Treating stretch marks: What icoone® can do for fresh and old striae

Stretch marks (medically: striae distensae) are a form of scarring that occurs when skin is stretched faster than it can regrow. Typical after pregnancy, growth spurts in puberty, significant muscle build-up, or weight fluctuations. What is realistically possible and where the limits lie.

What stretch marks are biologically

When skin is suddenly stretched significantly, the elastin and collagen fibres in the dermis (middle skin layer) tear. The body repairs these tears with scar tissue, which is less elastic and visually different from the surrounding skin.

Distinguish two phases:

Fresh (striae rubrae): reddish-purple stripes, sometimes slightly raised. The skin is still actively repairing, fibroblasts are active. This phase lasts from weeks to about 12 months.

Old (striae albae): whitish, slightly sunken stripes. The skin has “finished scarring”. Fibroblasts are less active in this area, collagen and elastin structures are reduced.

Important to know: Fresh striae respond to treatments significantly better than old ones. Starting early pays off.

Who gets stretch marks

• 50 to 90% of pregnant women develop striae (mostly on stomach, breasts, thighs, hips)
• Teenagers during growth spurts (often on lower back, breasts, thighs)
• People after significant weight loss or muscle build-up
• With long-term intake of corticosteroids

Genetics play a greater role than often assumed. Those with stretch marks in the family are more susceptible, regardless of skincare and oil use.

What icoone® does for stretch marks

Mechanical microstimulation stimulates fibroblasts and activates production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Details on the technology in the icoone® pillar article.

On fresh striae rubrae (reddish): The skin is still actively repairing. Microstimulation supports tissue rebuilding and can improve colour intensity, texture, and skin elasticity in the treated area. Starting early pays off, because fibroblasts respond better in this phase.

On old striae albae (whitish): The tissue has scarred, fibroblasts are less active, pigment is partially missing. Microstimulation can improve texture, but the hypopigmented whiteness partially persists. For further treatment of old striae, we refer to specialist medical practices.

What helps little to nothing

Care oils and creams (almond oil, cocoa butter, Bio-Oil, etc.)

The evidence base is weak. For none of these products is it proven that they prevent stretch marks or significantly reduce them. They can keep skin supple, nothing more. Anyone who likes applying oil: doesn’t hurt. Anyone saving money: also fine.

Cold showers, pinch massages, brush massages

May feel pleasant subjectively but have no proven effect on existing stretch marks.

“Miracle sprays” and special products from the internet

Caution. The louder the promise, the thinner the evidence usually is.

Approach by situation

Pregnancy stretch marks (fresh, after birth): After wound healing is complete and medical or midwife clearance has been given: start of an icoone® course with 10 sessions. During breastfeeding after consultation. Details on timing in the article on postpartum recovery.

Stretch marks from muscle build-up or weight fluctuations: Stabilise weight or muscle mass first, then icoone® course over several months, with maintenance sessions after the base course.

Old, white striae albae: Honest expectation: complete disappearance is unrealistic. icoone® can improve texture, but the hypopigmented whiteness partially persists. For further intervention, specialist medical practices offer additional options.

Realistic timeframes

Time. Collagen remodelling is slow. Realistic timeframes:

• Fresh striae: visible improvement after 3 to 6 months of regular treatment
• Old striae: improvement in texture, but residual striae usually remain visible

Regularity. A single session delivers little. Continuous treatment over months makes the difference.

When to see a doctor

• If striae appear suddenly, without recognisable cause
• If they are accompanied by other skin changes (e.g. moon face, unintentional weight gain)
• If hormonal causes are suspected (e.g. Cushing’s syndrome)

In such cases, they may be a symptom of an underlying disease and should be medically evaluated.

Pricing

Single icoone® session 60 min.: CHF 195 Recommended course (10 sessions): CHF 175.50 per session · original suit included

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Also of interest: Pregnancy massage for prevention

Sources

• Hague A, Bayat A. Therapeutic targets in the management of striae distensae: A systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017;77(3):559-568.
• icoone® scientific background: icoone.com/en/science

Individual results may vary. This content does not replace medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can stretch marks be completely removed?

Stretch marks cannot be completely removed. Significant improvement is possible with fresh (reddish) striae; with old (whitish) ones, a visible remnant usually stays. Realistic expectations prevent disappointment.

Does Bio-Oil or cocoa butter help against stretch marks?

The evidence for skincare oils and creams is weak. They keep skin supple but don’t demonstrably prevent stretch marks and don’t significantly reduce them. Anyone who likes applying them: not harmful. Anyone saving: also okay.

When should one start treatment?

As early as possible, fresh red striae respond significantly better than old white ones. After pregnancy, start is recommended after medical clearance and completed wound healing.

### Read more Scars after caesarean → · Skin tightening after pregnancy → · Skin tightening without surgery →

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