STRETCH MARKS?
ELIMINATE THEM NATURALLY & QUICKLY

Female belly with pregnancy stretch marks closeup on a gray background

Tiger stripes—a beautiful reminder of the exceptional feat of giving birth. They are such a natural part of pregnancy and nothing to loath or be embarrassed about, but the reality is that they can take a toll on a woman’s self-esteem.

Stretch marks are a form of skin scarring that involves the tearing of the dermis—a layer of skin just below the surface. The tearing of this connective tissue causes purple colored ridges that are visible from the surface. Although these scars/marks normally fade over time, without treatment they usually remain permanently visible.

Some women’s skin naturally has great elasticity which prevents marking, but not all of us are that lucky. Though not completely unavoidable, stretch marks can be significantly controlled and reduced so they are barely visible after the delivery (or weight loss). All it really needs is some regular daily care, which you deserve and should be giving yourself anyway!

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

First let’s talk about what to do & not to do in order to avoid stretch marks from the get-go.

1. Maintain a healthy diet. Regular intake of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, proteins, and healthy fats will improve elasticity, increase collagen production, and help maintain tissue repair and growth.
2. Hydration! We can’t emphasize enough the importance of drinking plenty of water and keeping yourself well hydrated. You can also consume fresh juices and anti-oxidant rich teas such as white or green tea.
3. Maintain a healthy blood circulation by regular walking, yoga, or other exercises.
4. Regularly massage your whole body, preferable twice a day, with coconut butter or oil, shea butter, olive oil, almond oil or any other natural moisturizer of your choice. This not only soothes your nerves and is good for blood circulation, it also significantly removes the chances of getting stretch marks.
5. Rub a heavy moisturizer like coco butter on your belly before sleep right from the onset of your pregnancy.
6. Exfoliate at least twice a week the areas of your skin that are prone to develop stretch marks such as stomach, thighs, hips, and chest.

REMEDIES FOR STRETCH MARKS

There are many creams, gels, and laser treatments available for stretchmarks but natural means is always the best approach. Not only is it cheaper and easily available—sometimes in your own pantry; at least you know what is entering your body. Clean ingredients keep your body younger and at its optimal function far longer than the use of chemical and synthetic products.
Below are some of the time-tested and famous remedies for stretchmarks. Try a few, choose what works best for your body and stick to it until you achieve desired results.

