As the name suggests, 'Stretch Marks' are the marks on the skin caused due to excess rapid stretching of the skin. They firstly appear as red, pink, purple or dark brown lines but with time, turn to white or silvery lines.
People generally relate stretch marks with pregnant women, which is actually not true. They are not restricted to women only.Stretch marks also affect adolescents, athletes, body builders and women who are not pregnant. Stretch marks mostly appear on those body parts where fat is stored in large amount. The parts that are commonly affected by it are abdomen, breasts, upper arms, thighs and lower back.
Our skin has its own elasticity limit but when this limit is crossed and is stretched beyond that rapidly, the fibers in our inner skin break and cause stretch marks. The reasons behind this excessive stretching can be-
People generally relate stretch marks with pregnant women, which is actually not true. They are not restricted to women only.Stretch marks also affect adolescents, athletes, body builders and women who are not pregnant. Stretch marks mostly appear on those body parts where fat is stored in large amount. The parts that are commonly affected by it are abdomen, breasts, upper arms, thighs and lower back.
Our skin has its own elasticity limit but when this limit is crossed and is stretched beyond that rapidly, the fibers in our inner skin break and cause stretch marks. The reasons behind this excessive stretching can be-
1. Sudden weight loss or weight gain
2. Pregnancy
3. Sudden change in physical conditions especially during adolescence
These stretch marks neither pose any risk to health nor interfere in the normal functioning but surely lead to lot of embarrassment when visible and deprive one of wearing self's choice of outfit.
Though there are medical procedures for treating stretch marks but because of the high cost and risks involved, it is better to opt for a natural way.
Following are some natural remedies to get rid of stretch marks-
- Apply Lavender oil on the stretch marks and massage gently. Repeating this process 2-3 times daily will help in reducing the stretch marks.
- Lavender oil can also be mixed with Almond oil and Chamomile oil and then applied on the stretch marks.
- Aloe Vera is known for its various benefits. Application of Aloe Vera gel regularly on the stretch marks is an effective remedy.
- Blend ¼ cup of Aloe Vera gel, ½ cup of Olive oil, liquid from 6 capsules of Vitamin E and 4 capsules of Vitamin A together. Store this solution in fridge to cool it. Apply it daily to heal stretch marks.
- A gentle massage on the affected area regularly with Flaxseed oil/warm Olive oil/ Castor oil/ Liver oil or Shea butter diminishes the marks.
- Another useful remedy for stretch marks is using egg white. Apply a thick layer of raw egg white evenly on the affected area. Let it dry and then wash off with cold water. Pat dry and massage with any of the recommended oils. Repeat it thrice a day for visible results.
- Mix Calendula oil and Wheat Germ oil in equal quantities and apply daily on the stretch marks. A massage with only Calendula oil is also beneficial. It not only regulates the blood circulation but also minimizes the stretch marks.
- Aroma oil therapy is also believed to be useful for stretch marks.
- Take ½ cup of Cocoa butter, 2 tbps of Wheat Germ oil, 1 tsp of Apricot Kernel oil, 4 tsps of Beeswax and 2 tsps each of Vitamin E oil and Sesame seed oil in an utensil and slowly heat it till the Beeswax and Cocoa butter melt. Allow this to cool and then store it a container with lid. Massage the affected areas with it daily to reduce the stretch marks.
- A moisturizing cream or oil with Cocoa butter or vitamin E is good for stretch marks.
Few basic but important things to keep in mind-
- Drink plenty of water. A hydrated skin is able to return to its normal shape without any stretch marks after excess stretching.
- Have a healthy diet. Include more of dairy products, seeds and nuts, green vegetables, fresh fruits and fruit juices, Food rich in protein, zinc, vitamin C and E help prevent stretch marks.
- Regular exercise tones and firms the muscles. Yogasanas are also beneficial. Exercises and yogasans reduce the chance of stretch marks. In case of pregnancy, consult doctor for the right exercises for you.
- Maintain a balanced body weight. Sudden weight loss or weight gain results in stretch marks.
Useful Products
- Lass Aloe Vera Hydro Gel - Multipurpose Natural Gel
- Lass Aloe Vera Moisturizing Lotion with Almond & Saffron
- Peach & Avocado Body Butter
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