Commonly associated with pregnancy, stretchmarks appear whenever the body experience a rapid growth. Into the dermis, collagen fibres are altered associated with a loss of orientation and the elastic network is disrupted leading to a fibrotic organisation. This results to epidermal tearing which produce skin lesions. Centella asiatica is one of the most well-known medicinal plants rich in triterpenic actives molecules and traditionally used to treat wounds and help skin repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate Centella asiatica extract as a natural way to solve stretchmarks concern. A complete biological evaluation has started with in vitro tests on fibroblasts. We have evaluated their proliferation based on scratch assay model and their genes expression by RT-qPCR. At the ex vivo level, on stretch marked skin explants, elastin fibres were quantified by immunofluorescence. Collagen fibre’s orientation and their occupation of the dermis were analysed after Sirius red staining and specific software analysis. Finally, a clinical study on 54 women was carried out during 28 days. Thus, we have proven that Centella asiatica at 10µg/mL has stimulated fibroblasts proliferation. Regarding the genetic expression, Centella asiatica at 10µg/mL significantly reduced extracellular matrix degradation (-149% of MMP1 and -50% of MMP7) and fibrosis (-128% of CTGF and -58% of PTK2). On skin explant, Centella asiatica at 0.5% increased the occupation of collagen fibres by 49% and elastin production by 37%. At the clinical level, Centella asiatica at 0.5% significantly increased epidermal thickness by 39% in the centre of stretchmark, skin elasticity and vascularisation was improved by 62% and 162% respectively. The self-assessed appearance was ameliorated by 42%. Based on the mechanisms behind the formation of stretchmarks, Centella asiatica restores dermis network by optimising fibres organisation for a visible skin remodelling effect.

ESDR608 - The historical efficacy of Centella asiatica on stretchmarks demonstrated

The scientific meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) is held yearly, usually in September. With an international attendance of more than 1000 skin scientists from around the globe, the four-day event includes short oral presentations from peer-reviewed abstracts, keynote lectures from international experts, sponsored symposia, satellite programs, educational events as well as an important focus on posters, networking and building collaborations amongst scientists. For more information about this year’s meeting visit our website.