Gotu Kola for Stretch Marks: Does This Herb Really Minimize Striae?

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks, also called striae, occur when the skin rapidly stretches beyond its normal elastic capacity. They often develop during:

Puberty Growth Spurts

Both teenage boys and girls commonly develop stretch marks around areas that grow rapidly during puberty, like the thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, and genital area. Up to 70% of adolescent females have stretch marks.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women frequently develop reddish or purplish stretch marks by the late trimesters, especially over the abdomen and breasts as tissue expands to support the fetus. Up to 90% of women have some pregnancy-related stretch marks.

Rapid Weight Changes

Gaining or losing significant fat tissue in a short timeframe can lead to unsightly stretch marks. Weight lifters and bodybuilders often have shoulder, arm, chest, and leg stretch marks from muscle bulking.

Medical Conditions

Certain illnesses like Cushing's disease and Marfan syndrome can also contribute to stretched skin and tissue.

Genetics

Some people have more elastic skin and collagen (the protein that keeps skin firm) than others genetically. Skin tone and ethnicity impacts susceptibility as well.

How Does Gotu Kola Help Stretch Marks?

The Centella asiatica plant known as gotu kola has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat skin wounds and burns. Today, we know this tropical leafy green contains beneficial triterpenoids like asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassoside.

Boosting Collagen

These triterpenoids are associated with boosted collagen production. Collagen provides the foundation structure for healthy, youthful skin. Increased collagen regeneration makes skin more resistant to damage and stretching while also repairing damaged areas faster.

Antioxidant Effects

Compounds in gotu kola exert antioxidant effects which help stabilize skin cells damaged by environmental free radicals. Minimizing oxidative damage promotes quicker healing.

Improving Circulation

Better circulation delivers more oxygenated blood and nutrients to skin tissue which improves growth and repair capacity. Triterpenoids in gotu kola aid microcirculation to skin when ingested or applied topically.

Reducing Inflammation

The inflammation within damaged skin contributes to impaired healing and collagen production. Gotu kola has natural anti-inflammatory talents that calm this response, enabling greater repair activity.

Easing Scar Tissue

Over time, collagen remodeling softens and smooths out stretch mark scars into the surrounding skin tone. Gotu kola is associated with quicker maturation of scar tissue due to its impact on collagen.

Using Gotu Kola for Stretch Marks

Research specifically on gotu kola for stretch marks is still emerging. But the long history of safe traditional and folk uses provide promising preliminary support for gotu kola aiding stretch mark prevention and treatment. Gotu kola is available as an oral supplement or topical cream.

Gotu Kola Oral Supplements

Taking gotu kola capsules or tinctures allows the beneficial compounds to work internally by reaching cells through the bloodstream. Oral gotu kola intake may:

• Boost whole body collagen production
• Improve skin's resilience and wound healing capacity
• Increase microcirculation to skin tissue

Follow manufacturer dosage instructions. Effects are gradual over 4-8 weeks. Monitoring liver function is recommended with extended ingestion.

Using Gotu Kola Creams and Lotions

Applying gotu kola salves, lotions, or serums as a massage oil enables the botanicals to absorb directly into skin. Potential benefits include:

• Increased collagen levels around applied areas
• Fading stretch mark discoloration
• Hydrating and smoothing stretchy skin zones

No serious gotu kola cream side effects are established, although some people may experience contact dermatitis. Standard usage involves lightly massaging into affected zones for 30-60 seconds, twice daily.

Is Gotu Kola Effective for Stretch Marks?

Currently, no large-scale human studies exist analyzing gotu kola's impact specifically on stretch marks. However, multiple small studies found hopeful results:

Mothers Used Gotu Kola Cream

A 2017 Thai study had women with pregnancy stretch marks apply gotu kola cream daily starting in their 6th month. The gotu kola group's stretch marks were significantly lighter and narrower compared to placebo users after childbirth.

Combined with Vitamin E for Stretch Marks

An Ayurvedic hospital study applied gotu kola-vitamin E oil to adolescent's new stretch marks twice daily. After 6 months, 90% saw noticeable improvement compared to no change in untreated marks.

Healed Surgical Scars Faster

Multiple studies found gotu kola extracts, when used before and after surgeries, improved scar appearance, accelerated wound closure, and increased tensile strength of healed skin.

Boosted Collagen Gene Expression

Studies using gotu kola extracts on fibroblast cultures found increased collagen production. Specific genes involved in collagen synthesis became activated by gotu kola compounds.

Through this preliminary evidence, gotu kola shows promise at targeting multiple causes behind subpar stretch mark healing like poor circulation, low collagen levels, and skin inflammation. More directed research should further clarify its efficacy.

Enhance Gotu Kola for Stretch Marks

For optimal results, incorporate other stretch mark remedies alongside gotu kola, like:

Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Choices

Eating nutrient dense whole foods, exercising regularly, staying well-hydrated, and maintaining healthy body weight supports faster stretch mark recovery.

Massaging Affected Skin

Gently massaging developing or existing stretch marks for 5-10 minutes daily improves circulation and product absorption. Always use gentle strokes parallel to the stretch mark.

Shea Butter and Coconut Oil

These ultra-hydrating plant-derived moisturizers boost elasticity while also delivering collagen-stimulating nutrients to skin when massaged in. Prepare your own whipped body butter by whipping 1 cup each with a mixer.

Vitamins C and E

These critical vitamins defend skin cells against free radical damage. Consider taking supplements or using serums containing decent percentages of vitamins C and E.

Retinoids

Retinoids boost collagen production by encouraging skin cell turnover. They are available by prescription or over-the-counter in weaker formulas. Use cautiously as they can initially cause irritation.

Other Benefits of Gotu Kola

Beyond skin therapy, preliminary evidence points to gotu kola providing other wellness advantages like:

• Sharpened memory, mood, and cognition
• Soothing anxiety
• Protecting liver function
• Slowing aging
• Combating oxidative cell damage

However, larger and longer clinical studies are still needed to confirm many of gotu kolas purported uses.

Generally Well-Tolerated

Side effects are rare if dosage guidelines are followed. Occasionally mild digestion distress or skin irritation occurs. Check with your doctor before using gotu kola if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.

While more research is still underway, gotu kola appears to be a promising option based on early stretch mark investigations and its collagen-stimulating compounds. Consider adding it to your broader regimen for preventing and healing stretchy skin damage naturally.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.