Stretch marks are developed due to the rupture of collagen and elastin. These narrow bands are initially reddish-purple when they first appear and can feel a little itchy too. With time, the color changes as they sink deep into your skin. Matured masks can also feel a little raised and are nearly impossible to erase, though, with natural remedies and akin lightening agents, one can make them appear slightly lighter.
Stretch marks are more likely to affect women as compared to men. The major problem areas include thighs, stomach, breasts, and upper arms. The reasons for developing stretch marks can be genetic as well as natural. A few of them include weight gain, pregnancy, weight loss, and hormonal changes.
Natural remedies to the rescue
Stretch marks indicate a sudden stretch of the connective tissue that leads to the tearing of the dermis. Though these scars fade away with the time but treating them in the initial stage can prevent your skin from the significant damage.
Before we go ahead and discuss the remedial measures, the first thing that you need to keep in mind is that stress can make it worse. Our stress hormones release a substance called Cortisol, which weakens the elastic fibers and make the stretch marks even more visible. So meditate and control your woes. Let’s read about some of the effective natural ways to treat the stretch marks.
1. Aloe gel
It is one of the best ingredients used in a variety of skincare products. The natural healing properties of aloe gel can soothe the itching as well as regenerate the skin tissues. Rub some fresh gel on the stretch marks and let it get absorbed into the skin, wash after 30 minutes, and pat dry. You can even buy some organic aloe juice and gel from the market, consuming aloe juice every day makes skin healthy and hydrated.
2. Cocoa butter
Its nourishing properties can hydrate and moisturize your skin. The most common reason for stretch marks is dehydrated and dry skin. Applying cocoa butter all over affected areas before bed each day can make your skin super healthy and soft as well as reduce the appearance of stretch marks too.
3. Cucumber and Lemon
Cucumber has miraculous skin-soothing properties, and vitamin C in the lemon can reduce the appearance of scars and marks. The blend of these two can effectively mitigate the new stretch marks from happening and can treat the old ones as well. Mix them both in equal parts and put some on your skin with a cotton pad, leave it on until it is dry, then rinse with water and pat dry.
4. Coconut and almond oil
Coconut oil is used in various beauty and skincare products for ages. It boosts the healing process while soothing the scars and reducing their appearances. Almond oil is considered to work fantastic for nourishing skin and making it supple and youthful. The blend of two can help to lighten the marks effectively.
5. Make a mask
Due to it’s incredible exfoliating and skin healing properties, apricots are nourishing and can rejuvenate skin deeply. Cut 3-4 apricots and take out their seeds, mash the flesh to make a thick paste, and put a few drops of olive oil in it. Massage it on the skin and keep it for 10-15 minutes, rinse with water and pat dry.
6. Scrub it off
Prepare a natural scrub by mixing three spoons of sugar with two spoons of olive oil and coffee. Sugar is a natural exfoliating agent, while coffee can improve blood circulation. The combination will help you get rid of dead skin cells, whereas the oil in the scrub would make sure your skin doesn’t get dry afterward. Repeat this every day before your regular bath, and you will observe noticeable changes within a month.
7. Castor oil
Massaging your skin with castor oil can work wonders. It will stimulate your skin cells and help in better blood flow. Castor oil helps in preventing stretch marks and nourishes the old ones. It makes your skin moisturized, so the scars appear less, and the skin becomes elastic.
These natural ways of treating skin scars and marks are safe and should be used regularly until you start seeing actual changes.
