Those fine lines, quite visible along the hips, the knees, and breasts often come along with pregnancy in women. These stretch marks tend to stay for long after the childbirth. They're perfectly acceptable lines of beauty and a part of the body's natural developments, significant to women. Also, a few teens and young adults also go through this, due to significant changes in body shape during adolescence and puberty. Though stretch marks are tough to get completely rid of, there are ways to fade them out. The market is flooded with stretch mark removal chemical-based creams and chemical treatments, but none of them is as effective and safe in the long run as the natural remedies for stretch marks.
Why Do Stretch Marks Occur?
Stretch marks occur not only to pregnant women. Adolescents, young men and women are all prone to stretch marks on various parts of the body. One significant cause of stretch marks, as the name suggests, is due to excessive stretching of the skin in particular areas. This has many plausible reasons. Quick and significant weight gain is the most common reason for stretch marks. The skin does not have enough time to grow and expand. Instead, it is forced to stretch because of sudden weight gain. This is the reason of stretch marks on the waist, stomach and breasts of pregnant women. Stretch marks mainly occur in the upper arms, knees mainly due to increased muscle stretches in a direction. During adolescence, both boys and girls undergo significant changes in their body shape and gain weight in parts of the body, which can cause stretch marks for men and young adults. Even Intensive weight and muscle gain programs can result in stretch marks. Also, Genetics plays a huge role in inheriting the susceptibility of stretch marks from your parents and grandparents. Another noted reason for the appearance of stretch marks is the inadequacy of nutrition acquired by the skin. The skin health is determined by collagen and elastin. They are the proteins produced in the body to lubricant and provide elasticity to the skin. The skin needs a minimal level of hydration and nourishment to balance between the stretches and contraction due to various activities. Stretch marks are difficult to handle and to remove permanently. However there simple yet effective home remedies which help to fade these scars over time and prevent or slow down new ones.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks
Here are some well-known and age proved home remedies for stretch marks, which help to get rid of them permanently.
1. Aloe Vera
What You Will Need
- Freshly cut Aloe Vera leaf
- Spoon and Knife
- A small bowl
What You Need To Do
Cut a fresh Aloe Vera leaf and slit it along the length through the sides. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the Aloe Vera gel and deposit it into a small. Stir and beat the mixture to form uniform consistency. Spread the gel over the areas of stretch marks. Gently massage it into the skin and let it be absorbed for 20-30 minutes. You can also include some oil from Vitamin A and Vitamin E capsules while beating the Aloe Vera gel. Wash with Lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
It is recommended to use it at least once a day until you can see the stretch marks fading.
Why This Remedy Works
Aloe Vera is an age-old remedy for all kinds of skin problems. It is known to have miraculous healing properties, which are highly useful in regenerating new cells and rejuvenating the skin within the deep layers. It lubricates and enriches the skin from within, replacing the strained cells with new ones.
Also Read : Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin, Hair and Health
2. Argan Oil
What You Will Need
Organic Argan Oil
What You Need To Do
Gently massage the oil into the damaged part of the skin and let it be fully absorbed by the skin. Do not rinse or wipe away.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Use it 2 to 3 times a day to elevate the process of fading stretch marks.
Why This Remedy Works
Rich in vitamin E and antioxidant properties, Argan oil is one of the main constituents in skin care and other cosmetic products. It helps to diminish stretch marks and other scars apart from healing and nourishing the skin. It is scientifically proven that the collagen and elastin fibres of the skin are renewed and refreshed by the use of Argan oil.
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3. Lemon Juice
What You Will Need
- A full ripe lemon
- A small bowl
- Cotton dab
What You Need To Do
Squeeze out one full lemon into a small bowl. With the help of a cotton dab, spread the lemon juice evenly over the stretch marks and let the skin absorb the lemon juice. Rinse with lukewarm water and apply a moisturizer.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Follow this as a daily routine.
Why This Remedy Works
Naturally acidic, Lemon juice is one of the natural home remedies to get rid of stretch marks. It is known to heal the skin of all kinds of scars due to its bleaching property.
4. Egg Whites
What You Will Need
An Egg
What You Need To Do
Separate the egg yolk and the egg whites. Whip the egg whites into a creamy consistency. Evenly spread it onto the skin and gently massage. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Repeat this twice weekly to aggravate the process of removing stretch marks.
