Stretch marks are visible lines on the skin surface, with
an off-color hue. Stretch marks are mainly found in the abdominal wall, but can
also occur over the thighs, upper arms, buttocks and breasts.
Sometimes
stretch marks can cover large areas of the body. While pregnancy is the main cause behind stretch marks, other
reasons can be sudden gain or loss in weight, rapid growth, heredity factors, stress and changes in physical
conditions.
The skin consists of three main layers: Epidermis (the
outer layer), Dermis (the middle layer) and Subcutaneous or Hypodermic (the
deepest layer). Stretch marks form in the dermis or middle layer of the skin
when the connective tissue is “stretched” beyond the power of its flexibility
due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin.
As skin is
stretched, the collagen is weakened and its normal production cycle is
interrupted and damaged. This ultimately results
in fine scars under the top layer of the skin. Initially the marks look pink or
red, but over time a thin, silvery line appears on the skin surface and a
stretch mark is born.
Stretch marks
appear on the skin surface when someone grows quickly, or puts on weight
quickly.
Stretch marks
can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about your appearance.
Fortunately, there are several natural ways to reduce the appearance of stretch
marks.
1. Castor Oil
Castor oil, which is used in the treatment of a number of
skin problems such as wrinkles, age spots, moles, dark spots, fine lines and
pimples, can also be used to get rid of stretch marks.
Apply some castor oil to the stretch marks and gently
massage the area in circular motions for 5 to 10 minutes.
Wrap the area with a thin, cotton cloth. Using a hot
water bottle or a heating pad, apply some heat to the affected area for at
least a half an hour.
Repeat this process daily for a minimum of one month to
notice positive results.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is effective in the treatment of many skin
problems. Its healing and soothing properties can be used to get rid of stretch
marks. There are a couple of ways to apply it.
You can directly rub aloe-vera gel on the affected skin
area, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse the skin with lukewarm water.
Another option is to make a mixture with one-fourth
cup of aloe vera gel, oil from 10 vitamin E capsules and oil from five vitamin
A capsules. Rub this mixture onto the skin until fully absorbed.
Repeat this
process daily.
3. Egg Whites
Eggs are a rich source of protein. For stretch marks, you
want to use only the egg whites, which contain amino
acids and proteins.
Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a fork. Clean the
affected skin area with water and then apply a thick layer of egg whites with a
makeup brush.
Allow the egg whites to dry completely and then rinse the
area with cold water.
Finally apply some olive oil on the skin to keep it
moisturized.
Repeat the process daily for at least two weeks and watch
for positive results.
4. Lemon Juice
Another simple way to lessen stretch marks is to use
lemon juice. Lemon juice is naturally acidic which helps heal and reduce
stretch marks, acne, and other scars.
Rub fresh lemon juice gently onto the stretch marks using
circular motions. Allow the lemon juice to soak into your skin for at least 10
minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Another option is to mix equal quantities of
cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply the mixture on the stretch marks.
5. Sugar
Natural white sugar is one of the best natural remedies
to get rid of stretch marks. You can use the sugar to exfoliate your skin.
Mix a tablespoon of raw sugar with some almond oil and a
few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply it on the stretch marks and
other skin areas.
Gently rub the mixture on the skin for a few
minutes every day before taking a shower.
Do this for a month or so and watch your stretch marks
become lighter.
6. Potato Juice
Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that foster
growth and restoration of skin cells.
Cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices.
Take one of the potato pieces and rub it gently on the
stretch marks for a few minutes. Make sure the starch from the potato covers
the affected area.
Allow the potato juice to dry for some time and then wash
it off with lukewarm water.
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