Stretch marks removal may be such a pain in the arse. Females (and males) struggle with this and are always seeking ways to make them go away. The fact that they are almost an unavoidable part of pregnancy makes them annoying to some. To others, they are evidence of a couple of pounds gained or lost. Because of their unavoidability, many turn to expensive creams and treatment options in a bid to make them go away. These 10 tips just might help!
With the emotional and physical burden stretch marks imposes, it may be a challenge to rock some outfits even when the occasions call for them. Well, it’s about that time of year again where shorts, tank tops, and bikinis rule, and those stretch marks from the baby are suddenly looking pretty noticeable. And you are probably hoping to show off your bump with some maternity photos.
Fortunately, we have found you a list of 10 ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and get you one step closer to that summer body.
10 Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks may never fully disappear, but these 10 tips can definitely help reduce their appearance. Remember, they are always easiest to treat when they are still new and slightly pink in color.
1. Castor oil
Massage castor oil into the stretch marks for 5-10 minutes and then wrap with a warm cloth or heating pad for at least half an hour. While you may stop at only applying, massaging makes the product more effective. Repeated daily, this can help reduce the sight of stretch marks in as little as one month. How this works is that the castor oil moisturizes the area, which helps soothe any itchiness and prevent the stretch marks from drying out. Consistent miniaturization of the marks makes them less noticeable and facilitates their fading over time. Research supports the effectiveness of castor oil use in stretch marks removal.
2. Extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is another great way to reduce stretch marks quickly and effectively. Massage into the stretch marks and leave it on for at least half an hour to allow the vitamins in the oil to absorb into the skin. In addition to the vitamin E that is important for your skin, olive oil contains antioxidants that help with the stretch marks as well. Before applying, you can consider warming the olive oil to aid in the improvement of blood circulation.
3. Natural white sugar
Natural white sugar mixed with a little bit of almond oil and lemon juice can work wonders on those stretch marks. The sugar works to exfoliate the dead skin, while the lemon helps to lighten, and the almond oil moisturizes. Massage into your skin for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Continue daily for about a month or until the marks are sufficiently faded. The effectiveness of sugar in the alleviation of stretch marks borrows from its use in microdermabrasion.
4. Cocoa Butter
Not only does cocoa butter soften stretch marks, but it also helps in preventing them. The effectiveness of cocoa butter in the management of stretch marks is facilitated by its richness in essential nutrients (vitamins A, E, and stearic acid). The absorption of cocoa butter into the layers of the skin helps in moisturizing the skin.
Massage cocoa butter onto stretch marks for 2 minutes every day to help enhance blood circulation and decrease the appearance of stretch marks. Cocoa butter is a pregnancy necessity!
5. Apricots
The great exfoliating tendencies of apricots make them a great alternative when considering home remedies for stretch marks removal. The use of pure apricot oil guarantees great skin health results because of its rejuvenating effects, which make it possible for it to reduce stretch marks. However, the oil can be used alongside lemon juice for more effective results.
Create a paste out of the flesh of 2 apricots and apply for 20 minutes to stretch marks. Rinse off with warm water and repeat daily for a month. Show consistency in doing this and you will definitely love the results.
6. Essential oils
Essential oils are another great way to reduce stretch marks. Dilute a blend of lavender inside a carrier oil (like almond oil) and spread that over any itchy areas. So smooth! Also, essential oils should not be swallowed but applied on the skin. While some essential oils are more effective compared to others, some of the best choices for stretch marks removal include lavender oil, patchouli oil, neroli oil, bitter orange oil, bitter almond oil, argan oil, and frankincense essential oil.
7. Staying Hydrated
Apart from applying different products, what you take in also plays an important role in determining the likelihood of your skin developing stretch marks. Before we go to the importance of taking enough water, it’s important to note that caffeinated drinks increase the likelihood of one developing stretch marks.
That aside, we can hardly overemphasize the importance of water intake to the health of your skin. Taking enough water will help with the elasticity of your skin by ensuring necessary nutrients are well-circulated in your body. It also helps rid your body of toxins. The goal is 6-8 glasses of water, or more if you are nursing. It’s given that hydrated skin does not tend to develop stretch marks as much as dry skin.
8. Sliced Raw Potato
Rub sliced raw potato over your stretch marks and let the starchy juice from the potato sit on your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing off with cold water. The basis of this stretch marks removal suggestion is the fact that potato juice contains enzymes that aid in the lightening of scars and blemishes. Potatoes have been established to be bleaching agents that help one have brighter skin in addition to healing their scars.
9. Egg Whites
Get yourself some eggs and separate the egg whites from their yolks. You can do this by cracking the eggs all around with a knife and separating them enough to let only the whites seep out without the yolks. Once you have them separated, whip the whites and apply a thick layer over your stretch marks. Rinse off and follow up with a super moisturizing lotion or oil.
Egg whites provide a natural remedy alternative for stretch marks removal because of the composition of eggs. The whites contain proteins and amino acids that facilitate skin treatment. For this reason, consistent use of this method restores the skin to a smooth and youthful appearance.
10. Vitamin A
I don’t know if you know but supplements play an important role in supplying your body with nutrients that it lacks. While you may take supplements for other things, it is important to consider taking supplements for your skin as well. With that in mind, vitamin A, also known as retinoid, is an important vitamin in regard to the health of your skin.
You can also get vitamin A from certain diets such as those that contain carrots and sweet potatoes. In general, vitamin A can boost your overall skin’s performance and appearance. Research also confirms the importance of vitamin A in managing stretch marks.
How to Embrace your Stretch Marks
Even though I’ve given a few tips on how to try to get rid of them, remember that they don’t define who you are. You are strong and powerful and something has happened in your life where your stretch marks become noticeable.
Maybe you birthed a child, gained and lost a bunch of weight, grew 6 inches during the summer…you never know how a person is going to get their stretch marks.
But guess what? Stretch marks don’t need to be looked at as bad. It is important to check and change your perception of them. Instead of considering them as flaws, look at them as a way that- they’re telling a story.
Within those lines are memories, wins, losses, and a lot of growth. If you happen to have stretch marks (who doesn’t!), don’t be so hard on yourself!
Instead, focus on how they’ve helped you be the person that you are today! They are evidence of the experiences that make -up your life, whether good or bad.
While all these tips and tricks will help reduce stretch marks nothing can make them completely disappear forever. So, instead of hating them, embrace those tiger stripes and wear them with pride! They are pride and you earned them. If it counts, I am proud of you.
I think freckles, stretch marks, tattoos, bruises, birthmarks, and scars are the coolest thing ever. You started with almost a blank canvas. Look at you now. All this evidence that you lived.
-Gabriella Bowden
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