Home Remedies For Strech Mark

Stretch marks (striae) are pink, red or purple indented streaks that often appear on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks and thighs and eventually fade to white or gray. Stretch marks are particularly common in pregnant women, especially during the latter half of pregnancy.

Symptoms

Stretch marks don't all look alike. They vary depending on how long you've had them, what caused them and where they are on your body, as well as on the type of skin you have. Common variations include:

Indented streaks or lines in the skin
Multiple pink, red or purple streaks
Bright streaks that fade to a light pink, white or grayish color

Stretch marks are common on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks and thighs. Sometimes they can cover large areas of the body.

Causes

Stretch marks seem to be caused, literally, by a stretching of the skin. Stretch marks are more extreme when coupled with an increase in cortisone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisone weakens elastic fibers in the skin.

Stretch marks develop in a variety of circumstances, including:

Pregnancy. Most pregnant women develop stretch marks by the end of their pregnancy. The physical stretching of the skin, along with hormonal factors, likely plays a role.
Weight gain. Stretch marks sometimes occur during substantial weight gain. Weightlifters can develop stretch marks, particularly on the arms. Adolescents may notice stretch marks during growth spurts.
Medication use. Corticosteroid creams, lotions and pills and chronic use of oral or systemic steroids can cause stretch marks.
Conditions or diseases. Cushing's syndrome and adrenal gland diseases can cause widespread stretch marks, as can Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and other hereditary (genetic) disorders.

Remedies for Stretch Marks

1. Sugar

Sugar is used as a natural exfoliant for skin. It is one of the best home remedies to get rid of stretch marks. Take a tablespoon of sugar. Add some drops of almond oil and lemon juice in it. Stir it well and apply directly on the stretch marks. Rub it for 8-10 minutes and then, take a shower. Continue to use it for one month or so, until the stretch marks gets fade out.

2. Potato Juice

Potato juice is rich in minerals and vitamins. It promotes restoration and growth of skin cells. Cut thick slices of a medium-sized potato. Take one of the potato slices and rub gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes. When the juice gets dried, wash the affected area with lukewarm water.

3. Water

Water is known for carrying oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. To prevent skin from various problems, drinking water helps a lot. To get rid of stretch marks, a well-hydrated skin is required in order to allow regular detoxification of skin pores. It is the quickest remedy to heal stretch marks. Drink 10 glasses of water daily to make skin soft and maintain a hydrated body.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is considered to be the most effective homeopathic remedy for stretch marks and various other skin problems. It is known for its healing and soothing properties. Apply aloe vera directly on the stretch marks. After a few minutes, clean it with lukewarm water.

Alternatively, take a one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel. Extract oil from 5 vitamin A capsules and 10 vitamin E capsules. Mix both the oils with aloe vera. Rub this mixture carefully on the affected area until it gets fully absorbed. For better results, apply this mix daily.

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, which are effective for skin disorders. For healing stretch marks, warm the olive oil slightly. Rub it gently on the affected area. With this, the blood circulation will improve and stretch marks will get reduced.

6. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is other easy treatment for stretch marks. The acid present in lemon juice helps in reducing stretch marks, acne, skin injuries, and scars. Take out juice from some lemons. Massage it gently for 10 minutes in a circular motion on the stretch marks. Clean the affected area with warm water.
You can also mix some lemon juice with cucumber juice. Apply this mix directly on the affected area.

7. Castor Oil

Castor oil is considered to be a healing treatment for skin problems, like moles, dark spots, wrinkles, pimples, and fine lines. How is it used to heal stretch marks? Well, you can apply castor oil directly on the stretch marks. Massage it in a circular motion for 15 minutes. After massaging, wrap the affected area with thin and clean cotton cloth. Now, apply some heat with the help of heating pad or hot water bottle. Continue the process for 30 minutes daily for one month to get best results.

8. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is famous for its anti-wrinkling and anti-aging properties. It helps in enhancing the blood circulation, which reduces stretch marks. Massage the affected area with cocoa butter at least two times a day. Repeat the process for two months and notice the reduced scars.

Else, mix half cup of cocoa butter with one tablespoon of wheat germ oil, one teaspoon of tea kernel oil, two teaspoons of grated beeswax, and vitamin E oil. Heat the mix until the beeswax melts. Apply it on the stretch marks twice or thrice a day. The mixture can be stored in a sealed box in the refrigerator.

9. Alfalfa Leaves

Alfalfa leaves consists of amino acids, which are effective for maintaining proper health of the skin. It is rich in vitamin E, K, and proteins, which help in improving body tone. It has anti-fungal agents, which detoxifies the skin. Take some alfalfa powder and mix it with a few drops of chamomile oil to form a paste. Gently rub the paste on the affected area thrice a day.

10. Egg Whites

To get rid of stretch marks, egg whites are beneficial as they are rich in proteins and amino acid. Extract whites of two eggs. Whip it with the help of a fork. After washing the affected area with clean water, apply a thick layer of egg whites with the help of a brush. Let it dry completely and wash it off with cold water. After this, apply some olive oil to moisturize the skin. For two weeks, continue the process daily for better results.

11. Apricots

Take two-three apricots. Cut them and remove their seeds. Grind them to form a paste. Apply the paste directly on the stretch marks. Leave it for 20 minutes. Then, rinse it with lukewarm water. Follow the process for one month and see the promising results.

12. Lavender Oil, Almond Oil, and Chamomile Oil

Prepare a mixture of vitamin-rich oils by mixing two teaspoons of almond oil, half teaspoon of lavender oil and half teaspoon of chamomile oil. Stir the mixture well and apply it on the stretch marks.

13. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil owns anti-viral, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective for all types of skin problems. Take some tea tree oil and massage gently on the affected area.

14. Herbal Solution

Herbal solution is easy to prepare. It is actually a mixture of one tablespoon of wheat germ oil and one tablespoon of calendula oil. Apply this herbal mix on hips, breast, and abdomen to remove stretch marks.

15. Glycerine and Lemon

Lemon is rich in citrus acid. Put 1-2 drops of glycerine in lemon. Rub the lemon on the affected area gently. Repeat the process two times a day. It will not only reduce the stretch marks, but will also keep your skin moisturized.

16. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is helpful in preventing scars on dermis. Vitamin K is present in green vegetables, like cabbage, spring onions, pickled cucumber, etc. Make a salad of all these vegetables and consume it daily to get rid of stretch marks.

17. Physical Exercise

One must regularly do physical exercises, like abdominal crunches, sit-ups, swimming, etc., which tone the underlying muscles and remove the ugly stretch marks. Here are some exercises, which are beneficial to remove stretch marks:

For Stretch Marks on Stomach: You are required to lie down flat on your back. Now, bend your knees keeping the feet flat on the floor. Keep your hands on the sides of your head. Now, lift your upper body somewhat off the floor, contracting your abs.
For Stretch Marks on Thighs: Sit straight on the chair. Now, put your hands down to your sides, holding the chair. Now, swing your legs in up and down motion. This will help to firm your thighs.
For Stretch Marks on Hips and Buttocks: Lie down flat on your back. Relax for a few minutes. Then, lift one leg creating a 90 degree angle. Lift it until you feel a pull on your buttocks. Try the same on the other leg. Slowly, increase your pace and strain on the hips, buttocks, and thighs.
For Stretch Marks on Bottom: You are required to lie down facing the floor. Put your arms on the side. Lift your right leg up and then down. Repeat the same with left leg. Raise your leg at least 3-6 inches off the floor.

Note- For best results, practise 20 lifts for each exercise thrice a week.

REMEMBER

Anyone can get stretch marks, but some factors increase your likelihood of getting them, including: