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Stretch marks are common and, there is nothing to be ashamed of them. They are in no way harmful to your health. You can get stretch marks after weight loss, sudden weight gain or pregnancy. No matter why you have them, these home remedies for stretch marks I am about to share will definitely help you reduce them. So if you are interested in knowing how to lighten stretch marks, keep on reading-
Stretch marks after weight loss remedies-
Aloe paste
For this first DIY, you need
- 1 tbsp Aloe vera gel
- 1 tbsp potato juice
- 2 Vitamin A capsules
- 2 Vitamin E capsules
Take a bowl and mix aloe vera gel, potato juice, gel from vitamin A and C capsules until you get a paste-like consistency. Apply this paste to the stretch marks and massage it in a circular motion until it gets fully absorbed by your skin. Then, remove it with a wet cloth after 15 minutes. Then moisturise the area properly.
Aloe vera is rich in vitamin E and C. It has anti-ageing and antiseptic properties. Antimicrobial benefits of the aloe vera gel effectively treat skin infections, scars and stretch marks. Potato juice is rich in starch and other skin lightening enzymes like catecholase, which help in lightening blemishes and stretch marks on the skin. According to dermatologists, vitamin A helps in reducing stretch marks. Tretinoin derived from vitamin A helps rebuild collagen, making the stretch marks look more like your normal skin. Vitamin E is known for its skin regenerating and rejuvenating properties.
Scrub for stretch marks
I use this scrub once or twice a week. For this you need-
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon
In a bowl, add sugar and olive together. Then, squeeze 1/2 lemon into the mixture. Mix all the ingredients together until you get a paste-like consistency. Use this scrub on your stretch marks during the shower.
Please use it carefully as your bathroom floor might get slippery afterwards.
Sugar helps exfoliate the skin and brings back moisture to the skin. Olive oil has antioxidants and was used in ancient Egypt to lighten stretch marks. Lemon has vitamin C and skin bleaching properties.
Castor oil and olive oil
Take castor oil and olive oil in a 1:1 ratio. Add a few drops of frankincense oil and mix it until the oils get combined. Apply this oil and massage it in a circular motion on damp skin after a shower or whenever you feel itchiness in your skin.
Castor oil has antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body that are responsible for accelerating the process of the appearance of these stretch marks. It contains ricinoleic acid, which prevents your skin from getting dry. Castor oil also improves the elasticity of the skin. Frankincense oil was an ancient remedy for stretch marks and is used because of its cell regeneration properties.
Vicks
It is a weird remedy to reduce the appearance of stretch marks after weight loss but works like magic. For this, all you need is the-
- Vicks vaporub
- Cling wrap
- aloe vera
- coffee
Before going to bed, apply Vicks on the stretch marks. Then, wrap that area with cling wrap. After waking up, remove cling wrap and use 1 tbsp aloe vera gel mixed with 1/2 tbsp coffee on the stretch marks.
Vicks vaporub fades stretch marks tremendously because of its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. The caffeine content in coffee can help improve collagen production and is very helpful in lightening and tightening the skin and reducing stretch marks.
Egg white
Egg white is known for its skin tightening properties, but many people are unaware that it works efficiently in lightening stretch marks. For this you need-
- An egg
- 2 Vitamin E capsules
- 2 Vitamin A capsules
Take egg white in a bowl and start whisking it until you make it frothy. Mix the gel from both vitamin E and A with the egg white. Apply this mixture to your stretch marks and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then, clean the area with a wet towel. Follow up with an oil or moisturiser.
Egg whites contain amino acids, which regenerate stretched out skin.
Dry brushing
Dry-brushing is done using a body brush with natural bristles. The practice is always done before showering. Dry-brushing is stimulating, and you may find that it reduces any sluggish or heavy feelings. It removes dry skin, prevents and reduces stretch marks and improves circulation. Always brush towards your heart as it moves lymph along its natural path. Use long strokes from your torso to your hands and then your chest. Use circular strokes around joints and move the brush clockwise around your abdomen, back, and heart.
One tip- To prevent the appearance of stretch marks after weight loss, take 2 tbsp coconut oil and add 1/2 tbsp coffee to it. Apply this oil after showering on damp skin. The skin healing and moisturising properties of coconut oil prevent stretching.
Food
What you eat can also prevent and fade stretch marks. Include fish, greens, nuts, beans and collagen supplements into your diet. Make sure you keep yourself hydrated all the time.
If you are looking for topical creams, creams containing tretinoin, lotions with hyaluronic acid, and Centella Asiatica works wonderfully.
Although it is impossible to get rid of stretch marks, these remedies will surely lighten them. Know that your beauty is not defined by stretch marks. Do not feel insecure about having them. It is normal to have stretch marks. In fact, almost everyone has them. Remember, you are so much more than your marks and blemishes; do not let them make you look down upon yourself.
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