Is it possible to eliminate stretch marks?

Stretch marks are micro-lesions, visible on the skin's surface, very common and comparable to scars that affect many people, both women and men, although they are more frequent in women. Stretch marks are located on certain parts of the body such as the thighs, abdomen, buttocks, hips and chest, the lower back, upper arms and the inner side of the knees. They appear on the skin as elongated lines or streaks, often purplish at first, then pink and finally pearly white.

The depth and colour indicate the stage of stretch mark evolution. Indeed, we can distinguish two phases:

• The acute/inflammatory phase which is characterised by red-violet lesions with a somewhat raised appearance at the time of their formation, due to the dilation of blood vessels, and which can be, in some cases, symptomatic either painful or irritating.

• The chronic/scarring phase is characterised by hypopigmented (white) streaks and is asymptomatic.

Stretch marks form when the skin is subjected to an extension beyond its elasticity limits and the deep collagen fibres tear. Several triggering factors have been identified:

• Stretch marks can particularly be associated with high levels of cortisol in the blood, the stress hormone, which is the case in certain diseases such as Cushing's syndrome or during treatments based on cortisol. In large quantities, this hormone impacts the production of collagen, responsible for the skin's flexibility. When the skin loses its elasticity, it cracks when stretched.

• Pregnancy and growth spurts in teenagers are also high-risk periods. These periods are associated with a significant hormonal influence, which will cause a weakening of collagen and elastin fibres, hence this rupture of these fibres that leads to these skin depressions.

• A rapid and significant weight gain or loss can also cause the skin to stretch.

• Thelong-term systemic or topical use of steroids in athletes can promote the occurrence of stretch marks. Their purpose is to rapidly increase muscle mass.

There are no miracle treatments. Indeed, it is difficult, if not impossible, to completely erase stretch marks, especially when they are deeply ingrained. However, when they are only at the inflammatory/acute stage, surface treatments can be undertaken which allow for skin abrasion. Most treatments to combat stretch marks are quite drastic. This includes microdermabrasion, radiofrequency, medicinal prescriptions or laser. All these treatments aim to stimulate the action of fibroblasts, cells involved in the production of collagen and elastin in the dermis, and to activate the healing process. These treatments greatly improve the appearance of stretch marks, making them smoother and less deep, without completely erasing them. Therefore, prevention is the best way to avoid the embedding of stretch marks on the body.

However, it is possible to reduce their appearance by massaging, for example twice a day, with a stretch mark care product on the areas where they are located. Our stretch mark gel-to-oil contains active substances such as baobab oil INCI name: "Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil"), native aloe vera juice (INCI name: "Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice"), Maracuja olein oil concentrate (INCI name: "Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil") or even shea olein (INCI name: "Butyrospermum Parkii Oil"), which stimulate the activity of fibroblasts, cells that ensure the flexibility of the dermis. They also have anti-inflammatory, emollient and moisturising actions. In addition, the stretch mark care leaves the skin soft, nourished, without leaving a greasy and sticky finish, and is suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• GOLDMAN A. & al. Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae). Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery (2017).

• PATEL B. C. & et al. Stretch marks (2022).