Most if not all women suffer from stretch marks after pregnancy. Normally, stretch marks are usually caused by sudden weight gain or weight loss. That’s why you will find that even men and women who have not been pregnant before may also suffer from the stretch marks in various parts of the body such as buttocks, thighs, lower back, breasts and upper arms. However, in the case of pregnant women, stretch marks occur due to stretching of the skin and abdomen due to the growing baby inside the womb.
The truth of the matter is that stretch marks can be very annoying especially if you do not know how to get rid of them. But don’t worry, by the time you are done reading this article, you will have gotten a solution to your stretch marks problem.
Effective home remedies to remove stretch marks
While there are so many beauty treatments in the market such as creams, lotions and moisturizers which claim to be effective in removing stretch marks, most of them are way too expensive and others contain harmful side effects. That’s why most people have resulted in natural home remedies to assist them to get rid of stretch marks or at least reduce or lighten their appearance. Here are some of those natural remedies available beside creams such as solvaderm stemuderm and other chemicals. Please note that for satisfying results, you must have a routine skincare program and strict discipline. But the outcome is worth the hard work.
Aloe Vera gel
Aloe Vera is a plant that has been used to treat many illnesses thanks to its numerous miraculous healing properties. To use this plant, take a fresh leaf, cut it into half and execrate the gel inside. Massage that gel onto areas with stretch marks and leaves it for about 20 or 30 minutes. Then wash it off with some warm water. Do this every day until you get the desired results.
Oil treatment
There are various types of oils that can help you deal with stretch marks. The impressive thing about oils is that they not only reduce stretch marks but they also make your skin very smooth. Some of the oils you should consider using include:
Castor oil
Castor oil has also been used to reduce pregnancy stretch marks naturally. Simply massage the body parts with stretch marks with the castor oil in a circular motion. Do this for about 20 minutes and then cover the area with a cotton cloth to provide some heat to the affected area. You can even roll a hot water bottle on it for more effective results because when the heat opens the pores, the oil will be absorbed into the pores easily. Then clean the area. If you do this daily, you will soon find that the stretch marks are fading away gradually.
Olive oil
Olive oil contains vitamins A, D and E which are all good for your skin. If you are suffering from stretch marks, you cannot go wrong with olive oil. It has amazing properties to help exfoliate and moisturize your skin. Plus it improves blood circulation and reduces stretch marks in a commendable way.
Apply some oil in the area with stretch marks and using your palms, massage the area gently. Leave it for 30 minutes and then clean it off. If you do this religiously, you will be happy with the results.
Honey
Other than it being a sweetener, honey can be very effective in dealing with stretch marks as well. This is majorly attributed to the antiseptic property of honey. There are two ways to use honey on your skin. One, mix honey, glycerin and honey to form honey scrub. Apply the scrub on the affected area, allow it to dry up and then rinse it off with warm water. The second option is to apply honey on a piece of cloth, place the cloth on the affected area and leave it to dry. Rinse the place with warm water.
Sugar
Sugar is a great remedy to stretch marks. As it exfoliates your dead skin, your stretch marks will greatly reduce. With sugar, you can simply put some in a bowl, add a little water or lemon but not to an extent of dissolving the sugar in the liquid. Then use the mixture as a scrub on the affected area. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of sugar with almond oil and add a few drops of lemon juice. Use it to scrub the areas with stretch marks before you take a bath. Do this daily for at least a month or more for best results.
Shea or cocoa butter
There is a good reason why shea and cocoa butter are usually the primary ingredients present in many body lotions. It is because they contain properties that improve skin elasticity, prevents skin dryness and in your case, reduces stretch marks. Besides, cocoa butter is an incredible moisturizer and can help to nourish your skin for smooth younger-looking skin. Take either shea butter or cocoa butter and apply it on the stretch marks. Massage the areas for about 15 minutes and then rinse it with water. Do this regularly.
Egg white
Egg white is an excellent source of protein which can really assist your skin to rejuvenate and give it a fresh-looking appearance. When using this procedure, put two egg whites and beat them with a fork until they mix properly. Apply the mixture of the affected area after cleaning it with water. Let the mixture dry up and then rinse it off with cold water. Dry the area with a towel and then apply some olive oil. The oil will keep your skin moisturized and supple. Repeat this every day. You will soon realize your skin tone improves and the marks fade away.
Potatoes
Potatoes are super healthy vegetables and their benefit to your skin are nothing short of superb. That’s because potatoes contain carotenoids, phytochemicals and polyphenols which are all fantastic to your skin. The potato juice or potato peel can help reduce stretch marks and other skin conditions like blemishes, dark spots and acne. The more reason you should incorporate it into your daily skincare routine.
Cut a ripe potato into two haves and rub one half on the stretch marks. Allow the juice to dry up on the skin and then clean the area with lukewarm water. Do this at least twice a day for the best outcome. Although it may take time before you notice the difference, please do not give up because you are the same person who will celebrate the good results.
Say goodbye to ugly stretch marks
The fact that you are now a mum doesn’t mean you must deal with stretch marks forever. Make good use of these tips and get back your beautiful skin. Since they are natural remedies, it won’t harm if you combined some of those tips. Just make sure you stick to the skincare routine you choose. It may take months before you notice any changes but the wait is worthwhile.