Stretch marks are the bane of a woman’s existence – really! But what are stretch marks? These are off-colored stripes that are formed on the skin due to swift stretching of skin, which can be caused due to several reasons, including rapid weight gain. The most common places where these marks appear are on the abdomen, waist, hips, upper thighs, upper arms, buttocks, and sometimes even on breasts.
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How are stretch marks formed?
The skin on the human body has three main layers:
- The outer layer called epidermis
- The middle layer called dermis
- The deepest layer called hypodermis
Stretch marks start to develop on the middle layer, the dermis, when the connective tissue between these layers is stretched due to the rapid expansion and contraction of skin. When the skin is stretched thus, the collagen in it gets weaker, while the elastin fibers start tearing. This causes the normal production cycle to be interrupted, resulting in the formation of tiny, fine scars under the outer layer of skin. While initially they appear red or pink in color, they gradually turn into thin silvery lines.
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Causes of stretch marks
Stretch marks are, in essence, scars formed due to the rapid expansion and contraction of the skin. Their appearance depends on the type of skin you have. Some of the most common causes for these thin, silvery lines are:
- Stretching of the skin during the course of a pregnancy
- Rapid, extraordinary weight gain during a short period of time
- Hormonal changes during puberty
- Adrenal gland diseases, Cushing’s syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Continued use of certain medications including pills, lotions, steroids, and corticosteroid creams
- Genetic disorders
- Muscle building
- Heredity
Home remedies for stretch marks
Stretch marks can make you feel extremely self-conscious and even uncomfortable, to the point where you feel hesitant to wear clothes that might even hint at these. However, there are several natural remedies that can help reduce the appearance of these thin, silvery lines, most effectively. Let’s take a look at some of them here:
1. Alfalfa
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Alfalfa leaves are known to contain eight essential amino acids, all of which are considered good for the health of your skin. In addition, they contain vitamins E and K, which also help provide nourishment to the skin.
Remedy
- To a few drops of chamomile essential oil, add 1 teaspoon of alfalfa powder and mix well to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the affected areas and massage it in gently. Do this twice or thrice a day for a few weeks to see great improvement.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a boon when it comes to treating several skin problems, including stretch marks. Its soothing and healing properties come in handy in getting rid of stretch marks.
Remedies
- Slice open a fresh aloe vera leaf and squeeze out the gel into a clean bowl. Now apply this gel directly on the affected areas and leave it on for about 15 minutes, before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
- Twist open 10 vitamin E capsules and 5 vitamin A capsules into a quarter cup of fresh aloe vera gel and mix well. Apply this mixture onto the skin until it has been fully absorbed. Repeat this process every day, for best results.
3. Black tea
Black tea contains high amounts of vitamins B, C, and E, and it’s also a great source of essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and potassium. These vital nutrients are known to boost immune system, while also eliminating free radicals, preventing cancer, and stimulating the brain and the central nervous system. They also help improve the digestive tract, and the B vitamins are known to promote hair, skin, and nail health.
Remedy
- To half a glass of water, add 2 tablespoons of black tea and 1 teaspoon of salt. Boil this solution for about 2-3 minutes and let it cool down. Apply this solution on the affected areas with a cotton ball. Leave it to air dry for about 10-15 minutes, before rinsing it off with cool water.
4. Castor oil
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Castor oil is one of the most effective home remedies for stretch marks. It is also effective on wrinkles, age spots, fine lines, pimples, moles, and even dark spots. Castor oil is known to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, both of which are essential to keep the skin’s elasticity intact.
Remedy
- Take 2-3 tablespoons of castor oil in a bowl and apply it directly on the affected areas, gently massaging it in circular motions. Do this for 5-10 minutes and wrap the area with a thin, soft, cotton cloth. Next, apply some heat to this wrapped area using a heating pad or a hot water bottle for at least 30 minutes. Use this remedy every day for at least one month for best results.
