The Best 10 Home-Based Remedies For Stretch Marks

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are dermal scars that result from swift expansion of the skin and, in particular, the connective tissue in it.¹. They are characterized by long, smooth bands on the skin that are pink, red or purple. Eventually, they dim leaving silvery marks ^{1, 2}. Stretch marks affect both genders. They can occur during puberty in boys and girls or during pregnancy. Sudden loss or weight gain can also cause stretch marks. There are certain products on the market that you can use to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. As there are so many products available, make sure to choose the best one. This Research Verified review should help you when it comes to choosing a trustworthy product.

In what follows we list 10 home-based remedies for stretch marks.

1. Lemon – Not Just for Seasoning

Lemon juice is an effective remedy for reducing stretch marks ⁵. It helps lighten the color thanks to its vitamin C, stimulating a natural fading process. And, used properly, it has no side effects.  The juice exfoliates the skin helping get rid of dead skin cells ⁵. A natural acid called ³ alpha hydroxyl acid found in lemon juice helps promote the production of collagen, new skin cells and blood vessels to support them. Lemons are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that promote re-growth of new cells.

Slice a lemon and rub one slice at a time on the affected areas. Wait for the skin to absorb the moisture. After 10 minutes, rinse the lemon with warm water. For best results, apply an essential oil on the affected areas. Use lemon juice for a month at which time you see desired changes.

A popular variation is to mix freshly squeezed cucumber with lemon juice in a one-to-one ratio. Apply on the stretch marks with a cotton ball or your fingertips. Leave it for a few minutes to dry. Rinse off with warm water. Do this daily for a month.

Fast fact: You can also mix lemon juice with cocoa butter, aloe Vera gel, sugar, turmeric, potato juice, or even egg whites to help relieve stretch marks. Experiment to determine the combination that works best for you.

2. Mr. Potato Juice

Potatoes have an abundance of starch ³ which has emollient properties capable of soothing irritated skin. The antioxidants in potato, which can prevent or slow cell damage, also help remove stretch marks.

Cut the potato into thick sized slices. Then rub these slices gently and in a circular motion over the stretch marks. Leave it to dry for about 10 minutes. Wash it off with tepid water.

Fast fact: Potato juice is rich in minerals. Add lemon juice for more rapid absorption. Apply a moisturizer afterward.

3. Hello Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera⁴ is the perfect stretch mark remedy for those who can get their hands on it. Aloe Vera leaves secrete a thick gel that can heal or soothe ¹⁰ wounds. The collagen in the gel helps repair broken skin ³. Collagen is also vital in the eradication of fine lines, wrinkles and the effects of age on skin. It also makes skin plump and improves elasticity.

Remove the outer skin of Aloe Vera leaves. That brings out the sticky gel-like substance from the inside. Apply this gel on the affected area. Leave it to dry for about two or three hours. Wash it off with warm water.

Fast fact: You can leave Aloe Vera on overnight. You can also mix it with lemon juice to ease the absorption. Also, remember to apply essential oils after rinsing.

4. Alfalfa – Sprout a Treatment

Alfalfa sprouts are quite effective against stretch marks. They are rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin K ⁶, and amino acids. Vitamin E is essential for neutralizing the oxidative properties of free radicals that damage collagen layers. Damaged collagen results in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin dryness. Vitamin K regulates bone mineralization and blood clotting ³. The amino acids nourish the skin.

Mix alfalfa powder with an essential oil. Apply the paste on the stretch marks. Leave the paste for 15 minutes. Wash off with water.

Fast fact: You can use chamomile oil as the essential oil in your alfalfa paste.

5. Egg on a Solution

Egg whites is another very good home remedy for stretch marks. They  are rich in collagen and Vitamin A. Collagen has praline, Arginine, hydroxyproline, and Glycine. Collagen gives the skin firmness, suppleness, and eases cellular regeneration.

Separate the yolk from the egg whites. Stir the whites and apply gently on the stretch marks. Let it dry for 15 minutes. Wash off with water.

Fast fact: Remember to keep the skin moisturized by applying essential oils, lotion or body cream. You can also use cocoa butter, almond oil or castor oil.

6. Getting Sweet on Stretch Marks

Sugar harbors glycolic acid, a chemical that stimulates the skin to regenerate, helping produce younger looking and feeling skin. Sugar crystals are used in a variety of cosmetic body scrubs to exfoliate skin and extracts dead skin cells ⁴.

Mix sugar with almond oil. You can also add lemon juice for better results. Stir the mixture for five minutes. Apply the paste to the stretch marks. Rub for about 10 minutes. Afterward, wash off with water.

Fast fact: You can mix sugar with oils such as castor and olive oils. You can also add lemon juice for more rapid uptake.

7. Cocoa Butter Cream

For years now people have used cocoa butter creams to remove stretch marks. Homemade cocoa butter mixed with shea butter cream is a very effective treatment for stretch marks. The remedy is rich in antioxidants, protecting the skin from free radicals. The vitamin E also prevents the occurrence of cellular damage. It also helps to protect and repair the skin.

Melt shea and cocoa butter separately. Take two teaspoons of each into a separate container. Add one teaspoon of vitamin E. Mix the ingredients and let them cool. Apply the solid on the stretch marks, rubbing gently.

Fast fact: Cocoa butter provides essential oils and moisturizes the skin.

8. Castor Oil 

Castor oil is a natural remedy for stretch marks, dry skin, and sunburns. The oil stimulates the synthesis of collagen and Elastin – a protein that helps skin return to its original shape after a being stretched.

Apply a dense layer of castor oil on the affected areas. Wrap the area with plastic. Then using a hot water bottle, apply heat for 20 minutes.

Fast fact: Apply castor oil as described above daily for at least a month.

9. Olive Oil – Not  Just for Popeye

Olive oil is abundant in four essential antioxidants that clean, moisturize and protect skin ^{3, 4, 6, 7, 8}. Vitamin E neutralizes the oxidative effects of free radicals protecting the skin from stretch marks, dryness and fine lines. Vitamin A thickens and improves the dermis. It also reduces wrinkles and fine lines and facilitates blood flow to the skin.

Massage the stretch marks with warm pure olive oil. After 10 minutes, wash the oil with water.

Fast fact: Keeps the skin moisturized preventing breaking and scarring.

10. Stay Hydrated

Last but not least is water. Stretch marks are more probably when the skin loses its elasticity³. Elastin hardens when it is not well hydrated. So to keep your skin moisturized, drink plenty of water every day ¹⁰.

Also, apply moisturizers, essential oils, or body lotions and creams on the skin to keep it hydrated.

Fast fact: Hydration, by drinking enough water daily, can help reduce and prevent stretch marks.

References

1. What are stretch marks?
2. Stretch Marks
3. Top 10 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks Naturally
4. How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Fast
5. How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks With Lemon
6. Get Rid of Stretch Marks Fast with THESE 7 Natural Remedies!
7. 10 Ways To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks Fast and Naturally
8. 17 Home Remedies to Heal Stretch Marks Fast
9. http://visihow.com/Vanish_Stretch_Marks_Using_Coconut_Oil_and_Potato
10. http://www.treatcurefast.com/skin/stretch-marks/how-to-get-rid-of-stretch-marks-fast-naturally-overnight-at-home/

Concise, honest reporting from Authority Reports.