What happens during a Stretching

When a stretch occurs, microscopic tears open in the collagen layer evenly around the circumference of the hole.  The cells are separated by pressure and, over time, these spaces fill with the new cells.  this is turn creates a larger circumference.

It takes a minimum of six weeks for the collagen layer to heal.  If the tear becomes uneven or too deep (below the collagen layer), it can develop hypertrophic scar tissue.  This results in irritated tissue that may take longer to heal and complicate further stretching. 

Caring for a Stretching  

While stretching should not make a visible break in the tissue, it does make tiny breaks on the cellular level.  These breaks need to be restored much like the tissue in a piercing.  We recommend daily cleaning as with a new facial piercing, and also the use of conditioning oils, such as tea tree, grapeseed, coconut and organic olive oil.  these oils can be used to simultaneously condition some of the organic or natural jewelry that our customers wear in the stretched piercings (i.e., bone, horn and wood). 

All aftercare products recommended below are now available at Checkered Past.

Satin Soap is an anti-microbial cleanser designed to clean, re-moisturize and eliminate skin scaling and bacteria.  We recommend that it is used twice daily, worked through the piercing via the jewelry and thoroughly rinsed out.  Cleansing with Satin soap should be the last thing done in the shower or bath to clean away any residue from any other products like shampoo or body wash.

Sea Salt solution a great product for reducing scar tissue and irritation while healing.  This can make a dramatic difference in how effectively and comfortably a piercing heals.  Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to 1 cup (8 oz.) of water.  Distilled water is optimal, and only non-iodized sea salt should be used.  This solution should be rinsed over and through any piercing or applied with a saturated cotton ball or swab.  Mixing this solution too strong can burn the skin, only 1/4 teaspoon should be used.  Can be done 2-4 times a day.

Massage tissue daily promote good circulation and oxygenation to the stretched tissue.  This will promote a good healthy collagen layer and better future stretchings.

The following oils can be used in conjunction with massage to help recondition the tissue.  It is recommended that customers find which oil(s) are compatible with their skin, as some oils may be too harsh for certain skin types.  These oils can be used 1-2 drops at a time.  External use only.

            Tea Tree Oil, Certified Organic
            Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Certified Organic
            Jojoba Oil, Certified Organic
            Coconut Oil, Certified Organic

After cleaning and massaging the area, make sure to realign the piercing channel.  This will help to guard against blowouts and an uneven hole.

After a stretching, you should wait at least 6-8 weeks before stretching further.  This is the minimum time required to build up a new layer of collagen and allow it to begin regenerating and strengthening for another stretch.  A period of 2-3 months is better, but a minimum of 6-8 weeks should be met.