After trying the numerous creams, lotions, and oils out there that promised to make a difference, the pair were left disappointed when unable to find anything truly effective. Meg said, "We understand that stretch marks can be a source of insecurity, especially as 80% of women develop them during pregnancy. Looking in the mirror for the first time after giving birth was a stark reality check for us. We were proud of our bodies and compassionate toward their new shape and appearance, but we’re not ashamed to admit we didn’t like our stretch marks.”
They decided to create their own science-based solution, using clinically proven and high-tech ingredients to tackle their stretch marks head on, helping them on their first step to healing.
Innovative ingredients
Enter Striā Lab (born from the medical term for stretch marks, ‘Striae’). The brand’s innovative Redefining Stretch Mark Cream (£39) has been created to help reduce the appearance of newly formed stretch marks, plumping and smoothing the area in just 10 minutes, with incredible results visible in just 28 days.
Following substantial scientific research, the formulation features two high-performing ingredients that have been clinically proven when used at these specific concentrations:
1% TECA™ (titrated extract of Centella Asiatica)
TECA™ (Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica) is one of two ingredients in the world clinically proven in peer-reviewed medical journals to minimise and prevent the appearance of stretch marks. The other ingredient that holds promise is Tretinoin, however, is not classified as safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and has only been proved at levels that would typically require a prescription.
TECA™ works by accelerating the skin repair process through stimulating fibroblast migration (which deposit collagen) and boosting the vital proteins within the dermis (the inner layer of the skin). It remodels and re-densifies the skin, whilst its curative effect on the size and colour of stretch marks, make it a critical component of our stretch mark treatments.
5% Actigym™
Actigym™ is a multi-award-winning Bermudian marine plankton extract, proven to mimic the effect of endurance exercise training, by increasing adiponectin release and mitochondrial activity (key to the metabolic effects on skeletal muscle). It improves the appearance of body contour definition that can be further complemented with exercise.
Stretch marks are a result of the skin losing its elasticity due to stretching, so the Striā Lab Stretch Mark Cream formulation includes Actigym™ to improve body definition and redefine areas sensitive to sagging, as part of the treatment. This is especially important when stretch marks appear during pregnancy as the skin faces challenges restructuring itself correctly and lacks firmness.
The vegan and cruelty-free cream is also infused with probiotics, active peptides, essential vitamins, and ceramides, for ultimate skin nourishment.
Science at the forefront
Having set up successful businesses in the beauty space previously, and with a recent report showing that consumers are looking for stretch mark products with technology-based formulations, Meg and Madeline understood the importance of developing a product that was not only accessible, but also based in science.
That’s why the Striā Lab Stretch Mark Treatment Kit (£49) also taps into the method of micro-needling, which - although widely unknown - studies show to be a far more effective treatment for healing stretch marks, than alternative therapies such as laser. The kit features a microneedling tool with 540 1.5mm fine needles that can be used to maximise the results of the topical treatment, to penetrate deep stretch mark scarring and stimulate collagen and elastin production. When administered by a professional, micro-needling can be expensive, but Striā Lab are democratising dermatological treatments for stretch marks, offering consumers an affordable option that produces the same (if not better!) results, all from the comfort of their own home.
Speaking to Striā Labs’ efficacy, Dr Enrizza Factor, of Pua Factor Dermatology says, “This is the answer you've been searching for. I've been treating stretch marks for over a decade now, and I can tell you no other product gives these results."
Following self-assessment after the first use, 97% of users agreed that their stretch marks appeared faded. With full confidence in their multi award-winning treatment, Striā Lab also offer a 100% money back guarantee on all purchases.
To use
Apply the cream to your stretch marks and gently massage in a circular motion until fully absorbed (there may be a warming sensation as the actives get to work). Use twice daily for up to 12 weeks to see maximum benefits.
Prep the skin with the microneedling tool weekly to maximise the dermal penetration of the cream, while promoting collagen and elastin production which helps the skin to rebuild. Simply apply a mild pressure to the area and roller over the skin 4-5 times in each direction (vertically, horizontally, and diagonally).
For more information, please visit www.strialab.com
1.Anti-Stretch Mark Products Global Market Report, 2024
2.Khater MH, Khattab FM, Abdelhaleem MR. (2016). Treatment of striae distensae with needling therapy versus CO2 fractional laser. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 18:75–79.
3.Self-assessment of 30 people after first use of Striā Lab
If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), you probably know that there are certain foods and nutrients that become especially important once you’re pregnant. But nutrition plays a vital role even when trying to conceive, much like laying a strong foundation before constructing a house.
Certain nutrients create that foundation by supporting egg and sperm health (yes, nutrition matters for both partners), hormone balance and creating a hospitable environment for a fertilized egg to implant. In fact, studies show that certain nutrients can help increase fertility and improve success rates for both natural conception and fertility treatments.
In other words, nutrition is a key player in the TTC journey, but getting the right nutrients in the right quantities can be tricky. That’s where supplements come in. Just as you’d take a multivitamin to fill in nutritional gaps for optimal health, fertility supplements can give you that extra nutrient boost.
Choosing supplements for your fertility journey
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.