If you’ve been in the pregnancy world for more than five minutes, you’ve seen the promise:
“Prevents stretch marks.”
“Clinically proven to stop them.”
“Guaranteed results.”
You’ll never see us say that.
Not because we don’t believe in our products.
But because we believe in evidence.
Let’s talk about why.
What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks, medically known as striae gravidarum during pregnancy, are a form of dermal scarring.
They are not simply “dry skin.”
They are not caused by not moisturising enough.
And they are not a sign you did something wrong.
Stretch marks form when the skin stretches rapidly and the underlying dermal structure cannot keep up.
What’s happening beneath the surface?
Your skin has three primary layers:
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Epidermis (outer layer)
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Dermis (middle structural layer)
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Subcutaneous tissue (deeper fat layer)
Stretch marks occur in the dermis, where collagen and elastin fibres provide structure and elasticity.
When skin stretches quickly, during pregnancy, puberty, rapid growth or weight changes, the collagen and elastin fibres can become disrupted or torn. This leads to:
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Inflammation
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Thinning of the dermis
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Altered collagen organisation
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Visible linear marks on the surface
Early stretch marks often appear red, pink or purple (striae rubrae) due to inflammation and increased vascularity. Over time, they fade to lighter, silvery lines (striae albae) as inflammation resolves and scar tissue remodels.
In simple terms: stretch marks are a form of internal skin scarring caused by mechanical and hormonal factors.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Research shows stretch marks are influenced by multiple factors, many of which are outside your control.
1. Genetics
Genetics play a significant role in whether someone develops stretch marks. If your mother or sister developed them during pregnancy, you’re statistically more likely to as well.
Twin studies and familial patterns support a strong hereditary component.
2. Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy hormones affect fibroblast function (the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin).
These hormonal shifts can reduce collagen production and alter skin strength, making it more susceptible to tearing during stretching.
3. Rate and Degree of Stretching
Rapid skin expansion increases mechanical stress on the dermis. This is why stretch marks are also common during puberty and periods of rapid weight change.
4. Skin Structure and Elasticity
Baseline collagen density, elastin structure and dermal thickness vary from person to person.
This is not something you can “fix” with a cream.
Can Topical Products Prevent Stretch Marks?
This is where we choose to be very clear.
There is no strong, consistent scientific evidence that any topical product (that includes oil, cream, butter or serum) can reliably prevent stretch marks.
Multiple reviews of clinical trials have found insufficient high-quality evidence to conclude that topical formulations prevent striae gravidarum.
Some small studies suggest certain ingredients may improve skin hydration or elasticity markers, but prevention? Not proven.
And prevention is a very big claim.
So we won’t make it.
So Why Use a Body Oil During Pregnancy?
Because hydration still matters.
While moisturisers and oils cannot change your genetics or hormone levels, they can:
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Improve skin hydration
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Support the skin barrier
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Reduce dryness and itchiness
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Improve overall skin comfort
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Support suppleness and elasticity at a surface level
And comfort during pregnancy is not trivial.
As your belly grows, the skin can feel tight, dry and itchy. Supporting the barrier function of the skin can help reduce transepidermal water loss and improve comfort.
Our Skin & Scar Oil is formulated with nutrient-rich plant oils including:
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Rosehip oil
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Pomegranate seed oil
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Jojoba oil
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Sweet almond oil
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Argan oil
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Vitamin E
These ingredients are known for supporting skin hydration, providing antioxidant support, and maintaining barrier integrity.
It’s all natural, organic where possible, vegan friendly, and free from artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals. It’s OB-GYN and midwife approved, and made here in Australia.
What it does:
Supports hydration.
Improves skin comfort.
Nourishes the barrier.
What it doesn’t do:
Override genetics.
Alter pregnancy hormones.
Guarantee stretch mark prevention.
And that distinction matters.
What About Silicone and Stretch Marks?
This is where nuance is important.
Medical-grade silicone is one of the most well-supported topical treatments for improving the appearance of scars once a wound has healed.
Silicone works by:
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Creating an occlusive barrier
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Regulating hydration in scar tissue
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Modulating collagen production
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Reducing redness and elevation in hypertrophic scars
There is strong clinical support for silicone in managing surgical scars, including C-section scars.
That’s why our Silicone Gel Scar Strips are:
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Made from medical-grade silicone
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Dermatologically tested
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Clinically proven for scar management
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TGA Approved (ARTG No. 431512)
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OB-GYN and Midwife approved
They are designed to hydrate and protect healed wounds to improve the appearance of red, raised or thickened scars.
However:
Stretch marks are not the same as surgical scars.
They form through dermal tearing under intact skin, not from an external wound. There isn’t as much research available on this side of things, but promisingly there is some early evidence that suggests applying a silicone gel to stretch marks may improve collagen levels, pigmentation and elasticity.
So while it won’t erase them or stop them forming, silicone backed products may help reduce the appearance of stretchmarks, same as other hydrating topicals like our Skin & Scar Oil.
The Problem With “Prevention” Marketing
When brands promise prevention, the implication is:
“If you use this correctly and you still get stretch marks, you failed.”
We reject that.
Stretch marks are common.
Up to 50–90% of pregnant women develop them.
They are a normal physiological response to rapid change.
They are not a measure of care, discipline, or worth.
We would rather support your skin honestly than sell you fear.
What We Believe
We believe in:
Evidence over exaggeration.
Support over shame.
Hydration over hype.
We formulate products that support your skin through pregnancy and postpartum, are grounded in science, approved by clinicians, and transparent in what they can and cannot do.
Your body stretching to grow a baby is extraordinary.
Skin changing is normal.
Scars deserve evidence-based care.
And marketing should be honest.
We’re here to support your skin, not promise miracles.