Stretch marks
WHERE ARE STRETCH MARKS FOUND?
Stretch marks are most commonly found on the stomach, breasts, arms, buttocks, and thighs. In men, they are often found on the chest, arms, and sometimes the lower back. They affect more than 15% of men and more than 80% of women.
We are therefore more at risk during hormonal changes, such as:
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Certain diseases such as Cushing's syndrome
- Taking certain corticosteroid-type medications over a long period of time
- Long-term use of anabolic steroids by athletes and bodybuilders.
Stretch marks don't have a direct impact on your health. However, if they're accompanied by other symptoms, they may be associated with a health condition such as Cushing's syndrome or Cushing's disease. While these health conditions are rare, they can cause stretch marks. If you experience several associated symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor.
- Very thin skin, more fragile and prone to bruising.
- Muscle wasting and weakness.
- Weight gain with no apparent cause and facial swelling.
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 that causes an excess of cortisol in the adrenal glands. The hormone cortisol weakens the skin by breaking down the collagen and elastin fibers responsible for the quality and suppleness of the skin. This explains the appearance of many stretch marks in this disease.
- Genetics may also be a small factor since some people may naturally have fewer collagen and elastin fibers. Thin skin may be more at risk of developing stretch marks more easily than thicker skin.
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Weight fluctuations , such as rapid weight loss or gain and muscle mass gain, can affect the structure of the skin, causing the fibers to stretch or become distended.
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High-level athletes may be at greater risk of developing stretch marks since cortisol levels are higher during intense 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 it's important to remember that no product or treatment will completely remove our stretch marks since they remain a scar. Therefore, there is no miracle treatment or product, however, we can really prevent and reduce them! So, yes, it's worth taking care of our tiger stripes!
HOW TO PREVENT AND REDUCE YOUR STRETCH MARKS?
- The first step is to keep your skin well hydrated and also to hydrate well with water every day.
- It's very important to choose creams or serums that contain key active ingredients for the prevention and treatment of stretch marks, such as anti-stretch mark creams and serums. Take the time to read our labels and choose the right active ingredients, as a regular cream won't be enough.
- Daily exfoliation also contributes to a better appearance of the skin, it helps remove dead cells and thus better regenerate the skin. Exfoliation also allows serums and creams to be better absorbed afterwards.
- Creams containing retinoic acid, commonly known as retinol (vitamin A acid), available in various concentrations, can also help treat stretch marks. However, these are contraindicated for pregnant women, and sun exposure should be avoided afterward, as this ingredient is photosensitizing.
- Stretch mark care can also be complemented with certain medical-aesthetic treatments to reduce stretch marks and stimulate collagen in the affected areas. For example, treatments such as microneedling, microdermabrasion, peels, and laser treatments can be used to reduce them. There are various treatments available, so it's essential to have a consultation first to be guided toward a treatment best suited to you.
- It is recommended to avoid sun exposure while stretch marks are still red or recent. At this stage, they are more sensitive and can darken upon contact with UV rays, making their appearance more pronounced and difficult to treat later. If sun exposure is unavoidable, it is recommended to apply a high protection factor sunscreen to the affected area to minimize the risk of pigmentation and worsening of stretch marks.
WHEN SHOULD WE USE AN ANTI-STRETCH MARK CREAM?
During periods of our lives when we are at greater risk of developing them, such as puberty, rapid weight changes, bodybuilding, pregnancy, and certain hormonal diseases such as Cushing's disease.
Stretch marks are primarily caused by hormonal changes, including the natural rise in cortisol. This weakens the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which are essential for its structure and elasticity. When these fibers break due to the effects of cortisol, ridges appear on the skin's surface, forming stretch marks.
ISN'T A BODY MOISTURIZER AS EFFECTIVE AS AN ANTI-STRETCH MARK CREAM IN PREVENTING STRETCH MARKS?
While it's important to keep your skin well moisturized, it's not enough to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Stretch marks aren't the only result of a loss of elasticity; the mechanism is more complex and occurs deep within the skin matrix. It's therefore important to use a specific product that targets these cells while providing the comfort of a moisturizer.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES AN ANTI-STRETCH MARK SERUM OR CREAM DO TO PREVENT AND REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF STRETCH MARKS?
- Deep hydration: Well-hydrated skin is more elastic and more resistant to skin stretching.
- Skin Strengthening: They contain ingredients that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for skin firmness and elasticity.
- Reduced inflammation: When stretch marks are still red or purple, they are in their inflammatory phase. Stretch mark products contain active ingredients that help reduce this inflammation and fade the color of stretch marks.
HOW LONG SHOULD WE USE ANTI-STRETCH MARK PRODUCTS?
It is recommended to use your stretch mark cream daily for at least 3 to 6 months to see improvements. Consistency is key to achieving the best results, as stretch marks are a form of scarring and require time to fade. There is no maximum duration for using a stretch mark cream, as it helps maintain the skin's suppleness and elasticity. The duration of use of the stretch mark cream will mainly depend on the customer's satisfaction with the results achieved.
DURING PREGNANCY, WHEN SHOULD I START USING AN ANTI-STRETCH MARK CREAM?
It is generally recommended to start using an anti-stretch mark cream early in pregnancy, ideally in the first trimester. This helps prepare the skin for the gradual stretching that occurs as pregnancy progresses, reducing the risk of developing stretch marks. Regular application of the cream, especially to areas prone to stretching such as the stomach, breasts, hips, and thighs, helps maintain skin suppleness and minimize marks.
As pregnancy progresses, the risk of developing stretch marks increases due to natural hormonal changes that intensify with the growing fetus. While no one is completely immune to stretch marks, using the right anti-stretch mark products can reduce the risk of their appearance and promote better healing.
CAN WE REDUCE WHITE STRETCH MARKS?
Yes, it is possible to reduce the appearance of white stretch marks with cosmetic products, although these stretch marks are older and much more difficult to treat than newer stretch marks. Creams, serums, and oils containing ingredients like Centella asiatica, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can help improve skin texture, stimulate collagen and elastin production, and make stretch marks less noticeable. However, it's important to note that results vary, and white stretch marks usually don't disappear completely.