Home Remedies – How To Avoid Or Remove Stretch Marks

Today we will share home remedies on how to remove stretch marks after pregnancy. I stumbled upon an athlete who posted her post pregnancy photo on twitter which featured her stretch marks soon after delivery. She was gearing up for her marathon just about 2 months after her delivery. A bipolar feeling of being coy (showcasing her ugly stretch marks) but audacious (recuperate courageously to run the marathon) was evident in her emotions & comments.

The tweet went viral with several people re-tweeting & liking. What was amazing was her determination to repress the post-partum blues & live her passion for running. She mentioned that she uses natural remedies to remove stretch marks.

Read Best Stretch Marks Removal Creams & Lotions In India

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are small streaks that appear on the skin of a pregnant woman from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. The elastic fibres under the skin tend to break because the body grows faster than the skin’s ability to cope with causing.

While exercise is an inevitable component of losing the flab & reducing the stretch marks, you can also combat it by employing some home-made remedies that are proven time and again. After all, anything natural can never really harm you. Apart from being absolutely safe (unless one is seriously allergic to any of the below mentioned remedies), natural things are pocket friendly in comparison to the expensive laser treatments, injections or the chemical lotions available across the counter.

Causes Of Stretch Marks

• It is believed that a dramatic weight gain or weight loss causes the skin to stretch leaving awful scars. It can occur on the stomach, thighs, hips, back (lower portion) & buttocks.
• In teenagers it occurs due to sudden growth spurt.
• Some corticosteroid creams, lotions, and pills decrease the elasticity of the skin & cause stretch marks. Some diseases and medical conditions can also cause these marks.

These marks reduce with time. If you are blessed, most of it will disappears with time, but for many, some of it stays for a lifetime (unless you want to remove them clinically). Having said this, life sustains on hope. And every woman hopes that she bounces back to shape doubly accelerated to the efforts devoted for the same, since tend to have an effect on people’s confidence.

Precautions For Stretch Marks

Most experienced mothers recommend you to take precautions even before the condition worsens. It may be a grievous mistake to believe that these marks occur for everyone & will remain for life. You can start applying these from your 5^th month. Ideally because your skin starts stretching and tugging from your mid second trimester & increases as your pregnancy advances. You can be sure that whole-hearted efforts never go in vain. Efforts are temporary, but, scars maybe forever.

We bring to you easily available home remedies for reducing stretch marks or scars notably. None of them can harm your body, however, one or more may be more effective for you basis your skin type & body type. We hope you find it useful.

Home Remedies For Reducing Stretch Marks

Aloe Vera - How To Remove Stretch Marks Permanently

Incredibly useful, one of the most widely used plant, aloe vera has tremendous health benefits, one of which is accelerated healing of scars, stretch marks, burns or any other skin ailment naturally. You can either apply it superficially or drink the juice in it’s pure form.

It has about 12 essential vital nutrients & vitamins making it a terrific option for a healthy start in the morning. Peel the outer layer of the leaf & apply the sticky gel on stretch marks twice a day. Wash off with normal water after 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you can also combine it with Vitamin E oil and Vitamin A oil from the capsules in 2:1 ratio and store in a cool place.

Compounds such as glucomannan and gibberellin increase collagen synthesis and fasten healing process. Aloe Vera Gel is also one of the best home remedy to lighten skin.

Honey - How To Remove Old Stretch Marks

Honey is also a great curing agent for scars and stretch marks. It is important to keep your skin well moisturized post pregnancy for the quick recovery. Apply honey on the affected area or you can alternatively make a paste of honey with a dash of salt & few drops of glycerine. This can give you relief & makes the skin soft & supple.

Castor Oil - Best Essential Oils to Remove Stretch Marks

Castor oil has holistic healing properties for the skin diseases & hair fall as well as it is rich in ricinoleic acid, a skin-conditioning agent. Apply warm castor oil on the stomach and thighs in circular motion  & let it rest for few minutes until it seeps into the body. Place a soft cotton muslin cloth and rest for 30mins. It has magnificent anti-ageing properties.

Alternatively, you can also try almond oil, argan oil, cod liver oil, wheat germ oil, apricot oil, tea tree oil, rosehip oil or lavender oil as most of these aromatic essential oils are rich in Vitamin E which are great for the skin. These oils nourish and heal the damaged skin & diminish ugly scars. The collagen and elastic fibers of the skin are rejuvenated by essential oils application. 

Olive Oil - How To Remove Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Known popularly as a healthier option for cooking oil, olive oil also has great healing properties for skin disorders. Any massage in circular motion helps increase the blood circulation thereby reduces the effect of stretch marks.

Lemon Juice - How To Remove Marks Naturally

You may recollect your grandmother recommending you to soak soiled clothes in warm water with a lime squeezed for 20 minutes. Just like the lemon has dirt removing properties, it also acts as a tan removal / bleach on the skin. Apply lemon juice on the affected areas thrice a week to see marked benefits in the scars. Lemon Juice is also one of the best home remedy to lighten skin.

Cocoa Butter - How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks On Breast

There is much hype about using cocoa butter on stretch marks. It is best known for it’s anti-ageing properties as it tightens the skin. As it is rich in Vitamin E, it works wonders on the scars. You can also use Shea butter for similar results.

Home Made Cocoa Butter

Mix all ingredients- 2 tsp kernel oil, 1/4 cup cocoa butter, 2 tsp wheat germ oil, 2 tsp apricot oil, 1tsp beeswax, 2 tsp vitamin E oil - and heat until the bees wax completely melts and store in glass jar in the refrigerator. Apply twice a day for deep hydration.