5. Cocoa butter
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Cocoa butter is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, both of which help protect the skin by limiting and neutralizing the free radicals that could potentially damage the skin. Plus, it is an excellent natural moisturizer, that helps provide nourishment to the skin and thereby reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Remedies
- Apply cocoa butter liberally over the affected areas at least twice a day for a few months for positive results.
- Make a smooth paste by mixing half a cup of cocoa butter, 1 tablespoon of wheatgerm oil, 1 teaspoon each of apricot kernel oil and vitamin E oil, and 2 teaspoons of grated beeswax. Now put this mixture on heat till the beeswax is completely melted. Apply this homemade cream on your stretch marks twice or thrice a day for best results.
- Take 2 teaspoons each of cocoa butter and shea butter in a pan and melt them together. Now add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil to this and mix well. Once it’s cooled down, it will solidify to a cream’s consistency. Apply this cream 2-3 times every day to see improvement.
Pro tip: You can store both homemade creams in airtight containers in the refrigerator for upto a month.
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6. Eggs
Eggs contain high amounts of proteins, which helps reduce the appearance of fine, stretch marks. The vitamin A and collagen present in eggs help firm up the skin and also add suppleness to it, making vital for good skin.
Remedies
- Separate 2 eggs in a bowl and whip the whites gently with a fork. Wipe off the affected areas with a clean washcloth and water, and apply a thick layer of whipped whites. Use makeup brush if it eases in the application. Let it air dry fully before rinsing it off with cool water. Apply any mild moisturizer to keep the area hydrated (olive oil works too). Repeat this remedy every day for at least two weeks to see positive results.
7. Lemon juice
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Lemon juice contains alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) and vitamin C in abundant quantities. Vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid, boosts the production of collagen, which helps in maintaining the firmness and strength of the skin. Also, lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, helping remove sun tan.
Remedies
- Squeeze a fresh lemon into a bowl. Now massage this juice onto the stretch marks using gentle, circular motions, allowing your skin to absorb it. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
- Mix equal quantities of lemon juice and cucumber juice in a clean bowl. Now apply this solution on the stretch marks, letting it rest for 15 minutes. Wash it off with cool water and pat dry with a soft towel.
8. Olive oil
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Olive oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants, which make it an excellent cleanser and moisturizer. Vitamin A and vitamin E are two of these antioxidants that reduce the effect free radicals have on your skin.
Remedies
- Take 4-5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a clean bowl and warm it up a bit. Massage this into the affected areas gently, using circular motions. Not only will this massage help improve blood circulation, it will also help reduce the unseemly stretch marks too. Leave the oil on your skin for at least 30 minutes so that your skin gets a chance to absorb the oil’s goodness, before washing it off with lukewarm water.
- Add 1 teaspoon each of water and vinegar to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and mix well. Use this as a night lotion to help keep your skin moisturized and exfoliated.
9. Potato juice
Potato is basically a starch, which has emollient properties that help soothe the skin. It also has many antioxidants, which help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Remedies
- Take a washed potato and cut it into thick slices. Take one of the slices and rub it gently on your stretch marks for a few minutes. Allow the potato juice to dry out on its own, before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
10. Sugar
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Sugar is one of the best natural remedies to reduce the appearance of stretch marks because it has glycolic acid that stimulates the skin while also helping generate healthier, younger, and fresher looking skin.
Remedy
- Add 1 tablespoon of raw sugar with a few drops of almond oil and lemon juice and mix well. Apply this on the affected areas and gently rub it for a few minutes, before taking a shower. Use this remedy every day for a month and see the stretch marks lighten effectively.
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11. Water
You need to drink loads of water to keep your skin hydrated. Not only does it aid in detoxification, it also helps keep the skin supple and elastic.
Remedy
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking 1 or 2 glasses of water several times a day. In fact, experts agree that you need at least 8-10 glasses of water per day for optimal hydration.
There you have it – all the natural home remedies for stretch marks, that work wonders on your skin, if only you keep at them religiously.
Featured image source: Shutterstock
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