Upper thighs, breasts, belly... the famous little welts are common and getting rid of them is far from easy. A stretch mark is a stripe that appears on the body during growth spurts, weight variations or hormonal changes. The marks start out purplish red and then turn white over time. In pregnant women, they are most frequently found on the stomach, breasts, hips and thighs. Stretch marks are not dangerous, of course, but with the right gestures and the right products, it is possible to limit their appearance or even reduce them.
What causes stretch marks?
It is important to know that stretch marks are very common, since nearly 80% of women are affected, and that during the first pregnancy, between 50 and 70% of women see stretch marks appear at the end of their pregnancy. Finally, there is a genetic predisposition to the appearance of stretch marks.
The stretch marks are generally linked to weight gain, weight loss or pregnancy. They are partly of hormonal origin. Also, they are generally thinner and more discreet than those revealing a disease and have no impact on health.
The stretch marks are generally of hormonal origin and can therefore appear at the time of puberty or pregnancy, which are times of intense hormonal changes.
During pregnancy, and particularly in the second trimester, the quantity of a hormone (cortisol) increases and causes the suppleness and elasticity of the skin to vary. The higher the level of cortisol, the less collagen is produced. As collagen is responsible, together with elastic fibres, for the suppleness of the skin, the latter becomes less elastic and if it is stretched by weight gain or pregnancy, stretch marks can form.
Similarly, rapid weight loss causes the skin to stretch, and after stretching, it leaves traces in the form of stretch marks when the weight is lost. Athletes are also often prone to stretch marks because of the high level of cortisol in their bodies. Finally, very thin skin is also more prone to stretch marks. Finally, the application of creams containing corticosteroids (or prolonged use of oral corticosteroids) can cause and promote the appearance of stretch marks.
How to reduce stretch marks?
Let's be honest: no treatment can completely remove a white stretch mark that has been there for a long time. However, when taken soon after they appear, i.e. in the inflammatory stage, they are easier to treat.
To reduce your stretch marks and possibly prevent new ones from appearing, moisturise your body every day with a anti-stretch mark cream to keep it supple, avoid cracks and restore the skin's radiance, like the Whipped Body Butter Indie Lee.
During and after pregnancy, opt for this powerful duo of a day cream and a night oil to fight stretch marks, Pomegranate & Pumpkin Seed Anti-Stretch Mark Systemfrom the brand Pai Skincare.
Also, let yourself be tempted by a massage that stimulates the production of collagen fibres in one of our institutes near you, or by regularly brushing yourself dry before showering (also excellent for promoting lymphatic drainage or reducing the sensation of heavy legs).
Discover our article on specific care for stretch marks to find out more!
