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

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

When we expose ourselves to the sun, we often think about protecting our face or shoulders. But the stretch marks, they are far too often overlooked. So let's look together at the effects of UV on stretch marks et les réflexes à adopter en été !

Reminder: what is a stretch mark?

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

Les stretch marks are micro-scars which appear when your skin undergoes too rapid stretching, often due to a pregnancy, one weight gain important, or even to hormonal upheavals.

They can be dewy, red, purple when they are recent or pearly white once they are completely healed. 

👉 To better understand their origin and learn how to differentiate them, feel free to consult our dedicated article: Stretch marks: stop the misconceptions, here’s the useful information!

Your stretch marks change over time, sometimes discreet, sometimes more visible. And facing the sun, they need a special care. We explain why protecting them is so important.

Why is it important to protect stretch marks from the sun?

You love the sun, but did you know it can be the silent enemy of your stretch marks ? When exposing your skin, it is often to achieve a golden complexion, brighten your skin tone, or simply enjoy the feeling of the sun on your skin. 🌞

However, the stretch marks do not react like the rest of the skin. They do not do not tan, or very little, and can become more visible under the effect of UV rays. In particular, the UVA and UVB can affect their appearance.

The sun directly affects the appearance of your skin. It in reduces elasticity, accelerates its aging, and causes tissue sagging.

Result? From the more pronounced stretch marks, deeper, more marked, even darkened irreversibly.

UVA or UVB: what’s the difference?

The UVA penetrate deeply into the dermis. These are the main causes of premature skin aging, loss of elasticity, and the appearance of pigmentation spots. They are present all year round, even on cloudy days. 🌤️

The UVB act more on the surface. They are the ones that cause sunburns and can visibly and immediately damage the epidermis. They are more intense in summer, especially between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

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 concrete risks for your stretch marks?

As we saw earlier, the stretch marks are micro-scars and like any scar, they are more sensitive to external aggressions. Prolonged exposure to the sun, without appropriate protection, can cause:

• One irregular pigmentation : stretch marks can darken or take on a brownish hue that does not fade, even after summer. 
• A slowing down of the repair process : especially if the stretch marks are recent, red, or purple. The sun can slow their natural progression towards a more faded form.
• A fragile skin : drier, more prone to irritation, with a less uniform appearance.

Rest assured, this is not inevitable. By knowing the right protective measures, you can avoid these inconveniences while enjoying the sun. Before taking action, it is essential to know which parts of your body are most vulnerable to the sun.

We guide you! ⬇️

Stretch marks: the most vulnerable parts of the body to the sun

Summer is here, the 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

The stretch marks are more sensitive to the sun. Their different structure makes the skin thinner, more fragile, and therefore more exposed to the effects of UV rays.

Result? They can become unevenly pigmented, darken, or become more visible.

Take a few extra seconds to apply your sunscreen generously on your existing stretch marks. 

These are small simple gestures, but they make all the difference. 

2. Prevent potential stretch marks

We rarely think about the stretch marks that are not there yet. However, prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can weaken the skin, alter its elasticity, and promote the appearance of new stretch marks, especially if the skin is already subjected to stretching (weight gain or loss, growth, pregnancy...).

Here are the "areas to watch":

• The buttocks : often discovered when lying down on your towel 🏖️
• The hips : clearly visible with low-cut tops or low-rise panties 👙
• The belly : exposed when tanning or wearing a crop top 👚
• La chest : the skin is very thin and fragile, it marks easily 😉  

Even if they do not yet show any signs, these areas deserve as much attention as the face or shoulders. Because well-hydrated and well-protected skin is skin that is more resilient and calmer under the sun. 🌞

In summary: sun cream + hydration = winning combo for pamper your stretch marks (present or potential) all summer long!

So let's focus on the right habits to adopt to protect your stretch marks from the sun, gently. 🌸

5 simple steps to protect your stretch marks from the sun

You want 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 all while tanning with a light heart. ☀️

Here are the 5 essential gestures to include in your summer routine:

1. Apply an SPF 50+ sunscreen everywhere, really everywhere

It cannot be repeated enough: the sunscreen is your best ally. Choose a plan at index 50 or more, suitable for your skin type. Apply it generously all over the body, including stretch mark areas such as the hips, stomach, and chest.

⏰ Don't forget to renew the application every two hours, and systematically after swimming or if you sweat. Even if your stretch marks are old and white, they remain sensitive to UV!

At Sorio, we love the SVR Sun Secure Blur Cream SPF50 : its mousse texture blurs imperfections and leaves a velvety finish perfect for summer, while effectively protecting the skin and sensitive stretch marks. A real favorite! 💛  

2. Protect yourself with lightweight and covering clothing

In addition to the cream, wear loose and light clothing in cotton or linen. A pareo, a kimono, an oversized t-shirt can be your best allies during walks or moments of rest in the sun.

These pieces allow you to stay stylish while protecting your sensitive areas from UV rays, especially in the middle of the day. 🌤️

3. Use protective vegetable oils (as a supplement, not instead of the cream)

Certain vegetable oils, such as l’karanja oil, of raspberry or of buriti, are known for their naturally photoprotective properties. They do not replace sunscreen, but they strengthen the skin barrier and deeply nourish the skin.

💡 Apply them in the evening, after the shower, or mixed with a sunscreen (if the formula allows), to optimize hydration and suppleness of your skin.

4. Moisturize your skin morning and night, without exception

A well-hydrated skin est more resistant to external aggressions and heals better. Use a cream or a rich body lotion in nourishing actives (shea butter, aloe vera, vegetable oils) to help your skin stay supple, soft, and well protected.

After exposure, opt for soothing and restorative care, especially if you have a sunburn. 🔥

5. Avoid exposure between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

It is during these hours when the UV rays are the strongest and the most harmful. Even with sun protection, it is better to stay in the shade or limit direct exposures. It is also the best time to take a nap or enjoy an ice cream in the shade. 🍦

These actions are simple, but deadly effective for keeping skin even, flexible, and protect your stretch marks throughout the summer.

But then, can you really tan when you have stretch marks? Spoiler: yes, but not just any way. We'll explain everything right after. 🤗

Tanning with stretch marks: is it really a good idea?

You have some stretch marks and want to tan this summer ? Good news: it's possible, provided that some precautions are taken.

But be careful: these weakened areas do not react like the rest of your skin. They tan little, if at all, because they are made up of broken fibers that produce almost no melanin (the pigment that colors the skin).

Result? When you tan, the stretch marks tend to remain lighter, which can make them more visible by contrast.

💡 This does not mean you have to avoid the sun at all costs, but simply learn to protect these areas differently and gently embrace these lovely stripes that are part of your skin. 

False ideas about stretch marks and tanning

It is time to untangle fact from fiction: some common misconceptions about stretch marks and tanning can mislead you and harm your skin.

“The sun will make them disappear” ❌ : this is false. On the contrary, unprotected exposure can fix their pigmentation and make them darker in a lasting way.

"They will blend with my tan" ❌: not really. As explained above, stretch marks do not pigment in the same way as the rest of the skin. Result: the more you tan, the more they can stand out.

And what about the self-tanners? These products can slightly reduce the contrast effect by evenly coloring the skin. But this camouflage is temporary and does not affect the texture or depth of stretch marks in any way.

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

The sun is good for your mood, but it is not always good for your stretch marks. 🤗 By exposing them without protection, you risk making them more noticeable, slowing their healing, or causing lasting pigment irregularities.

But rest assured: you can enjoy the summer without guilt 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 part of you, they do not define you, and you are 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! 💙