Natural Ways To Chase Away Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are visible lines on the skin surface with an off colour hue, they are mostly found in the abdominal wall but can also occur over the thighs, upper hand and breast.



Sometimes stretch marks can cover large areas of the body. While pregnancy is the main cause of stretch marks in women, other reasons can be sudden gain or loss in weight, heredity factors, stress, rapid growth and change in physical conditions.

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 the skin is stretched the collagen is weakened and its normal production is interrupted and damaged thereby a stretch mark is born. Stretch mark appear on the skin surface when someone grows quickly or puts on weight quickly.


Stretch marks can make one feel self conscious and uncomfortable about one’s appearance but there are several natural ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and we will be discussing few.

Aloe Vera

This is effective in treating many skin problems. Its healing and soothing properties can be used to get rid of stretch marks. Rub aloe vera gel on the affected part leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.

Lemon juice

It is naturally acidic which helps heal and reduce stretch marks, acne and other scars. Rub fresh lemon juice gently onto the stretch marks in a circular motion, allow the juice to soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water or mix equal quantity of cucumber and lemon juice then apply the mixture on the stretch marks.

Castor oil

This is often used in treatment of different skin problems such as age spots, dark spots, pimples,wrinkles, moles etc can also be used to get rid of stretch marks.

Gently massage the area in a circular motion with castor oil for 5 to 10 minutes, wrap the area with a thin cotton cloth using a hot water bottle or a heating pad apply heat to the affected part for at least half an hour. Repeat this process for a minimum of one month to notice positive results.

Egg whites

Eggs are rich source of protein. For stretch marks, use only the egg whites which contain amino acids and proteins. Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a fork, clean the affected area with water then apply a thick layer of egg whites with a makeup brush allow the egg whites to dry completely then rinse with cold water. Finally apply some olive oil on the skin to keep it moisturized, repeat the process daily at least for two weeks and watch for positive results.

Sugar

Natural white sugar is one of the natural remedies to get rid of stretch marks, you can use sugar to exfoliate your skin. Mix a teaspoon of raw sugar with some almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice, mix it well and apply on the stretch marks and other skin areas gently rub the mixture on the skin for few minutes everyday before taking your bath. Do this for a month or so and watch your stretch marks become lighter.

Water

Keeping your body well hydrated helps protect the skin from many kinds of problems and also aids in detoxification, it also helps keep skin supple and restores elasticity. Drink one or two glasses of water several times a day it keeps your body hydrated and also makes your skin soft and help maintain its elasticity, it is advisable to avoid tea, soda and coffee.

Olive oil

Contains a lot of nutrients and antioxidants that help improve various skin problems including stretch marks. Massage slightly warm extra virgin olive oil into the affected area it will improve the blood circulation and reduce the stretch mark to a large extent, leave it for half an hour so that the vitamins A, D and E present in the oil can absorb into the skin. You can also mix olive oil with vinegar and water and use it as a night cream, it will help your skin stay moisturized and also exfoliate the skin.
Note that these natural remedies can not completely remove stretch marks they can only help the stretch marks fade.