Symptoms
Stretch marks occur in about 90% of pregnant women during the last trimester of pregnancy. They are pinkish-purple atrophic lines or bands on the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, thighs, shoulders, arms or lower back. The stretch marks appear vertical to the direction of stretching. After a period of time, they lose pigmentation and atrophy. Stretch marks are often symptomatic, burning and itching. Due to stretching, the skin at the sites of stretch marks becomes thinner and more vulnerable than normal skin.
Causes
The main causes are considered to be the physical stretching of the tissues and the hormones that cause collagen breakdown during pregnancy. However, other influencing factors are mentioned in the literature, such as skin diseases present before pregnancy, pregnancy-associated dermatosis, genetic factors, or chronic use of glucocorticoids. Younger women have less stable collagen and are therefore much more susceptible to stretch marks. Striae can also occur in men during puberty, in Cushing’s disease, or in rapid weight gain (obesity or rapid muscle gain, e.g., bodybuilders).
Risk factors
The relevant risk factors are young maternal age (15-19 years) and high infant weight. A high maternal body mass index, skin type, family history, or rapid weight gain (>15 kg) may also contribute to the development of stretch marks.
Prevention and treatment
There are countless creams and oils on the market worldwide. However, their effectiveness is not well documented scientifically. Fatty oils or waxes such as almond and jojoba oil are often used. In the literature, creams with extracts are often mentioned. These are said to stimulate fibroblast activity through their active component, asiaticosides, and also promote the synthesis of fibronectin and proteoglycans. The extracts are said to reduce the appearance and expression of stretch marks. In many countries, there are currently no corresponding drugs on the market. We do not have any data on safety. To prevent stretch marks, the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and hips should be massaged daily (plucking or brushing massage) and cold showers should be taken to stimulate blood circulation and firm the tissues. Regular swimming or gymnastics is also said to be effective for prevention. Ingredients:
- Allantoin
- Aloe vera
- Cocoa butter
- -extracts
- Dexpanthenol
- Hyaluronic acid
- Jojoba oil
- Collagen Elastin Hydrolysate
- Almond oil
- Olive oil
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
Application
Early and daily use is recommended by manufacturers (approximately from 9 weeks to 3 months after birth).
