How to protect your stretch marks from the sun: the complete guide

Summer is here, the sun is shining, and you want to enjoy it too! But one question is on your mind: is the sun good for your stretch marks ? ☀️

When we expose ourselves to the sun, we often think about protecting our face or shoulders. But stretch marks are far too often overlooked. So let's look together at the effects of UV rays on stretch marks and the habits to adopt in summer!

Reminder: what is a stretch mark?

Before understanding how to protect them from the sun, a quick useful reminder: do you really know what a stretch mark is and why it appears?

Stretch marks are micro-scars that appear when your skin undergoes too rapid stretching, often due to pregnancy, significant weight gain, or hormonal changes.They can be

pink, red, purple when they are recent or pearly white once they are fully healed. 👉 To better understand their origin and how to differentiate them, feel free to check out our dedicated article:

Stretch marks: stop the myths, get the facts!Your

stretch marks change over time, sometimes subtle, sometimes more visible. And when faced with the sun, they need special care. We explain why protecting them is so important.Why should you protect your stretch marks from the sun?

You love the sun, but did you know it can be

the silent enemy of your stretch marks? When we expose our skin, it’s often to get a golden glow, brighten our complexion, or simply enjoy the feeling of the sun on the skin. 🌞However,

stretch marks do not react like the rest of the skin. They do not tan, or very little, and can become more visible under UV rays. In particular, UVA and UVB can affect their appearance.The sun acts directly on the appearance of your skin. It

reduces elasticity, accelerates aging, and causes tissue sagging. Result? Stretch marks become deeper, more pronounced, even irreversibly darkened.

UVA or UVB: what's the difference?UVA rays penetrate deeply into the dermis. They are the main cause of premature skin aging, loss of elasticity, and the appearance of pigmentation spots. They are present all year round, even on cloudy days. 🌤️

UVB rays act more on the surface.

They cause sunburns and can visibly and immediately damage the epidermis. They are stronger in summer, especially between 12pm and 4pm.These two types of rays have a cumulative effect on your skin. And stretch marks, which are already fragile areas, are particularly sensitive to them. 😕What are the real risks for your stretch marks?

As we saw earlier, stretch marks are micro-scars and like any scar, they are

more sensitive to external aggressions

. Prolonged sun exposure without proper protection can cause:

Irregular pigmentation: stretch marks can darken or take on a brownish hue that does not fade, even after summer.Slowed healing process

• : especially if the stretch marks are recent, red, or purple. The sun can slow their natural progression to a less visible form.Fragile skin
• : drier, more prone to irritation, with a less even appearance.Rest assured, this is not inevitable. By knowing the right protective measures, you can avoid these issues while enjoying the sun. Before taking action, it’s essential to know which parts of your body are most vulnerable to the sun. We guide you! ⬇️
• Stretch marks: the most vulnerable body parts to the sunSummer is here, skin is revealed, and we naturally think of sunscreen. But have you ever taken a moment to identify all the areas where you have stretch marks

? These are often the ones we forget to protect even though they really need it! 😉

1. Protect existing stretch marks

Stretch marks are more sensitive to the sun.

Their different structure makes the skin thinner, more fragile, and therefore more exposed to UV effects. Result? They can pigment unevenly, darken, or become more visible.So take a few extra seconds to

generously apply your sunscreen on

your existing stretch marks. These are small simple steps, but they make all the difference. 2. Prevent potential stretch marks

We rarely think about

stretch marks that aren’t there yet. However, prolonged sun exposure without protection can weaken the skin, alter its elasticity, and promote the appearance of new stretch marks, especially if the skin is already stretched (weight gain or loss, growth, pregnancy...). Here are the “areas to watch”:

The

buttocks

: often uncovered when lying on your towel 🏖️The hips

: clearly visible with high-cut swimsuits or low-rise panties 👙

• The belly: exposed when tanning or wearing a crop top 👚
• The chest: the skin is very thin and fragile, it marks easily 😉
• Even if they don’t show marks yet, these areas deserve as much attention as the face or shoulders. Because well-hydrated and well-protected skin is more resilient and calm under the sun. 🌞In summary: sunscreen + hydration
• = winning combo to pamper your stretch marks (existing or potential) all summer long!

So here are the good habits to adopt to protect your stretch marks from the sun, gently. 🌸

5 simple steps to protect your stretch marks from the sunWant to enjoy the sun without damaging your skin? It’s possible, provided you adopt the right habits. No need to change everything: a few simple habits are enough to preserve the appearance of your stretch marks

while tanning with peace of mind. ☀️

Here are the

5 essential steps to include in your summer routine:1. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen everywhere, really everywhereWe can’t say it enough: sunscreen is your best ally.

