Stretch marks, those lines etched into our skin, often appear during adolescence, around the time of puberty. For young women (and boys too!), they can be hard to accept. What exactly are growth stretch marks? Why do we get these stripes in our teenage years? Where do they tend to appear, and how can you look after your skin with a few simple habits, from stretch mark cream to massage? Here are our answers.
What are growth stretch marks? 📈
These small fissures form on our skin as its elastic structure breaks down. This happens when collagen fibres tear.
Who’s to blame? Cortisol, the glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. These glands regulate the key elements that maintain our body’s physiological balance. However, when cortisol is overproduced, it compromises the suppleness of our skin.
At puberty, a surge of hormones triggers these unwanted marks. Rest assured, ladies: lots of women have them, and so do men. They change colour over time:
- At first, they appear red or purple, which is the inflammatory stage;
- Then, they take on a white appearance as they heal.
They can appear in various areas of the body:
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Breasts
- Arms
- Back
- Stomach
Rest assured, they don’t appear in all these areas at once, and teenage stretch marks usually fade over time.
Stretch marks on your back or thighs: what can you do? 🔍
The back and thighs are among the areas where stretch marks can appear during the teenage years. They go through the same stages as elsewhere on the body: red or purple at first, then white over time.
The same habits apply as for other areas: regular moisturising and a circular massage with a suitable cream or oil (see our secrets below). As your back is tricky to reach on your own, don’t hesitate to ask someone close to you to help apply your product.
What about boys? 👦
Teenage stretch marks aren’t just a girl thing: boys get them too. At puberty, their bodies also go through a surge of hormones and a lot of changes. So the tips in this article apply to them as well: moisturising, massage, staying active and drinking plenty of water every day.
Why do stretch marks appear during adolescence? 🤔
When you have stretch marks at 15, it simply means your body is under several sources of stress:
- A changing body 👙
- School exams 🎓
- First loves 💖
- Sports competitions 🏅
Under constant demand, cortisol, produced by intense hormonal activity, reduces collagen production. Collagen is a precious fibre that contributes to the softness and suppleness of the skin. The skin stretches and cracks, making way for stretch marks.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to pamper your young skin during this time.
Teenage stretch marks: our secrets for looking after your skin 🎁
When it comes to caring for your skin as a teenager, the key word is hydration. According to Dr Kathleen Scemama, specialist in nutrition and aesthetics, caring for at-risk areas involves, among other things, keeping the skin well moisturised, day after day.
Which stretch mark cream or oil for teens?
To do this, introduce a body massage and moisturising routine into your day, for a real moment of pleasure.
Opt for stretch mark creams enriched with collagen and vitamins A and C. Plant-based oils, pleasant to massage in and with a nourishing feel, can also round off your routine. These include:
- Sesame oil 🌾;
- Sunflower oil 🌻;
- Sweet Almond oil 🍈;
- Jojoba oil 🌱.
Massage in circular motions over the most vulnerable areas until the product is fully absorbed, and enjoy their scents.
The pinch-and-roll massage
A second technique also exists: the pinch-and-roll massage, which you can add to your massage routine.
One last tip: move, drink, smile
Now that you know our secrets, come closer! Here’s one last tip, just between us: keep active, drink plenty of water, and smile.
Share these tips with your friends and put them to the test.
The complete stretch marks routine, from shower to massage, during and after pregnancy
- Instructions for use
- Friendly advice
Frequently asked questions
Why do teenagers get stretch marks?
They’re linked to the big changes of puberty, a time when the body goes through a lot of transformation. The role of hormones and cortisol is explained in the section “Why do stretch marks appear during adolescence?” above.
Can young teenagers use stretch mark cream?
For a product intended for a child or young teenager, the simplest thing is to ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice before using it. They can point you in the right direction based on your skin and your age.
Should I see a doctor about stretch marks as a teenager?
If you’re unsure, if your stretch marks are worrying you, or if they come with other unusual changes, simply ask your GP or pharmacist for their advice.
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Useful categories: Stretch Mark Tips, Stretch Marks.
