How Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil Works

Are you expecting or planning on having a baby? Then be sure to read this Q&A with Weleda midwife, Christina Hinderlich.

In addition to a midwife, Christina is also a lactation consultant, but her most important job is mother to her three children! She has 15 years’ experience in antenatal care, midwifery and postnatal care. She works at Weleda's offices in Germany, where she is our resident expert providing advice on baby care.

Here, Christina answers three frequently asked questions on why Weleda’s Stretch Mark Massage Oil is so special and so effective.

Q. What makes Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil effective in preventing stretch marks?

A. To define the composition of the Stretch Mark Massage Oil, Weleda noted the development of a woman’s body during pregnancy: the tissue expands in order for the growing baby to have enough space in its mother’s belly and to enable the establishment of safety deposits on the mother’s hips and back. This extension of the sub-skin happens to every woman. It is due to cell growth and to fine tears in the sub-skin. The so-called stretch marks become visible when the extensions are very big or when the overlying skin is very thin. The Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil acts on the skin’s structure, cares for the skin and supports its blood circulation. It contains arnica, which according to anthroposophy (the philosophy behind all of Weleda’s product formulation), has structuring properties that ensure the expansion of the skin in a structured way: the skin only expands to the extent needed. Further oils like jojoba, almond and wheat germ have a caring, nourishing effect on the skin and support blood circulation when combined with a massage. The skin becomes firm and elastic at the same time. The fine tears in the sub-skin are not visible.

Q. Why is Weleda’s Stretch Mark Massage Oil more effective than a non-natural stretch mark cream or oil?

A. I have the impression that a lot of companies simply mix their products with the aim of “skin tightening.” They do not take into consideration that pregnant women should be anything other than “tight.” In fact, from the beginning of the pregnancy, nature ensures that everything becomes wide. This allows the baby to grow well and prepares the body for birth. Tissue that is tight cannot expand and give space to a growing baby. Soul and spirit also have to become soft and open up for the coming baby. Parenting can be a very complex task if the parents are not ready to let go and embrace new ways of thinking and of living. As a result, hormones make everything soft and wide during pregnancy. Working exclusively with tightening essences is working against nature. This is the reason why many conventional products are not as effective as the Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil. What’s more, Weleda works with a special aromatherapeutic fragrance composition of pure essential oils. These oils and the fragrance combine to support women spiritually in the process of adapting themselves to the many changes brought by pregnancy.

Q. At what point during pregnancy should you start using it and stop using it for best results?

A. When taking a closer look at the effects of our oil and the physiology of stretch marks, it becomes clear that the oil should be used as soon as possible in order to provide structure to the sub-skin, as well as to deliver caring and nourishing oils to the epidermis (upper skin).Hormonal influences are responsible for the skin’s expansion and their effects last until 4 weeks after the mother has finished breastfeeding. I recommend using the Stretch Mark Massage Oil until then. Moms should apply the oil, massage into skin, and take a moment for themselves in the morning and night to care for their skin, their spiritual health and to bond with their baby.