Stretch Marks
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are long, narrow streaks, stripes, or lines that are developed on the surface of the skin. They can be pink, red, purple, or brown and can appear anywhere, with more incidence on the stomach, breasts, thighs, buttocks and upper arms [1]. The likelihood of developing them varies according to skin type, age, heredity, diet and the hydration of the skin. [2–4] During pregnancy, stretch marks affect between 50 to 90% of women [5].
Stretch marks result, as indicated by the name, from stretching of the elastic supportive tissue that lies under the skin. When the expanding and contracting movements are too fast derived for instance from a rapid change in weight (gain and loss) or associated with endogenous or exogenous corticosteroids, the skin is not able to adapt and develops a scar [2].
While no product can guarantee to prevent the formation of stretch marks, ensuring that the skin maintains its maximum elasticity is the best defence [5,6]. This can be achieved by keeping the skin well-hydrated and supple at all times. Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, but the proper treatment may make them less noticeable. The available treatments reduce redness, swelling and irritation in stretch marks, increase collagen and elastic fibre production, improve hydration, and reduce inflammation [1,7]. Topical management in form of emollients and moisturizers is commonly recommended to prevent and treat striae, nevertheless, little evidence exists on the effectiveness of these products [2]. Newer lasers and radiofrequency treatments hold promise as they do try to modify vascularity and increase collagen and elastin production.
KELO.CELL Biogel can be your ally to face stretch marks. The silicone polymers prevent skin dryness and the loss of skin elasticity [6] while the bioactive stem cell compounds enhance hydration and decrease inflammation.
Additionally, you can use KELO.CELL Scar Concealer for an immediate concealer effect. It helps to prevent and improve the appearance of old and new scars while camouflaging the scar. It combines silicone gel, bioactive stem cell extracts and an innovative next-generation pigment-adaptable polymer that matches all skin tones for instant scar coverage.
1. Oakley AM, Patel BC. Stretch Marks. StatPearls, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436005/ (2021, accessed 8 March 2022).
2. Wollina U, Goldman A. Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae). J Cutan Aesthet Surg 2017; 10: 124.
3. Kasielska-Trojan A, Sobczak M, Antoszewski B. Risk factors of striae gravidarum. Int J Cosmet Sci 2015; 37: 236–240.
4. Ersoy E, Ersoy AO, Yasar Celik E, et al. Is it possible to prevent striae gravidarum? J Chinese Med Assoc 2016; 79: 272–275.
5. Brennan M, Clarke M, Devane D. The use of anti stretch marks’ products by women in pregnancy: a descriptive, cross-sectional survey. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth; 16. Epub ahead of print 21 September 2016. DOI: 10.1186/S12884-016-1075-9.
6. Ud-Din S, McAnelly SL, Bowring A, et al. A double-blind controlled clinical trial assessing the effect of topical gels on striae distensae (stretch marks): a non-invasive imaging, morphological and immunohistochemical study. Arch Dermatological Res 2013 3057 2013; 305: 603–617.
7. Hague A, Bayat A. Therapeutic targets in the management of striae distensae: A systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017; 77: 559-568.e18.
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