Read Top 15 Foods To Increase Breast Milk Production

Sugar - How To Clear Stretch Marks

Fine granulated sugar mixed with few drops of lemon & almond oil acts as a great exfoliating agent which removes the dead skin and revives the skin. It tightens the skin & quickly heals the scars.

Alternatively mix sugar, olive oil and lemon juice to form a scrub. Apply for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Apricots - Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks Naturally

Although apricots are not widely available easily, these are rich in vitamins A & vitamin C which help in smoothening of the skin. Deseed & apply paste & let it dry for 15 minutes before washing away with cool water. This is one of the easiest home remedies to get rid of stretch marks naturally.

Rich sources Of Vitamin C

Eggs - Best Remedy To Remove Stretch Marks

Vegetarians would not consider the last remedy. But, egg (egg white) which is a power house of proteins and amino-acids, acts as a building-block for damaged cell repair. Apply egg white on the marks & allow it to dry. This may be smelly, but, on regular usage has fabulous results on skin - It lightens the scars and tightens the skin.

Potato - Best Home Remedy To Lighten The Skin 

A surprise to many, potatoes contain starch & skin lighting enzymes thus lightens dark circles, spots and blemishes from the skin. It bleaches the skin and effectively reduces the visibility of stretch marks.

Apple Cider Vinegar For Stretch Marks

Rich in acetic and malic acid, Apple Cider Vinegar is effective in reducing stretch marks. Pour the entire contents of apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle and spray every night before going to bed. Use everyday for best skin lightening results.

Super Effective Skin Mask

An incredible effect of this mask is tested and proven by many mothers who are fighting to get rid of their ugly scars. Mix all contents to make a smooth pasts and apply thrice a week for DEFINITE MARKED IMPROVEMENT in your skin. The contents include 1 egg yolk (beaten), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1tsp oatmeal, 1tsp almond paste and 1 tbsp milk.

Homemade Belly Butter - Homemade Moisturizer

Mix coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter in 

Melt the mixture in a microwave or a double boiler. Finally, add a little vitamin E oil and apply it on your skin. This is a great homemade “belly butter” for preventing pregnancy stretch marks.

Home-Made Moisturizer

Regular use of moisturizers help improve skin elasticity and retain the skin hydration. But choosing the right one according to your texture & skin type is essential.

For Dry Skin: Use cocoa butter

For Oily Skin: Use aloe vera

Procedure: 

Mix olive oil, aloe vera gel and wheat germ oil in equal quantities. Mix this with clay if your skin is very oily.

Home-Made Lotion - Homemade Moisturizer

No additives, chemicals or artificial colours and fragrance. This is a very effective remedy to keep your skin supple and curb dryness. Apply twice a day for best results.

Procedure:

Take 50gms aloe vera gel, 100 gms extra virgin olive oil. Extract oil from six vitamin E capsules. Extract oil from 4 vitamin A capsules. Bind all ingredients thoroughly, store it in a glass jar and store in the refrigerator.

Dietary Remedies To Remove Stretch Marks

Vitamin E

Dietary remedies to remove stretch marks:
Present in most beauty products as it acts as an antioxidant that fights free radicals while deeply nourishing the skin. Vitamin E rich foods should be incorporated in your daily diet - Almonds, avocado, broccoli, swiss chards, pumpkin seeds,sunflower seeds, olives, sesame seeds, spinach and papaya.

Read Top 10 Vegetarian Super Foods For Pregnant Women

Omega 3-Fatty Acids

Sparingly available in vegetarian diet, packed in sea food, Omega-3 fatty acids also help increase elasticity in the skin. Foods like walnuts, tofu, cauliflower, soybean and flax seeds for vegetarians and salmon, sardines, cod liver, beef, shrimps are super foods which should be included in your daily diet.

Vitamin C

Rich in anti-oxidants that help our bodies to fight the toxins or free radicals, Vitamin C is present in citrus foods like oranges, lemons, berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwis, broccoli, pineapple and tomatoes. 

Read Eating Mangoes During Pregnancy - Myth Busted

Gelatine

Gelatine contains collagen which is also present in your skin and is responsible for providing elasticity to your skin. Bone broth (chicken, lamb or beef) is an excellent natural source of gelatine in your diet. Alternatively, Hyaluronic acid can also be consumed in the form of a capsule or extract to restore collagen in the dermis.

Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil is an excellent source of saturated fatty acids which do not get easily oxidized, thus providing good moisture to the skin & preventing stretch marks.

Zinc Rich Foods

Zinc deficiency hampers your body’s ability to produce adequate collagen and antioxidants. Include zinc-rich foods such as cashews, spinach, pumpkin seeds, garlic, mushrooms, wheat germ, broccoli, avocado, pistachio, sesame seeds, almonds, dark chocolate, chickpeas, eggs, chicken and nuts to prevent the marks. 

Vitamin A

Retinoids make skin appear smoother and more youthful. Vitamin A rich foods like carrots, gooseberries, sweet potatoes also protect skin against UV rays. There are present in abundance in foods like cod liver oil, beef & lamb liver, salmon and mackeral. 

Alfalfa

Alfalfa detoxify the body and contain antifungal properties. The paste of alfalfa leaves and 5 drops chamomile oil applied twice a day for results shows significant improvement. They provide amino acids, Vitamin E & K. 

Sandalwood & Turmeric

Sandalwood is an age-old grandmom remedy for beauty and removing scars. Equal amounts of sandalwood and turmeric, leads to skin lightening & brighter skin tone. Turmeric has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties as well. You can also use turmeric with curd or yogurt and apply twice a day for fabulous results in a short span.

Lifestyle Changes To Shun Stretch Marks

1. Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation and skin elasticity. Tighten muscles with the right kind of workout.
2. Switch between hot and cold showers for micro-circulation of blood in the dermis.

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