What are stretch marks and why do they appear?
They are lines on the skin of the body that form when the dermis, the supporting layer, is stretched beyond what it can keep up with. The collagen and elastin fibres change, and the upper layer lets the mark show. They appear mainly during growth, pregnancy and weight changes, and there are also hormonal factors and individual predisposition. They are very common, not serious, and having them says nothing about how well you look after your skin.
White or red stretch marks: what is the difference?
The red, wine-coloured or purplish ones are more recent, still with inflammation and blood vessels in the area. Over time the colour fades, leaving lighter, pearly and slightly depressed lines, which are the scar once it has settled. The difference matters because, according to what the clinic describes for the Strialux ritual, results tend to be better on recent stretch marks. This does not mean white ones cannot improve a little, but expectations should be more moderate.
Can white stretch marks be treated?
They can improve in look and texture, but they do not disappear, because they are a scar of the dermis. The scientific literature describes several methods, with variable results and no fully effective treatment, and those with the best results are medical procedures, described on other pages. For the Strialux ritual, the clinic's website says it can also improve older stretch marks, but the best result tends to be on recent ones. The assessment defines what to expect in your case.
Red stretch marks: when should I treat them?
The earlier the better, within what is possible, because at this stage the skin responds more. There is no need to wait for the colour to fade, and starting early does not mean doing everything at once. The first step is an assessment, to confirm that they are ordinary stretch marks and not another condition, and to ask about medication, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Only then is it decided whether a ritual makes sense and at what point.
Do stretch mark creams work?
The evidence is weak. A Cochrane review on prevention in pregnancy found no preparation shown to be effective, and a later review indicates limited evidence for centella and, possibly, for massage with bitter almond oil, and that cocoa butter and olive oil did not work. For stretch marks that have already formed, the evidence is also limited. Moisturising gives comfort to the skin, but you should not expect it to erase the marks.
Can stretch marks be prevented in pregnancy?
Scientific reviews have not found a reliable way to prevent them. Individual predisposition, age and the pace of weight gain seem to matter more than products. Keeping the skin moisturised and gaining weight gradually, under your obstetrician's supervision, is reasonable, but it does not prevent stretch marks with certainty. Some active ingredients used for stretch marks, such as retinoids, should be avoided in pregnancy, so always tell the team if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Stretch marks after childbirth: can anything still be done?
Yes, but there are timings to respect. If you are breastfeeding or not much time has passed since the birth, the team assesses what is appropriate, and some rituals or active ingredients may have to wait. With time, recent stretch marks tend to lose their colour and become lighter, which is natural. The assessment is there to understand what stage they are in, what you can expect and when to begin, and there is no hurry to decide.
Why did my skin become loose after losing weight?
Because the skin adapted to more volume and does not always retract at the pace at which the body loses weight. The amount and speed of weight loss, age, individual predisposition, accumulated sun and the muscle underneath all matter, and the muscle also shrinks when you lose weight. In people who have lost a lot of weight, especially after obesity surgery, excess skin on the abdomen is a very common complaint and can be significant.
Does weight training help loose skin?
It helps with what lies beneath the skin. Reviews on weight loss indicate that strength exercise, with an adequate protein intake, helps preserve muscle mass, and muscle contributes to the shape of the arms, abdomen and thighs. It does not return the skin to what it was, and it does not erase stretch marks, but it improves the whole. Start with what your physical condition allows and talk to your doctor if you have doubts.
I lost weight with medication. Could I have more sagging?
Rapid weight loss can leave the skin less firm, and reviews indicate that weight loss with the new obesity medications includes a variable reduction in lean mass, although the clinical importance of this is debated. Adequate protein and strength training help preserve muscle. Do not change your medication on your own. Talk to the doctor who follows you and show us what bothers you at the assessment.
When is excess skin no longer something rituals can resolve?
When the excess skin is significant, forms heavy folds, causes discomfort, chafing or limits activity, which is common after major weight loss. Here the issue is the amount of skin rather than firmness, and the assessment is with a plastic surgeon. Rituals can help improve the look of less firm skin, but they do not remove excess skin or replace that assessment, and the doctor tells you frankly where you stand.
When should I see a doctor first?
Before thinking about rituals, if the stretch marks appeared suddenly, are very numerous or an intense purple colour, if there is pain, unexplained weight gain, a rounder face, high blood pressure or menstrual changes, or if you use or have used corticosteroids, topical or oral. Also if the skin is broken, infected or has dermatitis in the area, or if you have a diastasis of the abdominal muscles after childbirth. These cases call for a medical assessment, and our consultation is the starting point.
How many sessions are needed and how long does it take?
There is no one number for everyone. It depends on the ritual, the stage of the stretch marks, the firmness of the skin and the starting point, and the assessment defines the number of sessions and the interval, with realistic expectations. Changes in the skin are gradual, and follow-up and adjustments over time are normal. No number is promised in advance, and if the plan does not make sense to you, the doctor explains it again.
What should I bring and say at the assessment?
Bring the list of products you use on your skin, the allergies you know of and the treatments you have had recently. Say how long the stretch marks have been there, whether there was pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss, and what medication you take, including cortisone creams. Old photographs help show how things have changed. If you are pregnant, may be pregnant or are breastfeeding, say so right away, because some rituals have to wait. Book the assessment in Algés, with no obligation.