Why This Remedy Works
As a good source of amino acids and proteins, egg white is highly nutritious for the skin. It is known to lighten the scars, aiding in easier fading of the marks. Also, it helps in tightening the skin back to its original level, reducing wrinkles.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
What You Will Need
1 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar
What You Need To Do
Before you go to bed, spray some Apple cider vinegar over the stretch marks and let it be absorbed by the skin and air dry overnight. Wash it in the morning and moisturize the skin.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Repeat this on a daily basis to ensure a faster recovery from stretch marks.
Why This Remedy Works
Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most useful home remedies for all kinds of skin troubles. It is very useful to lighten the scars and bring out an even skin tone.
6. Cocoa Butter
What You Will Need
- Half a cup of Cocoa Butter
- 1 Tablespoon of beeswax
- 1 Tablespoon of Vitamin E oil
- 1 Tablespoon of Wheat Germ Oil
- 1 Tablespoon of Kernel Oil
What You Need To Do
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and heat it until the beeswax has melted completely. Store it in an airtight container, preferably inside the refrigerator. Apply it over the stretch marks, massage it gently and let it be absorbed by the skin completely.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Apply it like a moisturizer over the stretch parts of the skin two to three times a day.
Why This Remedy Works
Cocoa butter is known to hydrate the skin and result in a soft, supple skin with a radiant glow. It can treat the damaged layers of skin and help it heal faster. With regular use, you can significantly see the stretch marks vanish.
7. Turmeric
What You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric
- A half cup of yogurt (or Fresh cream)
What You Need To Do
In a small bowl, mix the turmeric and yogurt evenly to form a mixture. Apply this over the stretch marks and let it dry for 15-20 minutes. Later, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry before you moisturize.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Follow this routine two times a day for best results.
Why This Remedy Works
Turmeric is full of properties beneficial for skin, apart from possessing anti-inflammatory properties, coupled with antioxidants. It helps to prevent the formation of new stretch marks along with diminishing the visibility of already existing ones.
8. Olive Oil
What You Will Need
- Half a cup of Extra Virgin Olive oil
- A small heating bowl
What You Need To Do
Heat the Olive oil for a few seconds, before massaging them into the stretch marks. Let it be absorbed by the skin. Do not rinse or wipe away.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Repeat this routine every alternative day for best effects.
Why This Remedy Works
Olive oil has all the essential nourishment for the skin in terms of the antioxidants and lubrication along with the vitamins and minerals. It helps to hydrate the skin and heal damaged layers of the skin.
9. Baking Soda
What You Will Need
- One tablespoon of Baking Soda
- Juice from one lemon
- A cling wrap
What You Need To Do
Mix the baking soda with lemon juice into a paste of running consistency. Apply it over the affected area and wrap in cling. Let it sit undisturbed for about half an hour. Remove the wrap and rinse with warm water.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Follow this process on a daily basis for assured relief from stretch marks
Why This Remedy Works
Baking soda is a very good skin exfoliator and helps to remove the dry and dead skin cells. It aids in the production of new cells, thereby reducing the visibility of stretch marks.
10. Almond Oil
What You Will Need
- 1 or 2 teaspoons of almond oil
- Any essential oil of your choice
What You Need To Do
Heat the almond oil along with a few drops of essential oils. Apply this mixture over the stretch marks and let the skin absorb it all.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Repeat this routine every day for speedy removal of stretch marks.
Why This Remedy Works
With the essential amounts of vitamin E and antioxidants, Almond oil is widely used as a natural moisturizer. It helps to heal the skin and regenerate new cells for easy removal of stretch marks.
Also Read : Almond Oil for Skin - Benefits and Recipe
11. Coffee Scrub
What You Will Need
- Coffee Grounds
- Water or olive oil
What You Need To Do
Mix the Coffee grounds with water or olive oil, to make a paste of slightly running consistency. Use this paste to gently massage the area of stretched marks in circular motions across the lines. Leave it for 5 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Do this routinely every day until there are visible improvements in the skin outlook.
