Remedies for stretch marks

Stretch marks are fine white to silvery lines on the skin that may develop during pregnancy as the abdomen enlarges because of the baby growing inside. They may also appear because of sudden gains in weight and/or remain after weight loss. Rapid growth during puberty may also lead to the development of stretch marks. In a few rare cases, stretch marks disappear with time. However, these unsightly lines may remain forever. These marks may make it difficult for you to be proud of the body that you have. While there are a number of topical creams and ointments for stretch marks, these do not work sometimes and may even cause skin irritation. Thankfully, there are a number of all-natural remedies for stretch marks, and here are some of them.

1. Exercise

A good workout can be the best remedy for stretch marks. Toning of the muscles allows the skin to firm up, which can cause the stretch marks to fade.

2. Healthy Foods

Add more proteins, and vitamin C- and E-rich foods to your diet. These foods promote the growth of new tissues and the healing of damaged tissues in the skin. Foods rich in zinc, such as nuts and seeds, help prevent the development of stretch marks. Vitamin K-rich foods, like dairy products, liver, green leafy vegetables and tomatoes, promote rapid healing of stretch marks.

3. Aloe Vera

Massage the fleshy pulp of aloe vera on the stretch marks to tone and firm up the skin. The enzymes present in aloe vera promote the removal of damaged tissues while keeping healthy skin hydrated.

4. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is the most recommended home remedy in the treatment of stretch marks. When applied three times a day to the affected area, lavender oil induces the growth of new skin tissues to make the stretch marks gradually fade away.

5. Apricot Scrub

A good apricot scrub acts by exfoliating dead and damaged skin tissues found in stretch marks. It also helps tone and firm up the skin, leading to the disappearance of the stretch lines.

6. Aromatic Oils

Aromatic oils, such as chamomile, avocado, sweet almond and jojoba, promote the healing of stretch marks and toning of the skin. These oils are best used in combination with lavender, and can even help to prevent the reoccurrence of stretch marks.

7. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is best used to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Early application firms and tones up the skin, while keeping it adequately hydrated. Enzymes in cocoa butter also help reduce damage to skin tissue.

8. Homemade Stretch Mark Remover Recipes

In some cases, it may be necessary to combine certain oils with vitamins to produce the maximum effect in removing stretch marks. One very effective home recipe is a concoction made out of avocado, lavender and chamomile oils, mixed with the contents of vitamins A and E capsules.