What are stretch marks and why do they appear?

Stretch marks are an atrophy of the connective tissue of the skin that has been broken by the need for the skin to stretch very quickly. 

Stretch marks appear in some circumstances when increases in weight and volume occur quickly, as occurs for example in pregnancy, puberty or increased bodybuilding with sports.

In the skin we can see sinuous, wavy, white or reddish paths that are dipped with respect to the rest of the skin. 

They are produced by a stretching in the middle and deep layers of the skin. The skin is flexible under normal conditions, but it yields to a higher requirement than it can absorb in a short space of time and causes stretch marks to appear.

Phases in the production of stretch marks

We can differentiate two phases in the development of stretch marks:

1. Inflammatory phase: 
   A stretch mark that has just appeared has a pink, reddish or purplish colour. It can be sore, itchy, and have a reddened area around it. If we have not managed to prevent stretch marks, in this phase it is still possible to treat them, and we can help prevent their progression.
2. Scar phase: 
   In this phase, the stretch marks will have their final appearance, pearly white in colour, with a central area of ​​atrophic skin. The internal area between both edges is an area of ​​thinner skin that lacks other structures present in "normal" skin such as hair, sweat glands or sebaceous glands.

Who can have and why do stretch marks appear?

All people can have stretch marks at some point in their life, although the prevalence is higher among women. It does not cause a medical problem, but it does cause an aesthetic one.

We know that at least 3 out of 4 women will develop stretch marks during pregnancy, especially in their first pregnancy.

More than half of adolescent girls have stretch marks as a result of the growth that occurs during puberty.

Hormonal disorders that alter the functionality of the skin, the moments in which there is a rapid increase or loss of weight, or in a situation of sports training with increased bodybuilding and impact exercises, can cause the appearance of stretch marks. Neither childhood nor the male gender is a barrier for stretch marks to appear if the circumstances that favour their formation, occur.

How to treat stretch marks?

First of all, we have to know that in addition to treating stretch marks, we can prevent them. When we know that the skin is going to be subjected to stretching stress, for example during pregnancy, the use of Trofolastin Anti-stretch marks on a regular basis from the beginning can help prevent stretch marks from appearing.

Scientific studies show that Trofolastin Anti-stretch marks reduces and prevents the formation of stretch marks in up to 89% of cases, with an exclusive formula that has regenerative, repairing and healing action. 

The application twice a day in the most sensitive areas such as the hips, abdomen, chest or buttocks, through a gentle massage until the cream is completely absorbed, prevents the formation of stretch marks.