Scars carry so much meaning for people who have undergone big surgeries or accidents. For those of us impacted by breast cancer, a lot of negative emotions (like shame, grief, fear, trauma, pain and regret) can be connected to these visible symbols of what we’ve been through. With time, we may begin to see them more positively — as symbols of resilience, courage and the hard stuff we’ve overcome. But it takes a while to get there, and not all of us do.

Most often, we look to conceal our scars because frankly, we just don’t want the reminder or to be stared at or questioned by a curious onlooker while we’re wearing a bathing suit, certain clothing or, dare I say, in intimate moments. Perhaps these are irrational fears, but all it takes is one awkward interaction to send us spiraling.  This is survivorship.

When it comes to scar care, most surgeons advise their patients to apply silicone tape over the scar (after the stitches and steri-strip phase is over) and vitamin E for a period of time. Both of which do help, but can be messy, inconvenient and hard to comply with — especially if the scars are in an area where you need to wear compression garments.

Enter ESTAS Beauty (short for ‘Every Scar Tells A Story’), a premium scar-care line founded by two women who had undergone major (c-section and open heart) surgeries. After applying their scar serum several times per week on my arm (where I had a surgical procedure to treat lymphedema last year) for 6 weeks, I was simply amazed at how quickly they vanished! So I couldn’t wait to team up with them to bring these highly effective products to you on Stage.  

Read on for more information on the line and a Q&A with co-founders Cristina Beltran and Alejandra Thompson of ESTAS Beauty: 

Can you briefly describe your personal stories around scarring and how you two met?

C&A: We're actually related through marriage, but we became really close after we both had surgery. Alejandra had just gone through her first c-section, and I was recovering from an open-heart surgery I had a few years earlier. Sharing our experiences with healing and the feelings around our scars really brought us together. 

What gaps did you notice in the scar-care market that inspired you to start ESTAS Beauty?

C&A: It all began when I wanted to buy Alejandra a luxury scar cream as a gift to celebrate her becoming a new mom. I knew she felt self-conscious about her c-section scar, and I hoped a beautiful product could help her embrace it. To my surprise, I discovered that no such luxury product existed, and the scar treatments available were filled with messages that reinforced shame and negativity. That’s when I realized there was an opportunity to create something different. The next day, I called Alejandra and asked her to start ESTAS Beauty with me.

Describe your 3-part system and the role of each product?

C&A: The ESTAS Beauty 3-Step Routine is designed to care for scars with a thoughtful, luxurious approach that promotes both healing and self-love.

1. Morning Massage is a scar cleansing oil that encourages scar massage and doesn’t dry or strip the skin. Start your day by cleansing your scar, incorporating gentle massage to stimulate circulation and promote scar recovery. 
2. Daily Dose is a potent serum to help brighten and nourish new and old scars. It is made with a powerful antioxidant blend that helps to visibly reduce the appearance of scars. Apply the Daily Dose to your scar, letting its soothing and restorative properties work to even out skin tone and texture.
3. Sleep Salve is an overnight mask to help soften and moisturize new and old scars. It is formulated with ingredients known to visibly even skin tone, promote cell renewal, and reduce redness. As you rest, this rich salve locks in moisture and supports overnight recovery, ensuring your skin feels cared for while you sleep.

We love that your products are made with non-toxic, non-allergenic ingredients. What process did you go through to ensure the line was as effective as it is safe?

C&A: It was incredibly important to us that all our products be non-toxic and safe. Given our own experiences with health challenges, we understand how crucial it is to avoid certain ingredients, especially when caring for sensitive skin. When it came time to develop our products, we partnered with an award-winning wound care specialist who helped us develop formulas that were clean and gentle, without compromising on quality or efficacy. 

How are your products new and different from other scar-care solutions out there?

C&A: Our products are unique because we take a luxury skincare approach to scarcare, focusing not just on healing but also on helping people build positive relationships with their scars. Unlike other scarcare solutions that often promote shame or aim to "erase" scars, ESTAS Beauty celebrates scars as part of your story. We combine clean, effective ingredients with a luxurious experience, making scarcare a daily act of self-love rather than a chore. By treating scars with the same respect and attention as the rest of your skin, our products are redefining how scars are cared for in the beauty industry.

How soon after surgery, and for how long, should your products be used?

C&A: Our surgeon partners recommend beginning your ESTAS Beauty routine at least 6 weeks post-op. The key is ensuring your wound has fully healed into a true scar, meaning there should be no bleeding, oozing, or scabbing — only a fresh layer of pink skin. Since healing timelines vary from person to person, we always recommend consulting your surgeon if you're unsure.

With consistent use, you should start noticing improvements in your scar after about a month. Our products are designed to be used for life, so it's entirely up to you how long you wish to continue your scarcare routine. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on your personal preferences and skin’s needs.

We love that you’re making it your mission to change the social stigma around scars. What does it mean to you to bring your products to the breast cancer community?

C&A: Bringing our products to the breast cancer community is deeply meaningful to us. For so many women in this community, their scars are not just physical reminders of surgery but also symbols of survival, resilience, and strength. We understand the emotional and physical toll that breast cancer can take, and we’re committed to supporting the community by offering a self-care experience that honors her journey. Our mission goes beyond scarcare — it’s about changing the conversation around scars, especially for those who have endured so much. We want to help women feel empowered to embrace their scars as a part of their story, not something to be hidden. It’s our way of contributing to the healing process and helping women reclaim their confidence. We’re honored to be part of a community that values resilience and strength, and we hope our products can provide a bit of comfort and care. 

Any favorite items from Stage that you’d like to highlight?

C&A: Oh yes! There are so many incredible brands and products that we love! A few favorites include the tops from Portt and intimates from Meadow, plus the Sheer Screen from Supergoop! for daily sun protection — it’s perfect to layer over our Daily Dose.