Stretch marks are visible off-color lines on the surface of the skin. They are most commonly found on the abdominal wall, thighs, buttocks, breasts and upper arms.
What causes stretch marks? Your skin is composed of a stretchy tissue called elastin. During pregnancy or weight gain your body grows rapidly, which puts extra pressure on the skin. This creates red or purple stretch marks that will slowly fade to silvery-white.
Many people feel self-conscious about their stretch marks as they are new or discolored. If you want to get rid of your stretch marks, here are 12 natural ways to get rid of stretch marks.
12 Ways to Get Rid Of Stretch Marks
1. Potato Juice
Potato juice is filed with minerals and vitamins, which helps your skin to repair itself quickly. You can use it to eliminate stretch marks by slicing a potato up and rubbing the slices on your skin for 10 minutes. Leave the juice on your body for a few extra minutes before washing it off.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent so it can lighten stretch marks. The alpha hydroxyl acids in the lemon juice also help to remove dead skin cells, speeding up the process. Simply cut a lemon into halves and rub the segments on your stretch marks. Leave the juice on your skin for 15 minutes then wash off with warm water.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well known for its healing properties. Filled with healing vitamins and a cooling effect, you can use it to help get rid of stretch marks. Just snap a few aloe vera leaves in half and rub the gel into your skin. Leave for 10 minutes before washing off.
4. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is an exceptional moisturizer and it promotes circulation, helping to reduce visible stretch marks. Massage a small amount of cocoa butter into the skin twice a day for 3 months to see results.
5. Egg Whites
Egg whites are filled with lots of different proteins, so they are very beneficial for the health of your skin. They are also filled with collagen to help treat stretch marks. Simply separate the yolk from the egg then beat out the egg white. Apply it to your stretch marks and leave on for 15 minutes before washing off with warm water.
6. Sugar
White sugar is a natural exfoliator that can help to reduce stretch marks. Mix a teaspoon of raw sugar with almond oil. Mix it well then rub the mixture into the stretch marks before taking a shower. You should see results after a month of doing this every day!
7. Alfalfa
Alfalfa leaves are filled with amino acids, protein and Vitamin E and K, which all encourage healthy and toned skin. Mix a small amount of alfalfa powder with chamomile oil and mix well until a thick paste is formed. Massage the paste into your skin three times a day for results.
8. Castor Oil
Castor oil can be used to treat many different skin conditions, including age spots, fine lines and stretch marks. Apply castor oil to your stretch marks and wrap in plastic to keep the heat in. Put a hot water bottle onto the stretch marks for 20 minutes for even better results!
9. Olive oil
Olive oil is filled with lots of nutrients and antioxidants that help improve skin problems, including stretch marks. Simply massage warm extra-virgin olive oil into the skin and leave for half an hour so that your skin absorbs the nutrients.
10. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is amazing for the skin; it contains anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and anti-viral properties. Mix tea tree oil and coconut oil together, then massage the mixture into the skin and leave 10 minutes before washing off with warm water.
11. Physical Exercise
Physical exercises like abdominal crunches and sit-ups help to tone the underlying muscles, which will help to reduce stretch marks. Swimming is also effective!
12. Water
Drinking water helps to protect and detoxify the skin, and it restores elasticity. Aim to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to keep your skin supple and your body hydrated.
Featured photo credit: Odua Images via shutterstock.com
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