Choose a formula with SPF 50 or higher, suited to your skin type. Apply it generously all over your body, including stretch mark areas like hips, belly, and chest.

⏰ Don’t forget to

reapply every two hours, and always after swimming or sweating. Even if your stretch marks are old and white, they remain sensitive to UV! At Sorio, we love the SVR Sun Secure Blur SPF50 cream: its mousse texture blurs imperfections and leaves a perfect velvety finish for summer, while effectively protecting sensitive skin and stretch marks. A real favorite! 💛

2. Protect yourself with light, covering clothingIn addition to sunscreen, wear loose, light clothing

made of cotton or linen. A pareo, a kimono, an oversized t-shirt can be your best allies during walks or rest moments in the sun.These pieces let you stay stylish while protecting your sensitive areas from UV rays, especially in the middle of the day. 🌤️3. Use protective vegetable oils (in addition to, not instead of sunscreen)

Certain vegetable oils, like

karanja oil, raspberry

or

buriti

, are known for their naturally photoprotective properties. They don’t replace sunscreen but strengthen the skin barrier and deeply nourish the skin.💡 Apply them in the evening, after showering, or mixed with sunscreen (if the formula allows), to optimize hydration and skin suppleness.4. Hydrate your skin morning and evening, without exceptionWell-hydrated skin

is more resistant to external aggressions and heals better. Use a

rich cream or body lotion

with nourishing ingredients (shea butter, aloe vera, vegetable oils) to help your skin stay supple, soft, and well protected.After sun exposure, favor soothing and repairing care, especially if you got sunburned. 🔥5. Avoid sun exposure between 12pm and 4pmThese are the hours when UV rays are strongest and most harmful. Even with sunscreen, it’s better to stay in the shade or limit direct exposure

. It’s also the best time for a nap or to enjoy an ice cream in the shade. 🍦

These steps are simple but

extremely effective to keep your skin even, supple, and protect your stretch marks all summer long. But then, can you really tan when you have stretch marks? Spoiler: yes, but not just any way. We explain everything right after. 🤗

Tanning with stretch marks: is it really a good idea?You have stretch marks and want to tan this summer? Good news: it’s possible

, provided you take some precautions.

But beware: these fragile areas don’t react like the rest of your skin. They tan little or not at all because they consist of broken fibers that produce almost no melanin (the pigment that colors the skin).

Result? When tanning, stretch marks tend to stay lighter, which can make them more visible by contrast.💡 This doesn’t mean you have to avoid the sun at all costs, but simply learn to protect these areas differently and gently embrace these pretty stripes that are part of your skin. Common misconceptions about stretch marks and tanning

It’s time to separate fact from fiction: some common beliefs about stretch marks and tanning can mislead you and harm your skin.

“The sun will make them disappear” ❌: false. On the contrary, unprotected exposure can fix their pigmentation and make them darker permanently.

“They will blend with my tan”

❌: not really. As explained above, stretch marks don’t pigment the same way as the rest of the skin. Result: the more you tan, the more they can stand out.

And what about

self-tanners? These products can slightly reduce the contrast effect by coloring the skin evenly. But this camouflage is temporary and does not affect the texture or depth of stretch marks.You got it: when it comes to stretch marks, it’s better to forget misconceptions and adopt the right habits!

The sun is good for your mood, but not always for your stretch marks. 🤗 Exposing them without protection risks marking them more, slowing their healing, or creating lasting pigmentation irregularities. But rest assured: you can enjoy summer guilt-free by understanding how stretch marks react to UV, protecting sensitive (often forgotten) areas, and adopting the right habits (sunscreen, hydration, light clothing)!

And don’t forget: stretch marks are part of you, they don’t define you, and you’re not the only one who has them. What matters is to take care of them kindly, all year round.Take care of yourself, your skin… and your summer! 💙These products can slightly reduce the contrast effect by evenly coloring the skin. However, this camouflage is temporary and does not affect the texture or depth of stretch marks.

You got it: when it comes to stretch marks, it's best to forget preconceived ideas and adopt the right habits!

The sun is good for your mood, but it's not always good for your stretch marks. 🤗 Exposing them without protection can make them more noticeable, slow down their healing, or cause lasting pigmentation irregularities.

But rest assured: you can enjoy the summer without feeling guilty by understanding how stretch marks react to UV rays, protecting sensitive areas (often forgotten), and adopting the right habits (sunscreen, hydration, light clothing)!

And don't forget: stretch marks are a part of you, they don't define you, and you're not the only one who has them. What matters is to take care of them with kindness, all year round.

Take care of yourself, your skin... and your summer! 💙