Stretch marks are striae that mark the skin, particularly in the stomach, chest and hip area. They appear as a result of a disorganized collagen network and the rupture of dermal elastin fibres. Stretch marks are not always caused by pregnancy; they can also occur as a result of sudden weight variations and hormonal imbalances, particularly during puberty or the menopause. Prevention plays an important role, by preserving and strengthening the quality of collagen and elastin fibres. |