Stretch marks are visible lines on the skin
surface. The skin consists of three main layers: Epidermis (the outer layer),
Dermis (the middle layer) and Subcutaneous or Hypodermic (the deepest layer).
Stretch marks form in the dermis or middle layer of the skin when the
connective tissue is “stretched” beyond the power of its flexibility due to
rapid expansion or contraction of the skin.
As skin is stretched, the collagen is
weakened and its normal production cycle is interrupted and damaged. This
ultimately results in fine scars under the top layer of the
skin. Initially the marks look pink or red, but over
time a thin, silvery line appears on the skin surface and a stretch mark is
born.
Stretch marks appear on the skin surface when
someone grows quickly, or puts on weight quickly. They are mainly found in the
abdominal wall, but can also occur over the thighs, upper arms, buttocks and
breasts.
An excessive number of stretch marks can also
indicate that something's wrong. They might appear when you gain weight, take
oral corticosteroids, use topical steroids, or have adrenal gland disease,
Cushing's disease, or one of several rare genetic disorders. If you start
seeing widespread stretch marks on your body, see a doctor for a possible
diagnosis [source:Kantor].
Stretch
marks can be embarrassing but the good news is that there are several natural
ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
1. ALOE VERA
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that is very
effective in the treatment of many skin problems. Its healing and soothing
properties can be used to get rid of stretch marks. Below are a couple of ways
to apply it.
·
Directly
rub aloe vera gel on the affected skin area, leave it on for 15 minutes and
then rinse the skin with lukewarm water.
·
Alternatively, make a mixture
with one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel, oil from 10 vitamin E capsules and
oil from five vitamin A capsules. Rub this mixture onto the skin until fully
absorbed. Repeat this process daily.
2. CASTOR OIL
Castor oil, which is used in the treatment of a
number of skin problems such as wrinkles, age spots, moles, dark spots, fine
lines and pimples, can also be used to get rid of stretch marks. Below are a
couple of ways to apply it.
·
Apply some castor oil to the stretch
marks and gently massage the area in circular motions for 5 to 10 minutes.
·
Wrap the area with a thin, cotton
cloth. Using a hot water bottle or a heating pad, apply some heat to the
affected area for at least a half an hour.
·
Repeat this process daily for a minimum
of one month to notice positive results.
3. LEMON JUICE
Another simple way to lessen stretch marks is to
use lemon juice. Lemon juice is naturally acidic which helps heal and reduce
stretch marks, acne, and other scars. Below are a couple of ways to apply it.
·
Rub fresh lemon juice gently onto the
stretch marks using circular motions. Allow the lemon juice to soak into your
skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
·
Another option is to mix equal
quantities of cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply the mixture on the
stretch marks.
4. EGG WHITES
Eggs are a rich source of protein. For stretch
marks, you want to use only the egg whites, which contain amino acids and proteins. Below are a
couple of ways to apply it.
·
Whip the whites of two eggs gently with
a fork. Clean the affected skin area with water and then apply a thick layer of
egg whites with a makeup brush.
·
Allow the egg whites to dry completely
and then rinse the area with cold water.
·
Finally apply some olive oil on the
skin to keep it moisturized.
·
Repeat the process daily for at least
two weeks and watch for positive results.
5. SUGAR
Natural white sugar is one of the best natural
remedies to get rid of stretch marks. Below are a couple of ways to apply it.
·
Mix a tablespoon of raw sugar with some
almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply it on the
stretch marks and other skin areas.
·
Gently rub the mixture on the skin for
a few minutes every day before taking a shower.
·
Do this for a month or so and watch
your stretch marks become lighter.
6. COCOA BUTTER
Cocoa butter is also very beneficial in treating
stretch marks. Being an excellent natural
moisturizer, it helps nourish your skin and reduce
the appearance of stretch marks.
·
You must apply cocoa butter over the
affected area at least two times a day for a few months.
·
Another option is to make a mixture
using half a cup of cocoa butter, one tablespoon of wheat germ oil, two
teaspoons of grated beeswax and one teaspoon each of apricot kernel oil and
vitamin E oil. Heat this mixture until the beeswax melts. You can store the
mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator and apply it to your
stretch marks two to three times a day. This mixture will make your skin more
hydrated and smooth.
7. POTATO JUICE
Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that
foster growth and restoration of skin cells. Below are a couple of ways to
apply it.
·
Cut a medium-sized potato into thick
slices.
·
Take one of the potato pieces and rub
it gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes. Make sure the starch from the
potato covers the affected area.
·
Allow the potato juice to dry for some
time and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
8. Alfalfa
Alfalfa leaves contain eight essential amino acids
which are good for overall health of the skin. They are also rich in protein
and vitamins E and K, which help nourish the skin. Below are a couple of ways
to apply it.
·
Mix some alfalfa power with a few drops
of chamomile oil to form a smooth paste.
·
Massage the paste into the affected
area two to three times a day.
·
Repeat this daily for a few weeks and
you will notice great improvement.
9. OLIVE OIL
Olive oil contains a lot of nutrients and
antioxidants that help improve various skin problems including stretch marks.
Below are a couple of ways to apply it.
·
Massage slightly warm extra-virgin
olive oil into the affected skin area. This will improve the blood circulation
and reduce the stretch marks to a great extent.
·
Leave it for half an hour so that the
vitamins A, D and E present in the oil are absorbed by the skin.
You can also mix olive oil with vinegar and water
and use it as a night cream. This will keep your skin stay moisturized and also
exfoliate the skin.
10. WATER
Keeping your body well hydrated helps protect the
skin from many kinds of problems and also aids
in detoxification. It also helps keep the skin supple
and restores elasticity.
Try to drink one to two glasses of water several
times during a day. Experts say drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is
the best way to keep the body hydrated.
It will also make your skin soft and help maintain
its elasticity. It is advisable to avoid coffee, tea or soda though.
These remedies can help stretch marks fade, but
they may not completely remove them. You can always see your doctor if you are
greatly concerned about the appearance of stretch marks on your skin.
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