Stretch Marks Home Remedies

Stretch marks or striae is a type of skin scarring, caused by over stretching of the skin, which is often associated with sudden and rapid weight gain. Usually, our skin is elastic and can stretch to an extent without tearing. But, excessive stretching or pulling can cause the collagen, that lies beneath the skin to break apart, and cause the appearance of purple or red colored streaks on the skin. Women are more likely to develop stretch marks during puberty and pregnancy. According to estimates, about 70 to 90% women develop stretch marks during pregnancy, due to increase in the body weight. Various treatment options like laser treatment, dermabrasion, etc. are available for stretch marks removal. However, home remedies can also prove effective for reducing the visibility of these marks.

Causes of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are the result of the tearing of the middle layer of the skin, which is known as dermis. Dermis can stretch to an extent without tearing or scarring. But, over and rapid stretching, due to excessive and rapid weight gain can simply cause the collagen, that is responsible for maintaining skin elasticity to break apart. This results in inflammation and minor bleeding, which give the stretch marks their reddish or purplish color. Over a period of time, when these are healed, scarring takes place. Eventually, the stretch marks fade a bit, and assume a light silvery or white color. The less elastic the skin is, the greater are the chances of getting stretch marks, due to sudden excessive weight gain. Apart from skin elasticity, the probability of getting stretch marks can also be affected by several other factors including, skin tone, amount of weight gain, genetics, hormonal fluctuations and multiple pregnancies.

Stretch Marks Natural Remedy

Stretch marks rarely disappear completely. But, it is true that, these marks can be prevented and their appearance can be diminished considerably with the application of some simple remedies, which are explained below.

• Staying well hydrated is the most important part of preventing stretch marks. Drinking plenty of water, at least 8 to 10 glasses daily can improve your skin elasticity and can prevent the tearing of the dermis due to skin stretching.
• Another way to improve your skin elasticity is to exercise regularly. Exercise can increase the resilience of your skin against over stretching.
• Moisturizing the skin can be termed as the best home remedy for stretch marks. The more moisturized the skin is, the less likely to get those ugly marks.
• Along with miniaturization, massage your skin with olive oil, almond oil, wheat germ oil or lavender oil. This will gradually diminish the appearance of stretch marks.
• Use vitamin E oils on the affected area of the skin. Vitamin E is an essential vitamin for healthy skin, which can reduce scars and stretch marks.
• Regular application of cocoa butter, which is an excellent moisturizer can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
• Aloe vera gel, renowned for its benefits for many skin conditions, can prove quite effective for stretch marks removal as well.
• Scrub the areas with stretch marks regularly with a soft loofah or wash cloth. Scrubbing can help to exfoliate the dead skin cells, and improve blood circulation. Also do not forget to apply moisturizer after scrubbing the skin.
• An excellent home remedy can be prepared by combining aloe vera gel, olive oil and vitamin A and E oils. You can also mix aloe vera gel with cocoa butter and massage the affected area.
• Lemon, known for its effectiveness to remove any kind of scar or mark can also be used for stretch marks. You can use it alone or mix it with cucumber juice, which is another well-known home remedy.
• Tomato has bleaching properties, for which it can lighten up skin complexion, by removing dark spots and marks. It can prove equally effective for making the stretch marks less noticeable.

Along with the application of these remedies, be sure to follow a balanced diet, that includes lots of vitamins, especially vitamin A and E, and minerals like, zinc. At the same time, try to keep the skin as much hydrated as possible. The expecting mothers can benefit a lot by regular exercising, drinking lots of water and moisturizing the skin adequately, for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. Hope these simple steps along with the above mentioned home remedies would prove effective for making the stretch marks less noticeable and improving your skin condition.