Home Remedies For Stretch Marks

Stretch Marks are scars or lesions on the upper layer of the skin (epidermis) that tend to diminish partially over a period of time and can ...

Stretch Marks are scars or lesions on the upper layer of the skin (epidermis) that tend to diminish partially over a period of time and can be treated to a great extent with the help of several natural home remedies for Stretch Marks removal. In medical terms, Stretch Marks are referred to as Striae.

They are caused by a variety of reasons ranging from puberty to obesity and muscle building that cause rapid pulling or stretching of the skin thereby overcoming the natural elasticity of the dermis and disrupting collagen connective tissue formation. Puberty induced Stretch Marks are more common in girls as compared to boys.

Apart from surgeries, most Stretch Marks treatments, whether conventional or natural can not remove Stretch Marks completely. As conventional methods are costlier and riskier, it is preferable to opt for Stretch Marks home remedies that are inexpensive and much safer. Stretch Marks are usually not considered serious medically.

Causes and Symptoms of Stretch Marks

Rapid stretching of the skin due to pregnancy, obesity, rapid weight loss, muscle building, sudden changes in the physical or environmental conditions and other related factors contribute in the development of Stretch Marks.

Moreover, adolescents tend to develop such marks during puberty because of rapid growth. Besides, certain hormonal disorders, use of steroids or certain other medicines may also trigger this condition. A genetic predisposition to develop Stretch Marks may also cause the same.

Stretch Marks begin appearing on the skin as pink, reddish brown or dark brown colored marks or thin lines and gradually turn off-color in shade. Stretch Marks generally appear on the thighs, calves, hips, breasts and abdomen.

Natural Home Remedies for Stretch Marks

• Lavender oil and chamomile oil work as excellent natural home remedies for Stretch Marks. To prepare this natural remedy, mix seven drops of lavender oil, five drops of chamomile and an ounce of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or any other carrier oil.

Finally, gently massage the affected area with this mixture to reduce Stretch Marks naturally. Simply applying lavender oil thrice a day on a regular basis also serves as a good Stretch Marks home remedy.

Applying cocoa butter or natural shea butter on the affected area two times per day is another popular natural cure for Stretch Marks. Follow this remdy on a regular basis to get rid of Stretch Marks during pregnancy.

Cocoa butter can also be used with one teaspoon each of vitamin E oil, apricot kernel oil, wheat germ oil and two teaspoons of grated beeswax.

Heat these ingredients along with half a cup of cocoa butter until beeswax melts and store the mixture in the refrigerator. Apply this mixture regularly on Stretch Marks to eliminate them at home.

Regularly applying aloe vera gel on Stretch Marks is one of the simplest home remedies to get rid of Stretch Marks. Follow this natural treatment until the Stretch Marks fade away.

Blend a mixture of quarter cup aloe vera gel, half cup virgin olive oil, liquid of four vitamin A capsules and six vitamin E capsules. Apply this mixture regularly to reduce Stretch Marks naturally at home. Store this mixture in refrigerator for future use.

Application of aroma oils is another therapeutic Stretch Marks natural remedy. However, be careful to choose appropriate oils during pregnancy.

Regularly rubbing apricot scrub on the affected area is one of the best natural home remedies for Stretch Marks after pregnancy.

Cod liver oil and flaxseed oil are also beneficial in the natural treatment of Stretch Marks. A combination of one tablespoon each of wheat germ oil and calendula oil can also be used for Stretch Marks home treatment.

Diet for Stretch Marks

Diet, age and skin tone play an important role in facilitating the process of healing Stretch Marks. In this regard, a well balanced nutritious diet with special emphasis on vitamin E and vitamin K is highly beneficial.

Therefore, include judicious amounts of dairy products, soybeans, asparagus, carrots, tomatoes and fresh green vegetables in the diet to help cure Stretch Marks naturally. Plus, regularly consume seeds and nuts containing zinc to help tone the skin and avoid Stretch Marks as far as possible.

In addition, adequate amount of water at regular intervals throughout the day to keep the body hydrated and keep the skin healthy. Moreover, exercise regularly to keep the muscles well toned. Yoga is highly beneficial in making the muscles elastic and toning the skin.

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are the off-coloured stripes or streaks formed on the skin as a result of swift stretching of skin or weight changes. They mainly appear on abdomen due to pregnancy or obesity. In dermatology, they are termed as Striae. They are formed due to hormonal changes related to pregnancy, puberty, hormone replacement therapy, etc. Stretch marks can be commonly seen on waist, thighs, lower backs, hips, breasts, arms, and buttocks. How are these stretch marks formed? The skin of the human body consists of three main layers:

• Epidermis (the outer layer)
• Dermis (the middle layer)
• Hypodermic (the deepest and third layer)

When the connective tissue is stretched due to the expansion and contraction of skin, the stretch marks starts developing on the dermis or the middle layer of the skin. With the stretch in skin, the collagen gets weak, and the elastin fibres start tearing. Due to this, its normal production cycle gets damaged or interrupted. This results in the formation of fine scars under the epidermis or the top layer of the skin. Initially, they appear red or pink, but gradually, they turned into thin silvery line.

