Are you insecure because you have stretch marks on some parts of your body? Are you unable to wear your favourite bikinis, tank tops and shorts during the summer? Even though stretch marks affect the self-esteem of some people, it is possible to get your confidence back.
Just like so many other skin conditions, stretch marks can be prevented and treated using effective natural skin care remedies. Stretch marks can be common among women, particularly those who have given birth. However, men and women who are not pregnant can have stretch marks. In fact, children and people of all ages can experience stretch marks on their bodies.
People spend so much money buying skin care remedies for stretch marks without getting the desired result. A lot of over-the-counter remedies have side effects on the skin. Instead of spending your hard-earned money on a beauty product, you are not sure of, why not go for natural products that cost less?
Before we go through the effective natural remedies for stretch marks, let’s take a look at the causes and types of stretch marks.
Causes and Types of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks form on the stomach, chest, calves, buttocks, knees and other places on your body. There are three main causes of stretch marks.
1. Sudden weight gain or growth spurt:
Sudden weight gain or growth spurt stretches the skin more than it can, and this can lead to tears in your skin.
2. Changes in skin and body as a result of hormonal weight change:
This is mostly a result of puberty, pregnancy or obesity.
3. The lack of protein and vitamins:
The lack of proteins and vitamins affects the health of the body in its entirety.
Types of Stretch Marks
There are two types of stretch marks, the red stretch mark and the white stretch mark.
Red Stretch Marks: These aren’t indented on your skin, they are rather small red lines that go across your skin. These are newer forms of stretch marks as they are still developing into full-blown stretch marks. This type of stretch mark can be minimised by frequent massages using ointment or moisturizer.
White Stretch Marks: Red stretch marks become white stretch marks with time. The skin tightens and creates the indecent or white stretch marks that we are used to seeing. The most common and effective method for removing white stretch marks is laser treatment.
Now that you know the types of stretch marks and their possible causes, let’s talk about cheap but effective natural remedies for the skin condition.
7 Effective Natural Remedies
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera naturally regenerates the tissues of the skin and it is believed to have some miraculous healing properties. It has been used to treat skin conditions like acne, and eczema and it is found to be an effective remedy for all types of stretch marks.
Apply the fresh gel from aloe vera onto the affected area and leave for at least 30 mins. Then wash off with tepid water. Do this routine twice a day and for 3 months to get results.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Butter is one of the natural and effective remedies for minimizing stretch marks. It is best used during pregnancy and after childbirth for women. Cocoa Butter has properties that stop red stretch from becoming white stretch.
Rub cocoa butter on the affected part of the skin at night and massage. To get results, do this for a period of 3 months.
Cucumber and Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is naturally acidic, which helps to heal and minimise scars on the skin. Meanwhile, cucumber juice has a cool soothing effect that leaves the skin fresh. When mixed, it can heal stretch marks and make the skin appear spotless.
Mix both juices in equal parts and apply them to the affected area. Leave on the skin for at least 15 mins before using warm water to wash it off.
Almond and Coconut Oil
Almond and coconut oil mixture can minimise stretch marks. It is applied to the affected area and massaged regularly. This remedy is one of the remedies that have no side effects and it is found to be effective in treating stretch marks.
Apricot Mask and Oil
In terms of exfoliation, you can count on apricots to make your skin tone even. Cut 2-3 apricots and take the seed out of them. Then crush the fruit to become a paste and apply the same on the part affected by stretch marks and leave for at least 25 minutes. Use warm water to wash it off and repeat the routine daily for three months.
Pure apricot oil is found to have properties that can rejuvenate the skin and when mixed with lemon juice, the result is even more effective.
Castor Oil
Because of their dried, shrivelled look, stretch marks need nourishment and moisture. Castor oil is known to preserve skin moisture. When massaged onto the skin, it helps the skin to heal. Due to the presence of ricinoleic acid, stretch marks are substantially minimised. However, this is something that you need to constantly feed the skin with. It should be applied for five to ten minutes every morning and night directly to the stretch marks. There would be a noticeable change within two months of regular usage.
Nourishing Skin Mask
Masks help to rehydrate and soften the skin. They provide the skin with the appropriate nourishment and encourage natural skin defence. They also contain healing properties that can increase elasticity.
There are several skin masks that effective are effective for minimizing stretch marks. To get the best result from using a mask, you can mix egg yolk, lemon juice, oatmeal and almond paste.
Over my 20 years of experience in beauty, I have seen the incredible effect of the following nourishing mask in reducing stretch marks –
2 egg yolks, beaten
Juice of one lemon
2tsp oatmeal
2tsp almond paste
Enough milk to mix into a smooth paste
Method: Mix all the ingredients well and apply them to the marks and let them dry completely. Wash off with cold water while scrubbing gently. This should be done on alternate days.
Conclusion
Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body. However, the tummy, thighs, and chest regions are where they appear most frequently. While some are proud to display their stretch marks, others are continuously looking for ways to get rid of them. The most effective approach is to moisturise your body. This tightens your skin and makes it much more elastic, preventing stretching.
Lastly, contact your dermatologist. Considering the type and colour, your doctor can recommend the best treatment for your stretch marks.
7 Effective Natural Remedies For Stretch Marks