Why This Remedy Works
Coffee is rich in caffeine; it can easily penetrate into the skin and degrade the fats underneath the skin, which form the white stretch marks. The scrubbing action aids in improving blood circulation, promoting the nourishment of the skin. This, on the whole, lightens the stretch marks.
12. Castor Oil
What You Will Need
- 2 Tablespoons of Castor Oil
- Half a cup of coconut oil
- A small heating bowl
What You Need To Do
Pour in the Castor oil into the heating bowl with coconut oil. Heat the oil mixture over medium flame for a few seconds and massage it gently in circular motions on the stretched skin.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Repeat the process every alternative day for best results.
Why This Remedy Works
Since castor oil is pretty thick in consistency, it is coupled with coconut oil for added benefits of rich nourishment and healing of the skin. Both the oils are highly reputed for their skin conditioning properties and deep healing.
Also Read : Tips to Use Castor Oil for Stretch Marks
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid which greatly helps in reducing the appearance of stretch marks on your skin, since it is a fatty acid which repairs damaged skin while providing moisturizing benefits to your skin.
13. Tea Tree Oil
What You Will Need
- 5-6 drops of Tea Tree Oil
- 1 tablespoon of Coconut oil or olive oil
What You Need To Do
Mix the oils and spread it evenly onto the skin, in circular motions concentrating on the lines of stretch marks. Let it be absorbed by the skin in some time.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Follow this method twice daily for improved and faster results.
Why This Remedy Works
Along with anti-inflammatory properties, Tea Tree oil has many other benefits of which fading stretch marks is a significant one.
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14. Jojoba Oil
What You Will Need
Virgin Jojoba oil
What You Need To Do
Apply a few drops of the oil directly onto the stretch marks and let it get absorbed.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Daily
Why This Remedy Works
It prevents the formation of new stretch marks and quickly heals the existing ones, by triggering new cell growth. It helps to nourish the skin deeply, and with its skin healing properties, you are assured of a positive comeback from stretch marks.
15. Rosehip Oil
What You Will Need
Pure Rosehip oil
What You Need To Do
Gently massage a few drops of Rosehip oil into the skin and leave it to be absorbed.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Daily or alternate days
Why This Remedy Works
Rosehip oil is full of antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin E etc., which are known to help the production of collagen in the body potentially. With regenerative properties, it helps build new skin layers with improved collagen, thereby overriding the stretch marks.
16. Shea Butter
What You Will Need
2 Spoons of Shea Butter
What You Need To Do
Gently apply the Shea butter over the stretch marks in circular massaging motions, concentrating on the areas with more stretch marks. Leave it on.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Use this a couple of times throughout the day.
Why This Remedy Works
Regular application of shea butter guarantees improved skin elasticity, preventing new stretch marks from the formation. Also, with its skin healing and anti-inflammatory properties, Shea butter is known to generate new skin layers with a healthier outlook.
17. Sugar Scrub
What You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of raw sugar
- A few drops of almond oil
- Half a teaspoon of lemon juice
What You Need To Do
Make a grainy scrub of the ingredients, and massage it into the skin for about 10 minutes and leave it for 3-5 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water, before moisturizing.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Scrub this into your skin two or three times a week.
Why This Remedy Works
It helps shed out the dead skin cells and improves blood circulation, to reduce the fat concentration underneath the stretch marks. This helps in removing the stretch marks within a few regular routines.
18. Vitamin E Oil
What You Will Need
A few capsules of Vitamin E
What You Need To Do
You can consume Vitamin E capsules every day. Otherwise, use them directly on the stretch marks. Extract the oil from the capsules and massage them into the skin.
How Frequently You Need To Do This
Apply this 2 to 3 times a day.
Why This Remedy Works
It is the essential vitamin for good skin health. With anti-ageing, skin healing, anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin E helps in generating new healthy skin cells within a few days of regular use.
Conclusion
We have listed for you the most effective home remedies for stretch marks. Within a few days of regular use, the above methods result in a significant reduction of visibility of stretch marks. Another important dietary requirement for getting rid of stretch marks completely is to stay hydrated. It keeps the elasticity of the skin replenished and ensures that the formation of stretch marks is inhibited. Drink plenty of water and opt for fruit juices instead of soft drinks.
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