March 20, 2025

Stretch Mark Creams: Do They Really Work?

by Tianna Mamalick in Pregnancy and Postpartum Care

Stretch marks tell a story—a journey of growth, change, and strength. For many, including me, they’re a part of pregnancy and postpartum life.

As a mom of two beautiful children, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that body changes can have on our skin. It’s why I’ve made it my mission to create products that truly support skin health, using natural ingredients that work for everybody.

But when it comes to stretch marks, many of us wonder: do creams and oils actually work?

Let’s dive into the truth behind stretch mark creams, the natural ingredients to look for, and how they can help you care for your skin.

What Are Stretch Marks, and Why Do They Happen?

Stretch marks, or striae, appear when the skin stretches rapidly due to growth, weight changes, or pregnancy.

This stretching causes the collagen and elastin in the skin to tear, leading to those familiar streaks. While they can fade over time, keeping the skin hydrated and supporting its elasticity can help minimize their appearance.

Do Stretch Mark Creams Really Work?

The effectiveness of stretch mark creams depends on the ingredients they contain and how consistently you use them. While no cream can erase or prevent stretch marks completely, the right formula can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and texture, reducing the appearance of stretch marks over time.

From my experience with Original Co., I’ve found that the key to effective stretch mark care lies in using natural, nourishing ingredients that support the skin’s ability to heal and regenerate.

What Are the Most Effective Ingredients in Treating Stretch Marks?

When evaluating stretch mark creams, it's clear that not all ingredients are created equal.

According to dermatological research, the most effective creams typically contain retinoids or vitamin A derivatives. These ingredients work by stimulating collagen production, which helps improve the elasticity and texture of the skin. Retinoid-based creams like tretinoin are particularly effective for newer stretch marks (striae rubra) as they encourage the regeneration of skin cells. However, they are not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing due to potential side effects.

Another standout ingredient is silicone, which forms a protective barrier over the skin, helping to retain moisture and reduce the visibility of stretch marks. Unlike retinoids, silicone is gentle on sensitive skin and can be safely used by most individuals, including those who are pregnant.

Using Natural Ingredients

Natural oils, such as argan oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil, are also widely recommended for their ability to hydrate the skin and provide relief from itching, a common symptom of newly formed stretch marks. While these may not erase stretch marks, they help improve the skin's overall texture and appearance, especially when used consistently.

Natural Ingredients to Look For

1. Shea Butter

Shea butter is a powerhouse for hydration and elasticity. Its rich emollient properties deeply moisturize and soften the skin, making it ideal for stretch mark care. At Original Co., our body butter for stretch marks combines shea butter with other natural ingredients to deliver intense hydration and improve skin texture.

2. Almond Oil

This lightweight oil is packed with vitamins and fatty acids that help soothe and protect the skin. Almond oil is known to improve skin elasticity, making it a go-to for minimizing stretch marks. Try our Everyday Body Oil for a luxurious, non-greasy way to keep your skin hydrated and supple.

3. Vitamin E

A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E helps repair damaged skin and improve its elasticity. It’s a staple in many of our products, including our body butter and body oil, to ensure your skin gets the care it deserves.

4. Squalane

Squalane mimics your skin’s natural oils, enhancing moisture retention and improving elasticity. It’s perfect for delicate, sensitive skin, making it a star ingredient in our everyday products good for your stretch mark care.

My Pregnancy and Postpartum Skincare Journey

When I was pregnant with my first daughter, Charlie, I struggled to find skincare products that felt safe and effective. Most options on the market were filled with synthetic fragrances and chemicals I didn’t want anywhere near my skin—or hers. That’s when I decided to create a line of products that were not only safe for my growing belly but also worked to nourish and heal the skin naturally.

During my pregnancies, I relied heavily on our Everyday Body Butter to keep my skin moisturized and elastic, especially around my belly, hips, and thighs. Postpartum, our Everyday Body Oil became my favorite for massaging dry patches and scars, helping my skin feel soft and cared for.

