How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Naturally

Corollaries of rapid stretching of the skin; stretch marks are linear scars affecting the thin layer of skin. The connective tissues in the skin consist of protein called collagen, which when overstretched get damaged. This results in the onset of reddish purple lines which later on turn into whitish marks. These stretched areas of the skin are soft to touch and appear empty. Moreover, the skin texture of the stretched skin differs from the surrounding skin. Throughout the skin stretching and color-texture changes, there is no pain accompaniment. Let us now learn a little more about the methods and ways involved in how to get rid of stretch marks naturally.

Both men and women experience stretch marks, however, it's predominantly found in women after major changes in their lives such as puberty, weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy, etc. Moreover, weight lifters and body builders who oft undergo rapid weight loss also experience these stretch marks. These unwanted lines are commonly found on the hips, thighs, buttocks, lower back, upper arms, belly or breasts. There are various ways to get rid of stretch marks. Various cosmetic and plastic surgeries are available to erase these ugly streaks. However, these techniques are pretty expensive and results are not guaranteed, which makes one wonder as to how to get rid of stretch marks naturally.

Getting rid of stretch marks naturally: Home Remedies
The different ways to reduce the stretch marks on the skin are as follows:

• Exfoliation or removing dead skin cells on a regular basis helps reduce the stretch marks, and bring a glow to the skin. One can use a loofah or scrunchy to carry out the exfoliation on a daily basis.
• Frequent hot baths and massaging the stretched area of the skin also helps reduce stretch marks naturally. This is because increased blood circulation causes faster healing of the skin, thereby resulting in the reduction of stretch marks. Olive oil or cod liver oil for massaging and moisturizing the skin with cocoa butter cream also helps.
• The gel contained within vitamin E capsules, when rubbed on the stretched skin daily reduces these streaks on the skin. This vitamin E gel should be applied for 2 weeks on a regular basis to obtain results. This will encourage the healing process of the damaged skin cells.
• Glycolic acid increases collagen production, thus when Vitamin C supplements (500 mg) are combined with glycolic acid doses three times a day, stretch marks are reduced considerably.
• One can even prepare a homemade lotion with natural ingredients to apply on the stretch marks too. To prepare the lotion all one has to do is take 3 cups of unrefined butter (cocoa, mango or aloe butter), and to it, add ½ cup of jojoba oil and stir well. Next add ½ cup of coconut oil and continue to stir well. This mixture is to be applied three times a day on the affected area for substantial effects.
• Another popular remedy for the removal of stretch marks is the forceful application of Vicks Vapor rub, via a wash cloth onto the stretched skin for two weeks straight.

The truth, no matter how bitter it is, has to be revealed. The fact here is that it is impossible to remove stretch marks completely. One has to understand that stretch marks are scars etched onto the surface of the skin, which can only be reduced to an extent, but cannot be completely erased. The reason behind this can be better understood by understanding the anatomy of the skin. The skin is made up of 3 layers: epidermis (outer), dermis (middle) and subcutaneous stratum (inner). It is the middle layer, dermis that is responsible for keeping the skin in shape. The corollary of rapid stretching of this dermis over a period of time results in loss of elasticity of the dermis. The dermis loses its support and leads to tearing of dermal and epidermal layers, resulting in stretch marks. This is why it is best to prevent stretch marks from streaking the skin, rather than worry all the time about how to get rid of stretch marks naturally.

Exercise is considered to be a preventive measure for stretch marks. This is because exercising on a daily basis tones up the skin, making it more firm. Loosening and stretching of the skin causes stretch marks, thus a toned up skin is less prone to stretch marks. Another home remedy is mixing 2 tsp of virgin olive oil, 1 tsp aloe vera gel, gel from vitamin E capsules (6) and gel from vitamin A capsules (4), together. Refrigerate this mixture for 30 minutes and then apply it on the affected area. Store the rest of the mixture in a jar and apply it regularly. This will help prevent stretch marks. Drinking lots of water and eating healthy also contributes towards stretch marks prevention. Water improves one's skin's elasticity and the vitamins from the food make the skin more flexible. Women planning on pregnancy should start preparing their skin for all the future stretching by applying cocoa butter twice a day. This will help keep the skin flexible and moisturized and reduce the number of stretch marks to come.

Read more on

• Pregnancy stretch mark removal cream
• Alternatives for stretch mark removal

Hope this article on 'how to get rid of stretch marks naturally' has furnished you with the information you were seeking. The phrase 'prevention is better than cure' is relevant to stretch marks as well, thus, it is best to avoid the onset of these marks, rather than struggle to get rid of it!