16 Feb 09 Stretch Marks

Stretch mark is a skin problem that occurs due to contraction and expansion of the skin. It can occur anywhere and everywhere on the body, such as  breasts, hips and stomach during pregnancy, plus other areas such as the thighs when you gain weight or lose weight. While stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, they usually appear in locations where the body stores more fat.  A reduction in collagen level in the skin affects the structure of the skin and may lead to occurrence of stretch marks. The pink color that shows in the initial stages points to rupturing of the small blood vessels in the outer layers of your skin. They are the result of what we will call expansion and contraction.  It can victimize anyone, irrespective of male or female. Pregnant women are more prone to stretch marks. The best time for preventive measures is when stretch marks are just beginning to be visible. Stretch marks fade away with time, but as long as the streaks are present, they present an ugly sight. When it comes to treating stretch marks, most of the people look for natural ways, as they are no side effects associated with them. 

Here are a few simple home remedies to fade stretch marks:

1.  The failing elasticity of the skin can be augmented with moisturizing agents such as cocoa butter, vitamin E and almond oil.

2.  Another time-honored method of reducing stretch marks caused by obesity is exercising the affected area consistently. 

3. The use of vitamin K oil has also been reported as at least marginally beneficial in controlling stretch marks.

4. Pregnant women who want to avoid stretch marks, from the moment you begin  6 weeks, apply vitamin C cream to your abdomen every day. After your bath or shower, dry off, then put enough cream in your hand to cover your hips and abdomen and  smooth the cream over your belly.

5. Massaging on the stretch marks serves as an excellent home remedy for stretch marks removal. You can either use olive oil, flaxseed oil, vitamin E oil or cod liver oil for the purpose of massage.

6. Applying a moisturizer or vitamin E to the skin once or twice a day can make a big difference.

7. Ensure you have a sufficient intake of vitamins daily. 

8. Ensure your skin is not dry, chapped or stretched. Take care to prevent them from happening and see that there is elasticity and moisture inside and out.

9. Flaxseed oil is a great way to fade stretch marks. You can buy it at any health food store. Also great for new scars, helps to heal them faster and the scar will not be so noticeable. Rub the flaxseed oil on stretch marks after you shower and once more before going to bed. On new scars, rub in a few times a day.

10. Make sure in your diet you are getting plenty of protein and foods rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E, as they promote good tissue growth.

11. It is very important to exercise in order to get rid of stretch marks, toning your muscles helps your skin to firm thus preventing stretch marks.

12. Apply aloe vera gel, cod liver oil, or vitamin E oil to affected areas to help the healing process.

13. Rub generous amount of castor oil or olive oil on the stretch marks, and  place a hot pad on it . Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes and wash off. When done regularly  will help in treating stretch marks.

14. Shea butter is also excellent to treat stretch mark.  Natural shea butter is an excellent source of Vitamins A and E which are essential for good skin health. Try rubbing shea butter on your stretch marks 2 to 3 times a day to help with the healing process. 

15. Another home remedy for stretch marks is to rub olive oil,   almond oil, castor oil, avocado oil or  Vitamin E oil. 

16. Stretch marks are caused by excessive weight gain or loss in the affected area. Use exercises that work on particular parts of the body. Consult your physician before starting on any exercise program.

17. Eat Vitamin C, zinc, protein, and Vitamin E rich foods. Eat fish, and flaxseeds, eggs, and diary products as they are healthy foods and serve as an good stretch mark remedy. 

18. Do yoga regularly as some of the yogic asana are very beneficial for making your muscles elastic, healing and toning the skin which will remove stretch marks from abdomen, hips, and breast gradually. 

19. Eat green vegetables and fruits like carrot, cabbage, papaya, oranges, and apple as they are rich in antioxidants.

20. Lavender oil has also been reported as at least marginally beneficial in controlling stretch marks.