How to Use Stretch Mark Creams and Oils

Consistency is key when it comes to stretch mark care. Here’s how you can incorporate them into your routine:

Apply Daily: Use body butter or oil on areas prone to stretch marks, like the belly, hips, and thighs, twice a day.
Massage Gently: Massaging in circular motions helps improve blood flow and enhances the absorption of active ingredients.
Pair Products: Combine a rich body butter for intense hydration with a lightweight body oil for added nourishment.

Building a Routine That Works

Stretch mark creams are just one piece of the puzzle. Pair them with gentle, natural body washes like our Lavender + Ylang Ylang Everyday Body Wash, which soothes and hydrates without stripping your skin. By creating a complete routine that cleanses, nourishes, and protects, you’ll give your skin the care it needs to thrive.

Why Natural Products Matter

Our commitment to natural, cruelty-free ingredients ensures you’re giving your skin the best care possible. From the body butter that kept my skin soft during pregnancy to the body oil that helped me heal postpartum, our products are designed with your journey in mind.

Choosing natural products isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it’s about supporting a brand that values inclusivity, sustainability, and family.

The Verdict

So, do stretch mark creams really work? The answer lies in using the right ingredients and staying consistent with your routine. While they won’t erase stretch marks, they can significantly improve your skin’s hydration, texture, and elasticity, making those marks a little less visible and a lot more manageable.

For me, stretch marks are a reminder of the strength and beauty of motherhood—a badge of honor that tells my story. With the right care, you can embrace yours too.

January 2, 2025

Natural Shampoo for Babies: Why You Should Make the Switch

You're here to read about baby shampoo but I want to take you back to the beginning. It all began with my daughter. Born with a limb difference, she showed me what it truly means to embrace uniqueness. I’d like you to meet Charlie—I promise, her story is one you’ll want to hear. Charlie’s strength, sass, and individuality inspired me to rethink not just how I parent but how I am contributing to the world. Her resilience made me realize the importance of creating a life—and a brand—that celebrates diversity. That empowers people to feel comfortable in their own skin. At the time, I was entrenched in a corporate banking career, navigating long hours and a rigid routine. But when Charlie came into our lives, everything changed. I wanted to build something meaningful, something that would reflect the values I hoped to in-still in her: kindness, inclusivity, and the power of embracing your authentic self. That’s when I made the leap from corporate life to full-time entrepreneurship and motherhood. The journey wasn’t just about skincare; it was about building a mission beyond my family. After I had Charlie I started focusing on what was in her products. Let me take you down the rabbit hole of big box baby skincare. The Importance of Natural Shampoo for Babies Babies have delicate skin that can often react to their new environment. Their delicate skin and hair need gentle, nourishing products free from harsh chemicals. That’s why natural shampoo is such an essential choice. After reading the back of labels I realized the types of products going into big box skincare: Common moisturizers like petrolatum and mineral oil are petroleum-derived and used for hydration. Cleansing agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are harsh surfactants that can strip natural oils. Many products also contain synthetic fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin, and phthalates, chemicals sometimes linked to hormone disruption. Preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents are widely used to prevent bacterial growth but raise concerns for sensitive or delicate baby skin. Your babies’ scalp is incredibly sensitive, and traditional shampoos often contain synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and parabens—ingredients that can strip away natural oils, cause irritation, and disrupt the skin’s balance. A natural shampoo provides a safer alternative. I knew there had to be a better way. Benefits of Natural Shampoo for Babies Switching to a natural shampoo made me feel better about what I was putting on Charlie's skin and helped improve her skins texture. Let's talk about those benefits. Benefits of a natural shampoo for your baby include: 1. Gentle on Delicate Skin Natural shampoo is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic additives, making it perfect for your baby’s sensitive scalp. 2. Free from Harmful Chemicals Unlike conventional shampoos, natural options avoid sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances that can irritate the skin and disrupt the natural balance of your baby’s scalp. 3. Promotes Healthy Hair Growth Plant-based ingredients in natural shampoos nourish the scalp, creating an optimal environment for healthy hair growth. 4. Environmentally Friendly By choosing natural shampoo, you’re also making an eco-conscious decision. These products use biodegradable ingredients, reducing their impact on the environment. Why Natural Shampoo Works for Everyone Natural shampoo isn’t just for babies—it’s a versatile option that benefits the entire family. Its gentle formula cleanses without stripping away natural oils, making it ideal for sensitive scalps and anyone seeking a healthier alternative to traditional shampoos. With every wash, it leaves hair soft, hydrated, and free from harsh chemicals, making it a simple yet effective choice for all ages. Making the Switch to Natural Shampoo If you’ve been thinking about switching to natural shampoo, there’s no better time to start. Here are a few tips to make the transition seamless: Be Patient: It may take a few washes for your baby’s scalp to adjust to the gentle cleansing of natural shampoo. Incorporate It into Your Routine: Use it during bath time as part of a calming ritual for you and your baby. Pair It with Gentle Skincare: Complement the shampoo with natural body washes and lotions for a complete care routine. Building a Better Tomorrow The Original Co. isn’t just about providing skincare; it’s about creating a movement. By choosing products like our natural shampoo, you’re supporting a brand that values inclusivity, sustainability, and compassion. Together, we can build a better world—one that celebrates individuality and prioritizes kindness. We also focused on keeping all packaging inclusive to ensure every body feels comfortable and confident using our products. Inclusive Packaging Our packaging is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive and easy for everyone to use. For example, our pump-style lotions and washes eliminate the need to pick up the bottle, offering convenience and stability. The wider-style bottles provide extra steadiness, and the pumps are easy to operate, even for those with an upper limb difference. The body butter packaging was chosen with accessibility in mind—you can easily hold the container in one arm while twisting off the lid with the other, requiring just one hand to use. Supporting The War Amps For Charlie, for your family, and for everyone, let’s embrace a future that’s as natural as it is beautiful. The Original Co. is a proud supporter of the War Amps which is committed to improving the quality of life for all Canadian amputees and those with limb differences. 2% of each sale is donated to the War Amps to support their efforts.

