Stretch marks

WHAT ARE STRETCH MARKS?

Stretch marks are long scars that appear following the tearing of the collagen and elastin fibers responsible for the suppleness of the skin. These collagen and elastin fibers are found in the dermis of the skin.

WHERE ARE STRETCH MARKS FOUND?
Stretch marks are most often located on the stomach, breasts, arms, buttocks and thighs. In men, they are often found on the pectorals, arms and sometimes the lower back. They affect more than 15% of men and more than 80% of women.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF STRETCH MARKS?
The main cause of the appearance of stretch marks is hormonal influence! which affect women and sometimes men at certain periods of their lives. During these significant hormonal changes, the body naturally secretes more cortisol (stress hormone) and it is this hormone that lowers collagen production and breaks down collagen and elastin fibers, causing a decrease in elasticity. of the skin and therefore, the appearance of stretch marks.
We are therefore more at risk during hormonal changes such as during…
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Certain diseases such as Cushing's syndrome or Cushing's disease.
- Taking certain corticosteroid-type medications over a long period of time
- Taking anabolic steroids by athletes and bodybuilders with the aim of increasing muscle mass can also be the cause of stretch marks.

Stretch marks have no impact on your health, but if they are accompanied by other signs they may be associated with a health problem such as Cushing's syndrome or Cushing's disease. This health problem is rare and causes stretch marks, if you have several associated signs it would be important to consult your doctor.

Associated signs:
-very thin skin, more fragile and prone to bruising.
-Muscle wasting and weakness.
-Weight gain without apparent cause and swelling in the face.

WHAT IS CUSHING’S DISEASE AND WHY DOES IT CAUSE STRETCH MARKS?
Cushing's syndrome or Cushing's disease is caused by an excess of the hormone cortisol; the stress hormone normally produced in normal amounts by the adrenal glands. In Cushing's disease there is abnormal functioning of the adrenal glands or a tumor located in the pituitary gland of the brain which causes an excess of cortisol in the adrenal glands. The cortisol hormone weakens the skin by breaking down the collagen and elastin fibers responsible for skin quality and suppleness. Which explains the appearance of numerous stretch marks during this disease.

- Genetics may also be a small factor since some people may naturally have fewer collagen and elastin fibers. Thin skin may be at greater risk of developing stretch marks more easily than thick skin.
-Weight variations, such as rapid weight loss or gain and gain of muscle mass can affect the structure of the skin and thus cause the fibers to stretch or distend.
- Very high-level athletes may be at greater risk of developing stretch marks since cortisol levels are higher during physical activity. In conclusion, stretch marks are mainly caused by hormonal imbalances since this causes cellular disruption linked to strong hormonal variations.

GOOD NEWS!

There are ways to prevent and reduce our stretch marks!
To prevent or reduce stretch marks, there are several possible treatments but you must remember that no product or treatment will completely remove our stretch marks since they remain a scar. There is therefore no treatment or miracle product, however we can really prevent and reduce them! So, yes it is worth taking care of our tigress stripes!

HOW TO PREVENT AND REDUCE YOUR STRETCH MARKS?
1 -The first step to take is to keep your skin well hydrated and also hydrate well with water every day.
2 -It is very important to choose creams or serums containing key active ingredients for the prevention and treatment of stretch marks such as anti-stretch mark creams and serums. We must take the time to look at our labels and choose the right active ingredients because a regular cream will not be sufficient.
3 - Daily exfoliation also contributes to a better appearance of the skin, it removes dead cells and thus better regenerates the skin. Exfoliation also allows serums and creams to be better absorbed afterwards.
4 - Creams based on retinoic acid commonly called retinol (vitamin A acid) available
at different concentrations can also help treat stretch marks. However, this is contraindicated for pregnant women and exposure to the sun should be avoided. following.
5 -We can also complement the care of our stretch marks with certain medical aesthetic treatments to reduce stretch marks and stimulate collagen in the areas concerned. For example, it is possible to do certain treatments such as microneedling, micro-dermabrasion, peels and laser treatments to reduce them. There are various treatments so it is essential to first have a consultation to be guided towards a treatment best suited to us.

WHAT IS AN ACTIVE INGREDIENT?
An active principle (active ingredient) in cosmetics is an essential component of the product, because it is what will provide its effectiveness. This is why it is called active ingredient because it is what does the work. Generally speaking, cosmetic active ingredients represent a small part of the formula and they are the most expensive in a cream!

WHY CAN ASSETS CHANGE FROM ONE PRODUCT TO ANOTHER?
Each active ingredient has specific properties. This is why, depending on the results we want, the assets are different. Thus, the active ingredients in an anti-stretch mark cream are not the same as those in a slimming cream. Each asset addresses a different problem.