Stretch marks are formed when the skin is stretched too much or too hard, as well as in cases of hormonal disruption. A too sudden gain or loss of weight, puberty, pregnancy or menopause are all events where they can appear. Although this is a normal phenomenon, it is possible to prevent them and reduce them if they bother you too much. Discover all our tips!
Stretch marks are lesions of the skin – kinds of tears in the fibers – that appear as streaks. When they appear, they can be pink or purple. Over time, once healing is complete, they turn white and cannot be reduced. "The stretch mark appears in the dermis. It is a tissue containing fibers, proteins essential for maintaining the skin. First of all, there is elastin, which contributes to its flexibility, and collagen, which gives it its firmness. Stretched skin is an epidermis where the elastin network breaks and is replaced by a reconstituted network of fibers, but of poor quality and disorganized. This is called a scar. That's why we have a streak ", explains Marie Pascale Ballet, founder of the brand OMUM.
Stretch marks appear when the skin is suddenly stretched, particularly related to hormonal factors such as puberty. They can also appear during pregnancy, menopause or following rapid weight gain or loss.. "Between 50% and 90% of pregnant women are subject to the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks under the influence of stretching of the skin, weight gain and the secretion of cortisol, a hormone that is secret under the influence of stress or pregnancy ", specifies Marie-Pascale Ballet, adding that stretch marks can appear up to 4 months after pregnancy. Regardless of the time in life when it occurs, this phenomenon always occurs when the skin is much less elastic and firm, because it is weakened by a hormonal imbalance. It thus tends to sag on itself and this is what will contribute to forming a stretch mark.
How to prevent stretch marks?
The first thing to know is that not all women are equal when it comes to the appearance of stretch marks. Depending on the genetic makeup of each, some will be more prone to the appearance of stretch marks. The good news ? This is a completely normal phenomenon and you don't have to be ashamed of it. Moreover, many are the women who now proudly display them on social networks and consider them as "witnesses of their existence", the memory of the moment when they carried life.
If, however, they bother you too much, know that it is possible to limit their appearance with good reflexes to adopt, and to reduce them very clearly thanks to various methods, as long as they are still red.
Before thinking about creams and anti-stretch mark treatments, it all starts with a healthy and balanced diet. In particular, it is important to eat foods that are good for our skin, those rich in lipids, that is to say in fatty acids and omega-3 and 6. These are what constitute the cement of the skin, they allow to keep its solidity. and its elasticity. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that protects the skin, while vitamin A helps regulate keratin which keeps the skin from feeling dry and rough.
Hydration is also an essential element for strengthening skin cells. It is therefore essential to drink plenty of water, herbal tea or tea, which will also help to relax the body.
Sport is also a good way to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Physical activity helps stimulate blood circulation and thus improves the elasticity of the skin. If pregnant women will prefer gentle sports such as walking, swimming or yoga, for others, everything is good to move and activate circulation.
In addition to a healthy lifestyle, skin care is essential. The first step is to regularly exfoliate the epidermis, to eliminate dead skin., in order to promote its respiration and regeneration. It is also ideal for activating the microcirculation which will promote the penetration of the cream.
We choose a cream designed to prevent the appearance of stretch marks and we apply it on the stomach, breasts, buttocks, thighs or even on the calves. "To increase the effectiveness of the treatments, and thus maximize their benefits, an exfoliation is recommended, with a gentle product. The skin is thus freed of its dead cells. Choose exfoliating treatments over shower gels, the latter will begin to nourish the skin, such as our Grains de Beauté exfoliating treatment, containing organic grape seed oil, with nourishing, softening and regenerating properties. Also, applying the treatments with a massage for a few minutes accentuates their benefits and nourishes the skin deeply. ", in turn advises Claire Laborde, cosmetologist and creator of A la Claire Fontaine Cosmetics.
We do not neglect the sunscreen either. Protecting yourself from the sun is an important step in combating stretch marks, because at high doses and without protection, the sun weakens the tone of the skin. In addition, stretch marks that have already formed will be more visible after exposure without sunscreen because they will be more colorful.
When the stretch marks are recent, therefore colored pink / red, they are in the process of healing. It is possible to decrease their appearance. We then apply a special treatment containing active ingredients that will boost the creation of collagen and elastin. We don't forget that the key is consistency, so we apply it daily, even ideally morning and evening! On the other hand, "A white stretch mark is a healed stretch mark, it does not disappear despite the application of cream. The only solutions are surgery or laser to reduce them or make them disappear", emphasizes Marie-Pascale Ballet.
The laser, the method to end stretch marks
The laser is the only method capable of really removing stretch marks and refining the skin texture. The specialist uses a vascular laser to target the area to be treated. There are several laser beams to treat the different problems of patients they want to reduce pigmentation or smooth the skin. It takes between 150 € and 300 € for a session knowing that to completely remove stretch marks, you must plan at least 5 sessions.
What treatments to fight against stretch marks?
Phytolastil Solute from Lierac
Phytolastil Solute from Lierac: Whether during puberty, pregnancy or following changes in weight, this legendary anti-stretch mark treatment is 84% composed of a restructuring plant complex, rich in flavonoids and tanoids. Based on alchemilla, ivy and horsetail, it stimulates the biosynthesis of collagen and elastin fibers by fibroblasts. Non-greasy, the treatment allows you to get dressed quickly without creating unpleasant sensations. The only precaution to take: do not wear white, as it is liable to mark the fabric. But its effectiveness largely erases this small drawback.
The expert’Omum
L'Expert stretch mark corrector: This treatment has a precision tip that allows an ultra-targeted application. It reduces the size and length of scars in order to blend them as much as possible into the surrounding skin. Centella asiatica and the seaweed extracts it contains stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to correct the uneven appearance of the skin (stretch marks causing it to curl slightly). Finally, cherry water and raspberry oil, active ingredients with toning properties, help firm and tighten the epidermis to reduce relief and smooth it as much as possible.
Clarins Body Partner
Body Partner expert stretch marks: This anti-stretch mark cream is composed of Centella Asiatica which, associated with organic green banana extract, helps to prevent the appearance of stretch marks, but also to reduce their appearance. The cream is also enriched with hazelnut oil to deeply nourish the skin. These active ingredients improve the elasticity and firmness qualities of the epidermis, leaving it silky and soothed.
Mustela stretch mark cream
Mustela stretch mark cream: This treatment contains 96% of ingredients of natural origin and is specifically formulated to prevent the appearance of stretch marks during maternity. The product is enriched with avocado oil and peptides to restore and maintain the hydrolipidic film weakened during pregnancy while hydrating and soothing the skin. Very pleasant to use thanks to its creamy texture, this cream provides a real feeling of comfort and well-being.
Pai Pumpkin Seed Pomegranate Stretch Mark System
Pomegranate and Pumpkin Seed Anti-Stretch Marks System: This program combines two soft and nourishing products that act in synergy to improve the elasticity of the skin. First of all, the moisturizer restores hydration and improves the elasticity of the epidermis. Then, the oil softens it by nourishing it. Rich in Omega, these formulas minimize skin tears to reduce and lessen the appearance of stretch marks.
Bi-Oil Scars, Stretch Marks and Uneven Skin Tone Care Oil
Care oil for scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone: This iconic treatment is specially formulated with vitamins A and E, natural vegetable oils and a complex called "PurCellin Oil" to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. It restores the elasticity of the skin by preventing the formation of new stretch marks, as well as improving the appearance of the oldest scars.
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