Causes

Stretch marks are not a disease, which infects the human body, but are the scars formed due to contraction and expansion of skin. They are basically caused by stretching of the skin. Their appearance depends on the type of skin. These ugly stretch marks are caused due to:

• The physical stretching of the skin at the end of pregnancy.
• Extraordinary weight gain, specially on arms, thighs, etc.
• Use of certain medications, including lotions, pills, Corticosteroid creams, and steroids.
• Adrenal gland diseases, Cushing’s syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Genetic disorders
• Muscle building
• Hormonal changes during puberty
• Heredity

Symptoms

What are the signs of stretch marks? No one would ever like to have stretch marks on their skin. They commonly appear on the places where a large amount of fats is deposited. Some of the symptoms which help to recognize the development of stretch marks are as follows:

• The skin becomes pink, flattened and thin before the development of stretch marks.
• Development of red, pink, or purple lines on the skin.
• Affected area becomes soft in touch.
• At the initial phase, these lines appear wrinkly and somewhat raised.
• With the passage of time, these lines convert into silver or white in colour.
• They may also appear in patches of parallel lines.
• They appear as scar.

Home Remedies for Stretch Marks

It is natural that every woman will develop stretch marks at some point of time in her life. Although they are natural, but have truly ugly looks. No woman would like to have stretch marks on her skin. What to do if, they have risen on the skin? How to get rid of stretch marks? Every woman tries some, or the other thing to reduce stretch marks from skin, including surgical treatments. But, have you heard of natural or herbal remedies for stretch marks at home? Here are some quick home remedies for stretch marks, which will undoubtedly reduce or remove the scars from the affected area.

1. Sugar

Sugar is used as a natural exfoliant for skin. It is one of the best home remedies to get rid of stretch marks. Take a tablespoon of sugar. Add some drops of almond oil and lemon juice in it. Stir it well and apply directly on the stretch marks. Rub it for 8-10 minutes and then, take a shower. Continue to use it for one month or so, until the stretch marks gets fade out.

2. Potato Juice

Potato juice is rich in minerals and vitamins. It promotes restoration and growth of skin cells. Cut thick slices of a medium-sized potato. Take one of the potato slices and rub gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes. When the juice gets dried, wash the affected area with lukewarm water.

3. Water

Water is known for carrying oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. To prevent skin from various problems, drinking water helps a lot. To get rid of stretch marks, a well-hydrated skin is required in order to allow regular detoxification of skin pores. It is the quickest remedy to heal stretch marks. Drink 10 glasses of water daily to make skin soft and maintain a hydrated body.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is considered to be the most effective homeopathic remedy for stretch marks and various other skin problems. It is known for its healing and soothing properties. Apply aloe vera directly on the stretch marks. After a few minutes, clean it with lukewarm water.

Alternatively, take a one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel. Extract oil from 5 vitamin A capsules and 10 vitamin E capsules. Mix both the oils with aloe vera. Rub this mixture carefully on the affected area until it gets fully absorbed. For better results, apply this mix daily.

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, which are effective for skin disorders. For healing stretch marks, warm the olive oil slightly. Rub it gently on the affected area. With this, the blood circulation will improve and stretch marks will get reduced.

6. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is other easy treatment for stretch marks. The acid present in lemon juice helps in reducing stretch marks, acne, skin injuries, and scars. Take out juice from some lemons. Massage it gently for 10 minutes in a circular motion on the stretch marks. Clean the affected area with warm water.
You can also mix some lemon juice with cucumber juice. Apply this mix directly on the affected area.

7. Castor Oil

Castor oil is considered to be a healing treatment for skin problems, like moles, dark spots, wrinkles, pimples, and fine lines. How is it used to heal stretch marks? Well, you can apply castor oil directly on the stretch marks. Massage it in a circular motion for 15 minutes. After massaging, wrap the affected area with thin and clean cotton cloth. Now, apply some heat with the help of heating pad or hot water bottle. Continue the process for 30 minutes daily for one month to get best results.

8. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is famous for its anti-wrinkling and anti-aging properties. It helps in enhancing the blood circulation, which reduces stretch marks. Massage the affected area with cocoa butter at least two times a day. Repeat the process for two months and notice the reduced scars.

Else, mix half cup of cocoa butter with one tablespoon of wheat germ oil, one teaspoon of tea kernel oil, two teaspoons of grated beeswax, and vitamin E oil. Heat the mix until the beeswax melts. Apply it on the stretch marks twice or thrice a day. The mixture can be stored in a sealed box in the refrigerator.

