White wavy lines texture on a surface

White stretch marks (asymptomatic stretch marks)

Definition: Chronic stage skin striations (striae albae) which are characterised by hypopigmented (white) and asymptomatic marks. They are most commonly visible on the stomach, buttocks, thighs, breasts, hips, and upper arms.
Internal and external causes: The stretching or even breaking of the elastic fibres that make up the dermis during a growth spurt in adolescence, during pregnancy, after significant weight loss or in the case of rapid and significant weight gain (obesity), long-term systemic or topical use of steroids, diabetes, Marfan syndrome (a rare genetic disease), and Cushing's syndrome (high levels of cortisol).
How to reduce or eliminate: It is not possible to completely eliminate white stretch marks.
Preventative steps to take: During high-risk periods such as pregnancy, massage yourself daily for 15 minutes with a moisturising product containing hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, or bitter almond oil on the affected areas to maintain skin elasticity.

Related articles: Vergetures blanches (vergetures asymptomatiques).