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Stretch marks
Introduction
Everything you need to know about stretch marks
3 tips for limiting stretch marks
The Mustela 9 Months skin care products
Everything you need to know about stretch marks
What is a stretch mark?
When it appears, a stretch mark is a red/violet-coloured ridge. It subsequently turns a white mother-of-pearl colour. Stretch marks are generally located on the hips, buttocks, breasts and the top of the thighs. They are one of the most common signs of pregnancy, affecting more than one pregnant woman in two.
Where do they come from?
During pregnancy, under the influence of hormones and due to stretching of the tissue, the collagen and elastin fibres that ensure the skin’s structure and elasticity stretch, become damaged and atrophy. They are replaced by new fibres that are fewer in number, finer and more disorganised. The skin that covers them is also thinner. This results in a visible mark on the surface of the skin that corresponds to a scar.
Why do they appear?
Stretch marks essentially appear because of hormonal factors. In addition, a woman’s weight before pregnancy, the quality of her collagen and heredity play a part in the process of their formation. It should also be noted that stretch marks occur more frequently in young women.
On the contrary, skin tissue distension due to weight gain is secondary: it influences where stretch marks appear. Finally, the number of previous pregnancies also does not have an influence on the onset of new stretch marks.
