Adolescence is a crucial period of development, both psychologically and physically. But the growth spurts and hormonal upheavals triggered by puberty can sometimes bring a few unwelcome surprises. Red stretch marks are one of them. Thighs, chest, stomach or bottom: they can affect girls and boys alike. Here’s a look at what these growth stretch marks are, why they appear during puberty and how to reduce their appearance, whether in a salon or at home.
What are stretch marks?
stretch marks are, quite simply, micro-tears in the dermis. Soft to the touch, often coloured when they first appear, fading to white over time, they result from the skin being stretched too rapidly. Unable to keep up with a sudden and intense demand for elasticity, the skin gives way in certain areas.
The result is red or purple streaks, on certain parts of the body:
- chest,
- stomach,
- inner and outer thighs,
- buttocks,
- sometimes the lower back,
- arms,
- the backs of the knees.
Why can stretch marks appear during adolescence?
Adolescence turns the human body upside down. Puberty brings intense physical changes that can lead to some unwelcome — though not insurmountable! — side effects, such as increased body hair, breakouts, and the appearance of red stretch marks. These can affect both girls and boys, and don’t only appear alongside weight gain.
- Growth stretch marks are actually a fairly common consequence of rapid bone growth spurts. The skin simply cannot keep pace with the skeleton’s development. Collagen fibres crack under the strain. The result: red stretch marks appear on certain areas of a teenager’s body, which can be a real source of self-consciousness.
- Teenage girls may also develop red stretch marks on the hips, chest and thighs, brought on by changes in body shape triggered by the hormonal shift that comes with the onset of periods.
- During puberty, the production of cortisol — a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, also known as the stress hormone — is thrown off balance. Elevated cortisol levels in the bloodstream can have repercussions on the skin. Its elastic and regenerative properties are weakened, which can encourage red stretch marks to form on a teenager’s skin.
What can be done to reduce teenage red stretch marks?
So, are stretch marks a permanent reminder of adolescence? Let’s start by giving them a fun nickname — tiger stripes or battle scars — to take the drama out of it! Stretch marks in teenagers are completely normal. And to make peace with them and stop seeing them as inevitable, there are several ways to reduce their appearance.
In a salon:
A number of techniques have been developed to reduce the red colouring and uneven texture of stretch marks:
- LED light therapy,
- Laser,
- Peeling
- Injections
These techniques for reducing the appearance of stretch marks can, however, be quite costly.
At home:
When it comes to caring for your skin, the first step is still to keep it well moisturised: well-moisturised skin is more supple and more comfortable.
Regular massage of stretch marks or prone areas can be done using high-quality plant-based oils (avocado, jojoba, castor, sweet almond, sesame…).
You can also try our Cellublue stretch mark routine. After a few weeks, this daily ritual should become a moment of pleasure and a way for teenagers to reconnect with their bodies. By taking care of their skin every day, they can learn to feel more comfortable in their own skin, stripes and all!
👉 Discover the Stretch Mark Pack, designed to care for both recent and older stretch marks.
The complete stretch marks routine, from shower to massage, during and after pregnancy
- Instructions for use
- Friendly advice
Related articles
- Black seed oil and stretch marks: what you need to know
- Castor oil: an alternative against stretch marks?
- Monoi oil: a solution for stretch marks?
Useful categories: Causes of Stretch Marks, Stretch Marks.
