Shea butter for preventing and reducing stretch marks.

Stretch marks are skin lesions that share similarities with scars. They are the result of tearing in the deep dermis, that is, the skin tissues located between the epidermis and the hypodermis. Generally, stretch marks become visible during adolescence and pregnancy, either during sudden growth spurts or due to hormonal upheaval. They can also appear when the affected part of the body increases in size.

The stretching of the skin creates a disruption in the skin's structure, which breaks the collagen fibres. Collagen is a protein naturally present in the dermis and contributes to its structure.

Stretch marks appear as streaks, elongated scars, or linear depressions that align with the direction of skin tension. They are progressive. Indeed, the first phase, or the inflammatory phase, is characterised by a reddish-purple appearance. This is due to the dilation of blood vessels and the skin may be painful. During the second phase, or the scarring phase, the stretch marks lighten until they take on a pearly white colour. No treatment can act on this type of stretch marks, they are permanent.

They are generally located under the breasts, on the thighs, on the hips or in the abdominal area. In others, they may appear in the lower back, on the inner side of the knees and/or at the root of the arms. Moreover, there are also forms of stretch marks related to health issues, notably an excess of corticosteroids, which are accompanied by other signs.

During pregnancy or in the context of weight loss, the use of shea butter can prove beneficial in preventing the onset of stretch marks. This vegetable butter possesses hydrating and nourishing properties for the skin. Thanks to its high lipid content, it penetrates the skin barrier to deeply nourish the epidermal cells. Shea butter also contains resinous esters that soften the skin and prevent the loss of elastin.

The triterpenes found in this oil contribute to cellular renewal and the protection of collagen to prevent it from breaking down. They inactivate proteases such as collagenase, a metalloprotease, and elastase, a serine protease. Shea butter aids in cellular renewal and helps to make collagen fibres more resilient.

Thus, to anticipate the appearance of stretch marks, it is recommended to use shea butter by massaging the affected area. The massage will stimulate microcirculations in the dermis as well as the production of collagen and elastin.