women tested cocoa butter. The result was not found to be a statistically significant difference.