1. OIL MASSAGE
   Regular massage of the areas with stretch marks—belly, thighs, hips, and chest—with vitamin rich oils increases its elasticity and its ability to heal and repair tissues, thereby eliminating stretch marks. Some of the most popular oils to be used are:
   1. Olive Oil
      Take oil in your palm and rub gently until it is slightly warm. Massage around the affected area. As often as possible, take a bath after applying the oil. This helps eliminate stretch marks faster.
      You can also mix olive oil with water and apple cider vinegar in equal portions, and apply it on the affected area at night.
   2. Vitamin E with oil
      Mix Vitamin E oil with any oil or moisturizer of your choice and apply on stretch marks daily until desired results are achieved. Note: You can buy Vitamin E soft gels and pop them to extract the oil.
   3. Sweet Almond Oil
      Sweet almond oil is rich in nutrients. It strengthens and nourishes the skin and promotes blood circulation which effective prevent and eliminate stretch marks. Take some oil in your and rub gently until it is slightly warm. Apply on the affected area (or all over your body) twice a day, especially after showers and before sleep for best results.
   4. Coconut Oil
      Benefits of coconut oil for skin and hair are no secret. The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil reverse damage and soften skin. Take some oil in your and rub gently until it is slightly warm. Apply on the affected area (or all over your body) twice a day, especially after showers and before sleep for best results.
   5. Castor Oil
      Castor oil is quite thick in consistency and thus requires a little extra effort for the skin to absorb it properly. Warm the oil by taking it in your palms and rubbing them gently together. Apply it on the affected area and cover it with a soft cotton or flannel cloth for 15 to 20 minutes. You can apply hot water bottle on top of the cloth to further help the absorption even though it is not necessary. Afterwards, wash it off. Do it once daily until desired results are achieved.
   6. Avocado Oil
      High concentrations of skin essential vitamins such as A, B1, B2, E and D, as well as fatty acids in Avocado oil help improve skin elasticity. Mix with equal amount of sweet almond oil for best results. Apply twice a day as your regular moisturizer.
   2. ALOE VERA GEL
      Aloe Vera fights inflammation, regenerates skin tissue and restores moisture to the skin. Simply squeeze out the gel from the plant and apply it on the affected area. Wash it off after 30 to 40 minutes and apply moisturizer.
   3. BODY BUTTERS
      Just as the oil treatment, you can do the butter treatment. Cocoa and Shea butter are both great choices. Soften the butter by rubbing it gently between your palms and apply it to the affected area. Regular application improves the elasticity of the skin, hydrates the skin and improves circulation. For best results, apply after shower before bed time.
   4. EGG WHITES
      Eggs are a time-tested remedy for skin care. They are a rich source of protein and help rejuvenate and repair your skin. Separate egg white from the yolk and gently whisk it until it slightly thickens. Apply it daily on the marks until they fade away. Wash off after 30 to 40 minutes and apply your regular moisturizer.
   5. EXFOLIATION
      Regularly exfoliating dead skin speeds up the healing and regrowth process, as well as eliminates scarring and stretch marks. Exfoliate daily during bath.
      1. SUGAR
         Mix 1 tablespoon of sugar with a few drops of lemon juice and a few drops of almond oil, just enough to form a thick paste. Gently scrub on your stretch marks for a few minutes and then wash.
      2. COFFEE
         Mix the coffee grounds with either water, aloe vera gel, or olive oil. Form a paste thick enough to be applied to the skin. Gently scrub for a few minutes on the affected area and then wash. Moisturize the skin as usual.
      3. OATS
         Soak oats in warm water for a few minutes to form a thick paste. Apply it all over your body, scrubbing longer on the affected area. Use loofah or wash cloth for added benefit. Wash and apply moisturizer as usual.
   6. LEMON JUICE
      Lemon juice can heal skin, and reduce scarring & discoloration. Simply rub half a lemon on stretch marks and the discolored areas of the skin. Let the juice soak into your skin. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash with cold water and apply moisturizer.
   7. POTATO JUICE
      Take freshly cut half potato and apply (slightly vigorously) on the affected area of the skin. Allow the potato juice to soak in and dry. It will leave a thin whitish layer on the skin. Wash with cold water and apply moisturizer.
   8. HONEY
      Rub honey onto scars twice daily. The antibacterial properties of honey promote skin cell growth and help heal wounds. It is not recommended to use honey if you have oily skin.
   9. SANDALWOOD POWDER
      Mix sandalwood powder with either rose water, almond oil, milk cream, aloe vera gel, or olive oil to make a paste. Massage on skin before taking bath. Apply this mixture twice a week.
   10. ALFALFA POWDER
       Mix alfalfa powder with almond or olive oil to form a thick paste. Massage into the affected area for a few minutes and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
   11. APRICOT MASK
       Cut open and de-seed the fresh fruit. Crush the fruit till it is pulp. Massage that pulp into the affected area of the skin and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and apply a moisturizer. Apply once daily until desired results are achieved.
   12. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
       Fill a spray bottle with ACV and spray onto the affected area of the skin, or apply with a cotton ball. Leave overnight and wash the next morning. Moisturize the skin thoroughly as ACV tends to dry the skin. If you have sensitive skin, dilute ACV with equal amount of water before applying on the skin.
   13. BAKING SODA WITH LEMON
       Baking soda and lemon are two of the greatest weapons to fight off various internal and external ailments. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with the juice of half lemon to form a paste. Apply it on the affected area with the help of cotton balls and wrap the area with plastic bag or cling film for half an hour. Rinse with cold water and moisturize. Apply daily for first two weeks and then on alternate days until marks are totally eliminated.
   14. VICKS VAPO RUB
       Weird, yeah? It really works! The menthol in the Vicks enhances the blood circulation in the affected area thereby promoting skin healing. Massage Vicks vapo rub into the affected area for a few minutes and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe off with wet cotton ball to clean the area; rinse if needed. Apply once a day for at least a month to achieve results. Note: Do not apply close to the crotch to prevent possible irritation and burning sensation.
   15. WATER
       Drink at least 10 to 12 cups of water daily to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Reduce the intake of coffee, tea and carbonated beverages. Instead drink green or white tea, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and herbal teas.

   No two people are the same. What worked for one may not work for the other. That is why we have shared a wide range of treatments. Try a few until you find what works best for you.

   And do let us know what worked for you!

   Tags: Beauty, female health, physical, skin