SingaporeMotherhood | Pregnancy

November 2020

Stretch Marks: Prevent, Reduce, and Treat them with this Clinically-Proven Gel

Whether you call them “pregnancy battle scars”, “mummy stripes”, or “angel scratches”, stretch marks are common. Up to 90% of pregnant women, 70% of adolescent females, and 40% of adolescent males1 have them. Nonetheless, these trails of broken elastin can affect a woman’s sense of self-image, especially during pregnancy.

It’s 2020 now though, and we women are definitely more enlightened. While more are choosing to embrace their stretch marks (one mummy even described hers as “glitter lines”), those who prefer to stay less marked can now help prevent them from appearing, or treat them with the right product to let their skin heal better. 

What are stretch marks? 

Stretch marks, also known as striae, look like thin, white lines on the body. They are commonly seen on the abdomen, hips, thighs, breasts, upper arms, and back. Striae develop when the skin is stretched or shrunk quickly, causing the collagen under the skin to tear2. In the early stages, they appear slightly raised and pink to red in colour. They then develop a purple hue, and eventually turn silvery-white.

(See also: Hospital Maternity Packages in Singapore 2020)

Who gets stretch marks? 

Anyone can get them. 50 to 90% of pregnant women develop stretch marks3. Puberty and rapid weight gain or loss may cause striae to develop. Genetics have also been blamed for stretch marks.

Can I get rid of them?

Unfortunately, no. Stretch marks are permanent. The good news is that over the years, they will gradually become less noticeable. In the meantime, prevention and treatment is the key to reduce their appearance. 

Creams, lotions, or silicone gels?

Many people use creams and moisturisers to treat stretch marks, but there is little evidence to support their effectiveness. In comparison,

silicone gels like Stratamark are clinically proven to be effective and superior in softening and flattening stretch marks, reducing discoloration, and relieving itch and discomfort. 

Clinical efficacy

In clinical studies4,5 participated by over 500 pregnant women who used Stratamark, 

Prevention group

  • 81.8% did not develop stretch marks

Treatment group

  • 80% had a significant level of improvement in their stretch marks
  • 88% saw an improvement in colour
  • 86% reported reduction in appearance
  • 83% enjoyed lessened itchiness

Safety

Stratamark is transparent and odourless. In addition, it does not contain alcohol, fragrances, or parabens. Furthermore, it does not penetrate below the top layer of the skin. This makes it

safe to use for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, as well as those with sensitive skin. 

Texture/comfort

Stratamark uses a “three action” method to prevent and reduce stretch marks comfortably for all skin types.

  • Protection – It dries above the outer layer of the skin, hence protecting the stretch mark scar below from external irritants5
  • Hydration – It is gas-permeable, allowing the skin to breathe.6 It is also hydrophobic. This means it prevents water loss, keeping the skin hydrated.6,7
  • Modulation – When it has dried, Stratamark forms a sheet that helps in the repair of damaged striae.6

Convenience

Stratamark is easy to use, and a little goes a long way. One 50g tube contains enough gel to use for about two months for women in the late stages of pregnancy.

(See also: Confinement Food Delivery Services in Singapore 2020)

How to use Stratamark

For prevention: Start using from the beginning of the second trimester, or when you first notice striae. Continue for a minimum of 60 to 90 days after giving birth. 

For treatment: Use for at least 60 to 90 days, ensuring that Stratamark has continuous contact with the skin. Severe and/or older stretch marks may require longer treatment time. 

Application: 

  • Start with clean and dry skin.
  • Using your fingertips, apply a thin layer to the relevant areas evenly to form a very thin layer, and allow the gel to dry.
  • Apply once per day, or after washing.
  • It should dry in 5-6 minutes. Otherwise, you have probably applied too much. Gently remove the excess gel with tissue, then let it continue to dry.
  • Once dry, you can dress, and apply sunscreens or cosmetics over it.
  • For best results Stratamark should be on your skin 24 hours/day.

Stratamark, a solution to treat stretch marks

Although many women use creams and moisturisers to try to prevent, and to treat stretch marks, up to 90% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Regardless of it being such a common issue, nothing has proven to effectively treat them… until Stratamark. Treat your stretch marks with Stratamark now!

Get Stratamark at Aurigamart with a 10% off discount from now until Dec 31st 2020 with the code “SGMH10”

DCH Auriga (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
10 Raeburn Park, Block C, #01-33, Singapore 088702
Tel: (65) 6566 1188
Email: [email protected]

PMA code (DCHA-1020-071)

References

  1. Karia, U. K., Padhiar, B. B., & Shah, B. J. (2016). Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 9(2), 101-105.
  2. Lokhande, A. J., & Mysore, V. (2019). Indian dermatology online journal, 10(4), 380-395.
  3. McAvoy B. R. (2013). The British journal of general practice: the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 63(609), 212.
  4. Malkova, S. (2014). NEUMM, 1-4/4:1-7
  5. Hughes CDG, Hedges A. (2019). Australas J Dermatol, 60(1):78-80.
  6. Mustoe T. A. (2008). Aesthetic plastic surgery, 32(1), 82-92.
  7. Quinn, K. J., Evans, J. H., Courtney, J. M., Gaylor, J. D., & Reid, W. H. (1985). Burns Incl Therm Inj, 12(2), 102-108.

This sponsored article was formulated together with Stratamark Singapore.

All images: Stratamark Singapore

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Stretch Marks: Prevent, Reduce, and Treat them with this Clinically-Proven Gel