When the tissues of the skin are abruptly stretched, and the collagen and elastin fibres tear in the deep layers of the skin, stretch marks form. They primarily affect women, but men are not exempt. These micro-tears can appear during significant weight loss or gain, during adolescence, or during pregnancy. To reduce or prevent these skin depressions, it is advisable to choose a suitable skincare treatment. Focus.
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Guide: How to choose the right stretch mark treatment?
Summary
Published June 23, 2021,
updated on February 23, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
5 min read
How to recognise stretch marks?
Stretch marks can be caused by various factors such as weight gain or hormonal changes, but are most commonly associated with pregnancy. They can be identified based on the following:
Their shape: They manifest as lines similar to striations or marbling;
Their size: They have a length ranging from 1.5 cm to several centimetres and a width of 1 mm to 1 cm;
Upon their emergence, they are taut and smooth, later adopting a wrinkled appearance;
Their colour: At the time of their formation, they can take on a pink, red or purplish hue and eventually fade to white over time;
Their number: They often appear in groups of parallel lines and with a symmetrical arrangement;
Their location: The areas typically affected are the buttocks, hips, abdomen, arms, breasts, and thighs;
Their duration: Stretch marks fade and lighten over time but do not completely disappear.
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What are the criteria for a good stretch mark treatment?
When stretch marks transition from a purplish hue to white, they can no longer completely disappear. The best solution then is to apply a specific treatment to prevent their occurrence or slightly fade their appearance. This aims to repair the tissues and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibres. However, today, there are a number of products available in the form of gels, oils, or creams. But which one should you choose? Here are a few aspects to consider when selecting your stretch mark treatment:
Opt for an anhydrous (water-free) treatment, such as an oil. The latter is generally cleaner, more concentrated, and more active than a cream. Indeed, in the form of a cream, water is present in very high quantities (over 80%). In this case, the product does not prevent dehydration as effectively as an oil. Furthermore, these treatments do not require texturising ingredients;
Use formulations that are fragrance-free, preservative-free and based on natural vegetable oils with softening, nourishing, regenerating and revitalising properties, particularly those rich in essential fatty acids (baobab oil, sweet almond, plum, etc...). These active ingredients reduce the risk of stretch marks appearing and maintain skin elasticity;
Avoid products containing toxic or allergenic substances such as essential oils. These ingredients should be particularly avoided during pregnancy, as they can cross the placental barrier and prove dangerous for the baby.
Our stretch mark gel-to-oil with baobab oil (INCI name: "Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil") meets all these criteria. It helps to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Furthermore, it provides elasticity and suppleness to the skin. This treatment is enriched with healing baobab oil, nourishing sweet almond oil (INCI name: "Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil"), regenerating maracuja oil (INCI name: "Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil"), plum oil for its emollient and softening virtues (INCI name: "Prunus Domestica Seed Extract"), aloe vera juice for its anti-inflammatory properties (INCI name: "Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice") and shea olein (INCI name: "Butyrospermum Parkii Oil"), which is both nourishing and protective.
Furthermore, this gel-to-oil combines two different textures for an easy and pleasant daily use. Under the effect of massage, the gel gently transforms into oil for facilitated massage and quicker deep penetration of the active ingredients. Thestretch mark oil then leaves the skin soft, supple and nourished, without any greasy or sticky finish.
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