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June 26, 2024

Natural Body Butter: A Must-Have for Pregnant Moms | Original Co.

If you're pregnant, congratulations! It's a beautiful journey marked by numerous changes in a woman’s body. As the body adapts to accommodate new life, it requires special care and nourishment. One of the essential products every expecting mother should consider is natural body butter. Unlike regular lotions, our natural Everyday Body Butter offers intensive hydration and nurturing benefits that are particularly beneficial during pregnancy. Why Choose Our Natural Everyday Body Butter? Intense Hydration: The hormonal changes during pregnancy can often lead to dry, itchy skin. Our Everyday Body Butter, enriched with deeply moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and essential oils, provides long-lasting hydration without the use of harsh chemicals. Nourishing Ingredients: Shea butter, a key component of Original Co's. natural body butter, is renowned for its rich concentration of vitamins and fatty acids. These nutrients help in maintaining skin elasticity, reducing stretch marks, and promoting overall skin health. Safe and Chemical-Free: Pregnant women are often advised to avoid synthetic chemicals that may potentially harm the baby. Our natural body butter is free from harmful additives such as parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances, making it a safe choice for both mother and baby. Prevention of Stretch Marks: While stretch marks are a natural part of pregnancy for many women, regular application of natural body butter can help in minimizing their appearance by keeping the skin supple and elastic. Choosing the Right Natural Body Butter Not all body butters are created equal. When selecting a natural body butter during pregnancy, consider the following factors: Ingredients: Look for products containing shea butter, almond oil, or coconut oil. These ingredients are known for their moisturizing and nourishing properties. Texture: A creamy, smooth texture is ideal as it ensures easy application and absorption into the skin. How to Use Our Natural Everyday Body Butter To maximize the benefits of natural body butter during pregnancy, follow these application tips: Apply Generously: Massage the body butter onto slightly damp skin immediately after showering to lock in moisture. Focus on Problem Areas: Pay special attention to areas prone to stretching such as the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs. Use Regularly: Consistency is key. Aim to apply our everyday body butter at least twice daily to maintain skin hydration and elasticity. Incorporating our Everyday Body Butter into your daily skincare routine is a simple yet effective way to pamper yourself during this special time. Your skin deserves the best, especially when it’s working hard to accommodate new life. Treat yourself to the luxurious benefits of our natural Everyday Body Butter and let your skin glow with health and vitality.

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