Stretch marks are more common than we think they are and pregnancy stretch marks are not any different than stretch marks that happen otherwise, such as in puberty.
Fine lines form in areas that are prone to fat accumulation; like breasts, hips, arms, abdomen, tummy and thighs. They can either form by hormonal changes or sudden fat loss in these regions. Rapid growth, or weight gain, causes the dermis to tear instead of stretching resulting in hyperpigmented marks or fine lines.
The two most common spots for stretch marks during pregnancy are on the belly and breast. Initially they appear as thin red or purple lines on the skin that have a different texture than the surrounding skin.
Stretch marks are better prevented than treated. By improving your skin’s elasticity, you can prevent their formation so that when the skin needs to stretch, it does not tear.
Hydration is the key! Keeping yourself hydrated when you’re pregnant helps greatly to prevent stretch marks and helps you to have a healthy pregnancy. Drink about 64 fluid ounces of water a day and keep your electrolytes in balance. Applying oils and lotions during pregnancy also helps in preventing unsightly marks.
Over the course of time, most stretch marks start to fade and become whitish, or almost translucent. While it’s almost impossible to get rid of them completely, there are some home remedies that can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks and let them fade quicker.
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Olive Oil
Olive oil has been used since ancient times as an excellent skin moisturizer and hair treatment because of its hydrating and cooling effect. It is rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants making it an ideal product for healing.
Olive oil enhances blood circulation along with moisturizing and exfoliating your skin, and this aids in faster healing of stretch marks.
Pour some warm oil in your palms and gently apply it on an area of skin you wish to treat. Massage and let it stay for 30 minutes so that its vitamins get absorbed into the skin. Take a bath after the massage or leave it until it gets absorbed completely. You can also prepare a mixture of olive oil, water and vinegar and gently massage your skin with this every night before going to bed.
Aloe Vera gel
Known for its amazing soothing powers for thousands of years, aloe vera gel is a natural remedy for almost all skin issues. The use of aloe vera as a stretch mark cure is relatively new and it makes complete sense as pure aloe vera promotes healing and also soothes and moisturizes your skin, making it an ideal home remedy to try for stretch marks. Positive results can be achieved by using this herbal remedy regularly.
Just get few small aloe vera leafs and use fresh gel and apply it directly over the skin. Let it stay for 15 minutes and then rinse it off using lukewarm water. Apply on the affected areas regularly after you shower.
Another way to enhance its effects is by preparing a mixture of one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel with five Vitamin A and ten Vitamin E capsules. Gently apply it to the skin until it is completely absorbed. Use it twice a day for maximum results.
Sugar
Sugar is often used as a part of DIY body scrubs because of its exfoliating coarse texture. It can help you remove dead skin and reduce the unsightly appearance of fine lines on your thighs, belly and arms. Sugar is also used in a homeopathic microdermabrasion method. This procedure is performed by a dermatologist and is considered a clinically proven method to treat stretch marks.
Take 1 cup of sugar and ¼ cup of almond oil, or coconut oil, place in a bowl and mix well. Add a few drops of lemon juice and stir thoroughly. Scrub the mixture on the affected areas of your body for 8 to 10 minutes. Rinse the mixture off with warm water and pat it dry. Repeat several times a week while in the shower for a period of a month.
For even better results you can make another homemade scrub using lavender oil and lemon juice. Lavender possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties whereas the vitamin C in lemon juice provides antioxidants for healing and eliminating signs of aging. This scrub can prove to be extremely beneficial even if you have light scarring throughout your body.
Take 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and some drops of lavender oil and mix well. Scrub on areas with stretch marks for a few minutes and rinse. You can also use it all over your body since it is a less abrasive scrub that can treat all kinds of scars.
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Castor Oil
Stretch marks can be treated and prevented if the skin is kept hydrated and well moisturized. Feeding your skin constantly with castor oil can provide enough nourishment when massaged onto the skin to heal and smoothen the marks slowly. It improves skin’s elasticity and is rich in Vitamin E, natural fatty acids and proteins that can replenish your skin.
Massage castor oil on the stretch marks and rub the area gently in a circular motion for five to ten minutes. Cover the area with a plastic bag and place a hot pack on it for about 30 to 40 minutes. The heat opens pores and helps in better absorption of the oil. Rinse and repeat daily for at least a month.
For added benefits, mix aloe oil, one part castor oil and combine well. Apply directly on the affected areas for at least 15 minutes and then wipe with a damp warm cloth.
Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter
The nourishing nature of cocoa butter and shea butter makes it exceptionally remarkable for skin problems. Cocoa butter is used in several commercial beauty products because of its amazing properties. It is also known for its anti-aging properties and boosting circulation. It can reduce and prevent stretch marks if used during and after pregnancy.
The best time to use cocoa butter is at night. Use one tablespoon of cocoa butter and massage it on the stretch marks. Repeat this twice a day for at least two months until you notice an improvement in your skin.
Shea butter also gives the same amazing results as cocoa butter. It has phenomenal healing properties as it is a heavy moisturizer that can treat even the roughest of skins. Shea moisturizers are easily available at any local pharmacy.
A DIY recipe that includes both cocoa and shea butter can give extraordinary results. Take 2 teaspoons of melted cocoa butter, 2 teaspoons of melted shea butter and 1 tablespoon of vitamin E and mix well. Let it cool in a sealable container. Once it reaches a creamy state, apply it to the affected areas every day after every few hours. Use this mixture during pregnancy to prevent the formation of stretch marks and achieve unbelievable results.
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Natural Stretch Mark Cream
This homemade recipe contains all ingredients that can prevent and treat stretch marks. Use it regularly twice a day during pregnancy as a preventative. It also helps getting rid of stretch marks that form post-pregnancy and during puberty.
In a double burner, melt ½ cup of organic coconut oil and ¼ cup of raw cocoa butter. Place it in a glass container. Allow it to cool and then add 1 tsp Vitamin E oil, 2 tbsp of rosehip oil, 2 tbsp almond oil and 20 drops of Lavender essential oil. Blend with an immersion blender. Store in a cool, dark place and apply 2-3 times every day directly on stretch marks.