Stretch marks and sun: friends or foes?

For many of you, summer means long, lazy days in the sun. Warm weather, a dip in the water, a little more skin on show, and the pure pleasure of basking under the sun. But do your stretch marks love the sun as much as you do? Here’s what UV rays do to your skin, why red and white stretch marks react differently to the sun, and how to enjoy the summer while keeping the affected areas protected.

Effects of UV rays on the skin

Solar radiation is made up of different types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and the lesser-known UVC. The latter are largely blocked by the ozone layer. But what about the other two?

In small doses, they are essential to the body, as they help synthesise vitamin D, which is necessary for the proper calcification of the human skeleton. Under medical supervision, UV rays can also be beneficial for certain skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema). And of course, sunlight is a natural mood booster – admit it, you always feel more upbeat in summer!

However, in high doses, UV rays can be harmful to the skin. While UVB rays attack the epidermis and cause painful superficial burns – yes, that’s what sunburn is! – UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing long-term damage:

• Premature skin ageing
• Loss of elasticity
• Localised overproduction of melanin, leading to dark spots

Ultimately, frequent and prolonged sun exposure can lead to irreversible damage: melanoma, a form of skin cancer that is becoming increasingly common. Aggravating factors include genetics and fair skin. It bears repeating: when it comes to UV rays, avoid overexposure and always protect your skin!

Effects of sun on stretch marks

Sun exposure does not cause stretch marks. This is a common misconception. Stretch marks are the result of sudden, intense stretching of the skin, caused by:

• Growth during puberty
• Pregnancy
• Rapid muscle gain from physical activity
• Weight gain (for any reason)
• A medical condition (such as Cushing’s syndrome, for example) or medication (corticosteroids, hormonal treatment)

Under the strain, the collagen fibres in the dermis break down irreversibly. The skin becomes marked: fine streaks appear on the stomach, chest, hips, thighs, and also the arms, calves and lower back.

Red stretch marks

When they first appear, stretch marks are usually red or purplish in colour. At this stage, it is strongly advised to avoid any sun exposure. The skin, dealing with significant inflammation and weakened at a deep level, needs care, not a dose of UV rays. Much like scars – though stretch marks are not scars – fresh stretch marks may change colour in the sun… and turn darker.

White stretch marks

Once stretch marks have settled, they take on a pearly white hue. The skin can then be exposed to the sun, provided it is properly protected. Because yes, it remains fragile – especially in the areas where stretch marks have developed, where the skin is less elastic and thinner. What’s more, sun exposure can make your stretch marks look even whiter. The reason? Melanin. A tan, which is first and foremost a defence response from your skin, results from a temporary increase in melanin levels (skin pigmentation). But beneath your stretch marks, there is no melanin. Your stretch marks won’t tan, while the rest of your skin takes on a lovely golden glow. Aesthetically, the contrast between tanned skin and white streaks can be hard to live with…

Too much sun on stretch marks: why extra care is needed

Red, sore skin after too much sun is caused by UVB rays, which attack the epidermis. Where stretch marks have formed, the skin is thinner and less elastic, and it stays fragile even once the marks have turned white. On new red or purplish stretch marks, the skin is already inflamed, so it’s best to keep them out of the sun altogether.

To limit the risk, apply your sun cream with extra care on the affected areas, reapply regularly and avoid the hottest hours of the day (see our tips below). If your skin is painful or red over a large area after sun exposure, seek advice from a doctor or another medical professional.

Does the sun make stretch marks fade?

No – if anything, it’s the other way round. White stretch marks contain no melanin: they don’t tan, while the skin around them does. The contrast makes the streaks more noticeable. Red stretch marks, on the other hand, may darken in the sun. So a tan won’t hide your stretch marks: in summer, focus on careful sun protection and, all year round, on a regular skincare routine.

Tips for enjoying the sun with stretch marks

Protect your skin

We say it time and again: you must protect your skin!

• First of all, avoid prolonged sun exposure and stay out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Save your tanning session for after 5 pm!
• Apply a sunscreen cream, spray or lotion from the very start of your exposure, and reapply every hour and/or after each swim. Choose the product that suits you best in terms of SPF and texture. Pay extra attention to areas affected by stretch marks to ensure they are well protected.
• Don’t hesitate to wear a hat, a t-shirt and/or use a parasol.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and lycopene. Add some colour to your plate!

Treat your stretch marks properly

When it comes to caring for your stretch marks, don’t wait for summer! Look after your skin all year round, especially if you have stretch marks. That’s what our Anti-Stretch Mark Pack is for! It contains:

• A scrub, to prepare your skin for moisturising, nourishing care
• An anti-stretch mark cream enriched with cocoa butter and macadamia oil
• A massage oil combining sesame, jojoba, avocado and soya, to be used with a handy massage tool

A comforting, gentle routine, also designed with pregnant and breastfeeding women in mind. If you have any doubts during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, ask your doctor or a medical professional for advice.

Related articles

• Natural Ways to Care for Stretch Marks
• Stretch marks linked to weight loss
• Stretch marks on dark or mixed-race skin: myths and facts

Useful categories: Stretch Mark Tips, Stretch Marks.