How are stretch marks formed?

Stretch marks are narrow streaks or lines that occur on the surface of the skin.

Doctors often refer to stretch marks as stria, striae or – during pregnancy – striae gravid arum according to the NHS website.

Stretch marks are often red or purple to start with, before gradually fading to a silvery-white colour. They’re usually long and thin.

Stretch marks can occur anywhere where the skin has been stretched, but they usually affect areas where fat is stored, such as the:

• tummy (abdomen)
• breasts
• upper arms
• buttocks
• thighs
• shoulders (in bodybuilders)

Sometimes, particularly in teenage boys, stretch marks can develop on the back, overlying the spine horizontally (like the rungs on a ladder).

Stretch marks caused by Cushing’s syndrome (where the blood contains high levels of a hormone called cortisol, see below) tend to be wider and larger, and can also appear on the face.

When stretch marks occur

Stretch marks often occur:

• during pregnancy
• after rapid weight gain
• during puberty
• if you have a family history of stretch marks
• if you have an underlying health condition or a syndrome, such as Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome
• after the prolonged or inappropriate use of corticosteroid medication

Thalgo Defi Fermete Stretch Mark Cream – Creme Soin Vergetures is for adolescents during a growth phase and all those wishing to prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Description:

Prevention, Correction. A myriad of regenerating, healing and repairing active ingredients (marine elastin and collagen) to visibly reduce the appearance of unsightly stretch marks. The very rich texture allows for a beneficial massage.

Action: Hydration

Needs: Moisturise the Body

Expert advice:

Prevention: Apply daily to areas subject to stretching. Correction: Apply daily for 3 months to stretch marks and surrounding areas.