Home Remedies For Stretch Marks

My article published in oneindia.com http://www.boldsky.com/beauty/skin-care/2013/ingredients-reduce-stretch-marks-032860.html

Stretch marks are one of the most annoying beauty concerns of both men and women. The appearance of stretch marks may vary from person to person depending on the colour of your skin. It can occur due to various reasons like pregnancy, after rapid weight gain or loss, underlying health condition, such as Marfan syndrome or  prolonged use of corticosteroid medication.

The rapid stretching causes breakage the middle layer of skin (dermis) in places, which causes the deeper skin layers to show through, forming stretch marks. The most important thing to remember is to keep your skin moisturized, to minimize effect of stretching. All women who experienced the excitement of pregnancy might have gone through this exasperating problem. 

Stretch marks are innocent when we consider its medical and health aspects. But, still it makes us bothered in many other facets of our lifestyle. Does this make you worried about wearing your favorite cloth? Or does this make you feel diffident to expose those muscle packs you gained after spending long regular workout hours in the gym? Don’t get upset. If you are committed and consistent to follow a daily routine to get rid of those frustrating stretch marks, here are some home remedies from your kitchen shelf.

1.      Lemon juice: Lemon is considered as a remedy for both stretch marks and scars. It contains glycolic acid and hydroxide acid; which you can find in many of the creams that are used against stretch marks. This removes dead cells and renews the skin.

2.      Carrot mash: Steam carrots until they become soft enough to mash. Make a paste of it. Apply the paste on the area of stretch marks and keep it for some time. This is effective to diminish stretch marks.

3.      Grapes: The extract from grapes is one of the best moisturizers. It hydrates the dry skin. Apply the pulp on your skin and let stand for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water. This will effectively act on stretch marks and beautifies your skin.

4.      Cocoa Butter: This is the most popular and successful remedy for preventing stretch marks that appear with the pregnancy. Cocoa butter can penetrate the upper skin layer and can reach the dermis. Apply the cocoa butter on the abdomen, thighs, hips and buttocks two times a day.

5.      Essential Oils: Both rose hip or almond oil have regenerative properties. Apply the oil regularly once a day.  Be patient enough as you cannot expect an instant result.

6.      Aloe Vera: It improves skin hydration and replenishes dry skin. Use a freshly cut piece to get a more satisfactory result. Apply it on the skin two or three times a day.

7.      Wheat germ oil: Wheat germ oil is effective to remove stretch marks especially if they are in their early phase. Apply it generously to the affected part and keep for some time.

8.      Lavender oil: Lavender oil will help in lightening the stretch mark scars depending on the severity of the mark. Extreme stretching may cause fibres to tear, which will make it difficult to remove.

9.      Olive oil: Olive oil is highly recommended for pregnant women to prevent stretch marks. The main principle behind the use of olive oil is its wonderful property to act as a moisturizer. Massage it gently on your skin.

10.  Stay hydrated: This is the most important point to keep in your mind. It will keep your skin moisturized and it averts any problems of dry skin. Good hydrated skin restores its elasticity, which will aid in preventing and diminishing the stretch marks. 

Related article:  Foods To Reduce Excessive Sweating.