We all know how stretch marks look like, but what actually are they? stretch marks are formed when the skin is stretched too quickly to deal with its expansion, such in the case of rapid obesity, pregnancy or breast growth. The collagen fibers that are responsible for skin elasticity are torn and create a white or pink mark which looks like a scar .With a little help from nature, you can improve these non-aesthetic marks. Find below 12 simple and natural ways to improve stretch marks:
1. Moisturizing
The most important thing in treating stretch marks is keeping the skin moist. Ensuring drinking plenty of water, frequent use of moisturizers and avoiding caffeine and sugary drinks will help your body stay hydrated with liquids.
2. Olive oil / Vitamin E oil / Coconut oil
Olive oil is rich in vitamin E, which neutralizes free radicals in our skin, keeping it supple and accelerates healing scars. In addition, olive oil softens the skin and helps to reduce the stretch marks. Read here more about the amazing health benefits of olive oil. You can also replace the olive oil in coconut oil or vitamin E oil that that you can purchase in health food stores.
3. Egg white
The egg white does wonders for your skin. Make sure to apply the egg white only. You can do this twice a day to speed up the healing process.
4. Potatoes
True, they are delicious, but they have another use besides eating. Potato juice is rich in vitamins and minerals that help rebuild skin cells. Try rubbing half a potato on the stretch marks, make sure that the skin has absorbed enough fluids, and let it dry. Then wash with warm water and soap.
5. Sugar scrub
Make a sugar Scrub to treat stretch marks by mixing together ½ cup sugar with the juice of one lemon and a teaspoon of vegetable oil (almond oil is recommended). Use the scrub to exfoliate while in the shower, and leave on the skin for 10 minutes.
6. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is renowned for its ability to lighten the skin. Well, the same principle also works on stretch marks – applying lemon juice on the stretch marks will help to lighten them. Let the juice get dried before you wash your body and use continuously for best results. Find more things to do with lemon in my article how to use lemon as a medicine.
7. Cocoa Butter / Shea butter
Cocoa butter or shea butter can help the skin to renew its cells and give it a smooth feeling if you use them several times a day. In fact, regular use of cocoa butter may also prevent the formation of new stretch marks.
8. Castor oil
Castor oil, which is used to treat a variety of skin problems, from wrinkles to dark spots and acne, is also used for treating stretch marks on the body. Try massaging the area with castor oil for 15 minutes, or rub castor oil on the area and wrap a warm cloth for half an hour.
9. Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is a natural exfoliant and is found naturally in sugar cane and grapes. It is commonly used in skin care treatments as it can increase collagen production and make your skin more elastic overall. You can buy a lower concentration of glycolic acid over-the-counter (higher concentrations require dermatologist prescription). It is considered safe to put on your skin during pregnancy, but you need to take extra care to keep treated area out of the sun.
10. Vitamin A cream
Vitamin A cream (such as retin-A or renova) can improve dramatically new stretch marks as it boosts collagen production. It is less effective on old stretch marks. It should be noted that vitamin A cream should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding as it can cause birth defects. You will also need to take extra care to keep the treated area out of the sun. Vitamin A cream requires prescription by your doctor or dermatologist.
11. Essential oils
You can mix a few drops of essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil (such as olive oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, etc) and apply to the stretch marks. There are some essential oils that are commonly used for stretch marks, such as: lavender, frankincense, geranium, rose, myrrh and helichrysum. If you are interested to learn more about essential oils you can find useful information in my e-book Magical Aromatherapy. This e-book will help you to discover the power of essential oils and the most effective ways to use them.
12. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of the best medicinal plant for your skin. Beyond the treating burns, it can do real magic of your stretch marks. Using aloe vera is simple – apply aloe vera gel or fresh aloe vera on the stretch marks and let the skin absorb it. You can also mix the aloe vera with vitamin E oil and rub the mixture. You can also read my article about the best uses of aloe vera for great and healthy skin.
Aloe vera is a common medicinal herb and is useful for other ailments, not just for the skin. If you want to learn more about aloe vera as well as other herbs, you can find more useful information in my e-book the Herbal Remedies Guide. This guide will teach you how to treat common ailments using herbs
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