The problem with most stretch mark products is they merely provide surface-level moisture. That’s what makes centella asiatica for stretch marks different. It can actually get into the skin layer where stretch marks form.
This botanical ingredient is also known as gotu kola or cica, and has a lot of evidence showing potential for preventing stretch marks and potentially even improving the appearance of existing ones. We’ll dig into that research to show you why this ingredient belongs in your regimen.
But if you just came here to learn how to use centella asiatica for stretch marks, you’re in luck. Our stretch mark serum pairs centella asiatica with triple-weighted hyaluronic acid to help support your skin as it stretches or in the aftermath. Learn more below!
Key Takeaways
- Centella asiatica has published clinical trial evidence showing lower stretch mark rates.
- The American Academy of Dermatology says this ingredient can help prevent stretch marks.
- You have to be consistent in applying centella asiatica to see results. The sooner you start, the better.
- 8 Sheep Organics centella asiatica stretch mark cream is handmade in small batches in the USA, backed by a 3-month guarantee.
Overview of Stretch Marks
You probably already know that stretch marks occur when the skin stretches past its ability to bounce back. It can happen during pregnancy, puberty, or anytime there’s a lot of growth.
What’s really happening is the dermis - the middle layer of skin where collagen and elastin provide structure - tear under the tension. What you see on the surface of your skin is actually the result of deeper damage.
There are two different types of stretch marks during pregnancy you should be aware of, especially if you’re hoping to use centella asiatica for stretch marks. Striae rubrae are new marks. They’re red, purple, and angry-looking. But they are still treatable in this stage.
Those marks lose their color over time as the body’s healing response fades away, and what you’re left with are striae alba. These white, silvery marks are closer to a scar, so it’s important to set your expectations if you’re wondering, do stretch marks fade after pregnancy?
Does Centella Asiatica Prevent Stretch Marks?
Centella asiatica is one of the only botanical ingredients that has real, published research showing it can work for stretch marks. So does centella asiatica prevent stretch marks?
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Findings
The AAD has said products with centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid can help prevent stretch marks.1 On the other hand, most ingredients you see marketed for stretch mark prevention (and even removal) have no clinical backing.
That includes cocoa butter, one of the most popular. It performed no better than placebo in clinical trials. Yet, everyone rushes to pick up a bottle of Palmer’s at the early signs of stretch marks!
More Centella Asiatica Stretch Marks Evidence
There’s plenty of other research on the centella asiatica stretch marks connection, too.
One trial from more than 30 years ago tested the ingredient on 80 pregnant women. 56% of the women in the placebo group ended up with stretch marks. Only 34% of the treated group did. That’s a pretty solid improvement - and it was even more impressive in women who already had pre-existing marks. They had a prevention rate of 89%!2
Another study two decades later led to the same conclusion. Only 5.6% of women who used a centella-based cream developed new stretch marks. 35% in the control group. That’s not all, though. Women with pre-existing marks saw far less worsening: 6.3% vs 17.8%.3
So, does centella asiatica prevent stretch marks? We think the results speak for themselves! But if you’re still not convinced, we encourage you to read some of the many reviews for 8 Sheep Organics True Belly Serum, the #1 belly oil for pregnancy:
“I used nightly throughout my pregnancy and got one stretch mark, one! And I’ve continued to use postpartum, the mark on my stomach and some on my hips are already almost gone at four months. Also such a lovely nightly ritual for me and baby in belly.” - Tess
“32 weeks and no stretch marks!!!” - Magda
“This stuff is the real deal! Applied when I woke up on my stretch marks and at night before need and been using it for a week and my stretch marks are almost completely gone!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍 It's a miracle!!!!” - Amber
How to Use Centella Asiatica For Stretch Marks
Incorporating centella asiatica in your skincare routine is so easy. You just have to find the right product. And at this point, it’s time we more formally introduced you to the best belly butter for stretch marks. True Belly Serum has not just centella asiatica but triple-weighted hyaluronic acid for a one-two punch. It can help prevent new marks from forming and treat existing ones.
The serum is handmade in small batches here in the USA with no nasty ingredients. It’s 100% pregnancy-safe, and you can use it while breastfeeding, too! It’s backed by a three-month money-back guarantee.
When to Start Using Centella Asiatica
The sooner, the better. You want to nourish your skin in advance so that it’s resilient and pliable when the stretching actually starts. If you’re pregnant, that means your first trimester. Prevention is everything with stretch marks. It’s so much easier to prevent them than treat them.
Our advice on when to start using stretch mark cream during pregnancy is always the same for women who are already starting to see marks form, though: better late than never! Starting now can still prevent new marks from forming, and you can potentially even fade the color of those new marks.
How to Apply
Consistency is everything, so you need to plan on applying centella asiatica for stretch marks every night. A lot of people see better results from twice-daily application - morning and evening.
Always put the serum on clean, dry skin for maximum absorption. Be generous in how much you use. This stuff works, but only if you let it! Massage it into the areas most prone to stretching. If you’re pregnant, that’ll be your belly, hips, thighs, lower back, and breasts.
What to Expect
Stretch marks didn’t form overnight, so don’t expect them to disappear that quickly, either. Results build over the course of weeks and months. We recommend sticking with it for at least 8-12 weeks before evaluating results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centella asiatica good for stretch marks?
Yes. It’s one of the only ingredients that has legit clinical backing for its prevention and treatment of stretch marks.
What should not mix with Centella asiatica?
This ingredient pairs well with almost everything. In fact, it should be paired with hyaluronic acid for the best results. A lot of people use niacinamide and vitamin C in the same routine, too. Just don’t layer it with high-concentration exfoliating acids, as this can counteract the product’s soothing properties.
Which is better, niacinamide or Centella asiatica?
They aren’t really meant to be compared. Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and reduces redness. That’s great, but it won’t really do anything for stretch marks. Centella asiatica for stretch marks supports collagen production and tissue repair. You can use both for postpartum stretch marks.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology. "Stretch marks: Why they appear and how to get rid of them." AAD
- Mallol J, et al. "Prophylaxis of Striae gravidarum with a topical formulation. A double blind trial." International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1991;13(1):51-57. Wiley
- Garcia Hernandez JA, et al. "Use of a specific anti-stretch mark cream for preventing or reducing the severity of striae gravidarum." International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013;35(3):233-237. Wiley