9. Alfalfa Leaves

Alfalfa leaves consists of amino acids, which are effective for maintaining proper health of the skin. It is rich in vitamin E, K, and proteins, which help in improving body tone. It has anti-fungal agents, which detoxifies the skin. Take some alfalfa powder and mix it with a few drops of chamomile oil to form a paste. Gently rub the paste on the affected area thrice a day.

10. Egg Whites

To get rid of stretch marks, egg whites are beneficial as they are rich in proteins and amino acid. Extract whites of two eggs. Whip it with the help of a fork. After washing the affected area with clean water, apply a thick layer of egg whites with the help of a brush. Let it dry completely and wash it off with cold water. After this, apply some olive oil to moisturize the skin. For two weeks, continue the process daily for better results.

11. Apricots

Take two-three apricots. Cut them and remove their seeds. Grind them to form a paste. Apply the paste directly on the stretch marks. Leave it for 20 minutes. Then, rinse it with lukewarm water. Follow the process for one month and see the promising results.

12. Lavender Oil, Almond Oil, And Chamomile Oil

Prepare a mixture of vitamin-rich oils by mixing two teaspoons of almond oil, half teaspoon of lavender oil and half teaspoon of chamomile oil. Stir the mixture well and apply it on the stretch marks.

13. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil owns anti-viral, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective for all types of skin problems. Take some tea tree oil and massage gently on the affected area.

14. Herbal Solution

Herbal solution is easy to prepare. It is actually a mixture of one tablespoon of wheat germ oil and one tablespoon of calendula oil. Apply this herbal mix on hips, breast, and abdomen to remove stretch marks.

15. Glycerine and Lemon

Lemon is rich in citrus acid. Put 1-2 drops of glycerine in lemon. Rub the lemon on the affected area gently. Repeat the process two times a day. It will not only reduce the stretch marks, but will also keep your skin moisturized.

16. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is helpful in preventing scars on dermis. Vitamin K is present in green vegetables, like cabbage, spring onions, pickledcucumber, etc. Make a salad of all these vegetables and consume it daily to get rid of stretch marks.

17. Physical Exercise

One must regularly do physical exercises, like abdominal crunches, sit-ups, swimming, etc., which tone the underlying muscles and remove the ugly stretch marks. Here are some exercises, which are beneficial to remove stretch marks:

• For Stretch Marks on Stomach : You are required to lie down flat on your back. Now, bend your knees keeping the feet flat on the floor. Keep your hands on the sides of your head. Now, lift your upper body somewhat off the floor, contracting your abs.
• For Stretch Marks on Thighs : Sit straight on the chair. Now, put your hands down to your sides, holding the chair. Now, swing your legs in up and down motion. This will help to firm your thighs.
• For Stretch Marks on Hips and Buttocks : Lie down flat on your back. Relax for a few minutes. Then, lift one leg creating a 90 degree angle. Lift it until you feel a pull on your buttocks. Try the same on the other leg. Slowly, increase your pace and strain on the hips, buttocks, and thighs.
• For Stretch Marks on Bottom : You are required to lie down facing the floor. Put your arms on the side. Lift your right leg up and then down. Repeat the same with left leg. Raise your leg at least 3-6 inches off the floor.

Note- For best results, practise 20 lifts for each exercise thrice a week.

How to Get Rid of Older Stretch Marks?

In this fast pace of life, women have very less time to take care of themselves. One of the problems that most of the women counter with is stretch marks. If stretch marks are not treated on time, they get older and difficult to remove. You can simply follow these remedies to lessen the older stretch marks:

• To get rid of older stretch marks, fractional laser therapy is the best option. It makes the skin surface smooth. Fractional laser treatment may also result in side-effects, like hyperpigmentation and scarring.
• You can also use SPF 60 directly on the stretch marks.

Other Treatments for Stretch Marks

Apart from natural home remedies, various other simple options are also available to remove stretch marks. They are as follows:

• Use oats as a natural scrub on the stretch marks.
• Use Vaseline on the stretch marks.
• For itchy stretch marks, take a warm shower followed by a gentle oil massage.
• Folic acid is also effective for healing the stretch marks.
• Use a moisturizer on the affected area.
• Retin-A (retinoic acid cream) can be used to lessen the stretch marks.
• Glycolic acid is useful to increase the production of collagen. It is safe to use during pregnancy.
• You can opt for “Mommy Makeover”, which includes liposuction, breast lifts, and tummy tuck treatments. These all are effective methods for reducing stretch marks.
• Pulsed dye laser or vascular laser can be effective on fresh stretch marks. However, it is not effective for dark women.
• One can try surgical or laser treatments to remove the stretch marks.

Useful Tips

• Consume protein, zinc and Vitamin C rich foods in abundance. Green salad, milk, fish, nuts and citrus fruits help a lot in diminishing stretch marks.
• Do yoga and other physical exercises on the regular basis.
• Pregnant women should not use creams and solutions, prepared from chemicals. Instead of fading away stretch marks, they may result in skin damaging rashes.
• Don’t scratch the affected area.
• Keep your skin moisturized.