BASF relaxes stretch marks
D-Stria restores functionality of striae-derived myofibroblasts
Stretch marks are usually addressed with the same cosmetic ingredients as wrinkles in an attempt to restart collagen and elastin synthesis and many of these ingredients – vitamin C, retinol and peptides – target fibroblasts. However, in contrast with normal fibroblasts, the fibroblasts found in stretch marks are contractile. This means that they have contracted to neutralise the stretching effect before transforming into quiescent, striae-derived myofibroblasts, which are unable to synthesise collagen or elastin and which are responsible for the parallel organisation of the stretch mark tissue.
D-Stria, the latest offering from BASF, is said to be capable of reducing the contraction of quiescent striae-derived myofibroblasts, making them functional again and promoting collagen and elastin synthesis at the stretch mark site. The ingredient – an oily Serenoa serrulata extract – reduces the contractile strength of striae derived myofibroblasts originating from stretch marks by 27%.
In vitro studies found D-Stria to double collagen I synthesis and elastin gene expression, while in a clinical study, 87% of volunteers felt their stretch marks were less deep after three months’ use.
