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Treatment and prevention of stretch marks

What are stretch-marks and how do they appear?

Stretch marks are breaks of collagen fibers and elastin present in the intermediate layer of the skin (dermis), that can be appreciated in the surface layer (epidermis).

Skin with stretch marks is characterized by being thinner than normal and lacking elasticity.

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Causes and areas of emergence

The most common causes which cause stretch-marks to appear are:

  • Rapid muscle development (bodybuilders)
  • Pregnancy
  • Puberty
  • Obesity
  • Excessive use of topical corticosteroids
  • Bad health of the skin in general

Regarding the areas where they usually occur:

  • Abdomen
  • Breasts
  • Thighs
  • Arms
  • Buttocks
  • Hips

Characteristics of stretch-marks

Stretch-marks can appear with different shapes: straight, curved, with an "S" shape or in zig-zag.

The matrix tends to be perpendicular with regards to lines of traction.

Their size may vary; they tend to be thin and with a length of between 1cm and 5cm, although in extreme cases they can reach widths of up to 1cm.

Their color determines the time that when they appeared in the skin. Those with reddish color are more recent and easier to treat, while white ones where formed years ago, and while they improve with treatment they do not usually disappear.

Cosmetic treatment of stretch marks

The results of the treatment will depend on:

The age of the stretch-mark:

Tone:

  • Pink stripes (when there is still vascularity in the area) are much easier to treat.
  • White-pearl stretch marks (there is no vascularity in the area), are less likely to disappear.

We can distinguish 3 phases in the treatment:

  • Preventive phase -> It is of prime importance to maintain and increase the elasticity of the skin (moisturizing) in order to avoid the breakdown of fibers and the emergence of stria. At the prospect of pregnancy, an increase in volume or a stage of development, a preventive treatment should be applied in order to maintain skin elasticity, and even increase it. Recommendation: Connective massages + hydro-massage + balneotherapy, in combination with seaweed and essential oils and biological substances (embryonic and placental extracts).
  • Vascularized phase (when there is still blood irrigation in the area)  -> It is of prime importance to provide regenerating and repairing active ingredients (which stimulate the production of collagen, elastin,...).
  • Scarring phase -> The help of devices and medical treatments, along with active ingredients that stimulate natural regeneration, is needed.

Active ingredients

-Rosehip Oil: powerful regenerating agent which attenuates scars.

-Centella asiatica: promotes collagen synthesis.

-Shea butter: regenerates and nourishes.

-Stretch-mark reducing complex: Moisturizes, increases the resistance and elasticity of the skin and stimulates collagen synthesis.