Stretch marks: the complete guide

Stretch marks affect the vast majority of us at one time or another in life. Pregnancy, growth spurts during adolescence, weight changes, muscle gain: whenever the skin stretches quickly, it can leave marks. But that's not all. Hormonal changes or a genetic predisposition can also be the cause. At KOUAGA, we have chosen to dedicate all our expertise to this subject, with the rigour of a scientific approach.

What exactly is a stretch mark?

Contrary to popular belief, a stretch mark is not just a surface mark: it is a scar that forms in the dermis, the deep layer of the skin, when collagen and elastin fibres break under the effect of rapid stretching or hormonal changes. It first goes through a recent phase, red or purple, before fading over time. Understanding this mechanism changes everything in the way we care for it.

Stretch marks through the stages of life

Each situation has its own specifics, questions and good habits. We dedicate specific content to each one:

During pregnancy and after birth. This is the most affected period. When to start a treatment, how to choose a formula that is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding: discover our advice for mothers-to-be and new mothers.

During adolescence. Rapid growth spurts often mark young people's skin. A topic that is still too rarely discussed, which we approach with kindness and clarity: discover our article on stretch marks during adolescence.

Sport and muscle gain. Weight training and rapid muscle gain can also cause stretch marks. A rarely covered angle that we shed light on: discover our advice for athletes.

Weight changes. Rapid weight gain or loss: skin subjected to major changes deserves appropriate care. Discover why stretch marks also appear when you lose weight.

Our approach

Founded by a Doctor of Pharmacy, KOUAGA develops skincare whose safety has been validated for all populations, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Two clinical studies are also under way to demonstrate the creams' efficacy. We believe in honest cosmetics: saying what science knows, acknowledging what it does not yet know, and supporting your skin with formulas designed on the basis of physiology.

KOUAGA, the stretch mark experts.