Stretch marks are linear scars that occur on the body when the
skin is stretched past its flexibility capacities. This normally happens
due to sudden weight gain caused by pregnancy, a burst of growth during
puberty or bulking up for body building. The hormonal surges that can
accompany pregnancy and puberty also contribute to the development of
these scars. The stretch marks are red or purple in color when they are
new but fade to white or silver as they age.
It is recommended to
treat the scars when they first appear as they are harder to get rid of
when they are older. It is best to try to prevent them in the first
place and there are a lot of home remedies for stretch marks that can help both in preventing the scars and treating them once they have appeared.
1. Dieting:
One of the most simple of the home remedies for stretch marks involves
eating a healthy and nutritional diet as well as keeping the body well
hydrated. A healthy body has healthier skin that can resist stretch mark
scarring and also repair damage more efficiently. Good foods for
healthy skin include products made from whole grains, fresh fruit and
vegetables as well as cold water fish.
2. Vitamin & Mineral Supplements:
The skin needs many vitamins, minerals and nutrients to stay healthy,
flexible and supple. These include vitamins A, E, C and K as well as the
mineral zinc. Taking a vitamin, mineral and nutrient supplement every
day will ensure the body has these essential ingredients and is better
equipped to defend and heal itself.
3. Exercising Daily:
A regular routine of exercise that emphasizes stretching can help to
break down scar tissue as well as increase circulation and blood flow
for improved nutrient delivery to the skin.
4. Exfoliation Techniques:
Exfoliation removes a thin layer of surface skin to help remove scar
tissue as well as dead skin cells. It is accomplished by using a
cleanser that has exfoliating ingredients like tea tree oil or alpha
hydroxy acid or is mildly abrasive like oatmeal or baking soda. The
applicator that is used apply the cleanser should also be mildly
abrasive such as a loofah, coarse sponge or soft bristled brush.
5. Massage Therapy Treatments:
Massage is one of the home remedies for stretch marks that has been
used for many years with good success by numerous people. Massage
improves circulation and blood flow in the body so that more nutrients
are delivered to the skin and the pressure involved in the technique
helps to break down scar tissue.
6. Creams for Stretch Marks:
There are a lot of natural and holistic creams and lotions that can be
used to prevent stretch marks from happening, reduce the visibility of
existing scars or even remove them all together. Cocoa butter has long
been used as a folk remedy for stretch marks but the list of holistic
products that work on the scars is a long one. Some of the more
effective include shea butter, aloe vera, emu oil, jojoba oil, coconut
oil, mink oil, castor oil, almond oil and liquid vitamin E. Each of
these natural home remedies for stretch marks works in slightly
different ways so it is possible to mix them together in order to get
even better results.
