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12 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ugly Stretch Marks (#9 is Pretty Weird)
If you have stretch marks on your skin, don’t be ashamed, you are certainly not alone. Although stretch marks aren’t going to win in any beauty contests, they aren’t actually hurting you. They certainly are ugly, though, aren’t they?
Stretch marks are visible lines on the skin surface. They can have a whitish or reddish tone and can be found most often on the breasts, stomach, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs. Many women find that they have developed stretch marks after pregnancy, but they can also happen due to rapid growth, sudden weight gain, stress, heredity factors, and changes in your physical condition.
Your skin has 3 main layers: the outer layer (the epidermis), the middle layer (the dermis), and the deepest layer (the hypodermic). Stretch marks occur in the middle layer of the skin when the tissue gets stretched past its capacity to flex.
Once the skin is stretched, the collagen gets weakened and becomes damaged. This results in scars under the top layer. When the stretch marks are new, they can look red or pinkish, but over time they become silvery or white-ish and become the stretch mark that you will notice later on.
Stretch marks can make you feel ugly and self-conscious, but you can greatly reduce the appearance of stretch marks with some remarkable and completely natural remedies.
Read on and find out what you can use that will reduce those stretch marks and allow you to feel more beautiful. What have you got to lose but a few marks?
1. Essential Oils
Essential oils are powerful medicine for the skin, and if you have ever used them for a skin condition, you know how strong they are. Make your own healing oil solution by mixing together two teaspoons of sweet almond oil, half a teaspoon of lavender essential oil, and half a teaspoon of chamomile oil. Mix well, and then apply this solution to your stretch marks. Repeat every other day until you get the desired results.
2. Castor Oil
Castor oil is often recommended for other types of skin problems, such as age spots, moles, and fine lines, so it’s not surprising that it can be used to lessen the appearance of stretch marks. Apply a bit of castor oil directly to your stretch marks and gently massage it into the skin for about 5 minutes. Then place a clean cloth over the area and use a hot water bottle or heating pad and allow it to gently heat the area for 30 minutes. Repeat this process each night for 4 weeks and you should see significant improvement.
3. Lemon and Glycerin
Lemons are full of citric acid and glycerin is super hydrating to the skin. This combination can really help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Cut an organic lemon in half and put two drops of glycerin on one half. Rub the lemon over the affected area in a gentle, circular motion. Repeat this twice each day until you get the desired results.
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4. Aloe Vera Gel
You most likely already know that aloe vera gel can help to heal common household burns, so you won’t be surprised that aloe vera can also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. There are two ways to use aloe vera gel. First, you can simply break off a fresh leaf, extract the gel, and rub it right on the affected areas. Allow it to dry for 15 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. Alternatively, you can mix the oil from 10 vitamin E capsules into ¼ cup of aloe vera gel and apply this directly on the affected area. Keep rubbing it in until this mixture has been completely absorbed. Regardless of which method you decide to use, do it daily until you get the desired results. It will probably take 3 to 4 weeks to see results, so don’t get discouraged.
5. Olive Oil
This is an old fashioned but effective way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Olive oil has plenty of antioxidant power, as well as nutrients which can help to improve various skin conditions, including reducing your stretch marks. Warm up a bit of olive oil and rub it into the affected areas. Massaging it in well can improve the circulation to the affected area, which will bring fresh blood and nutrients that can help to heal damaged skin. Simply leave the olive oil on the area; there is no need to wash it off. Repeat each day for best results. Always use extra virgin olive oil.
6. Egg Whites
Eggs are among the great sources of protein. All you need to use for stretch marks are the whites. Get two eggs whites and whip them with a fork. Wash the skin first, then apply a thick layer of the mixture to the affected area (use a makeup brush for easy application) and allow the eggs whites to dry completely. Rinse with cold water, and then apply a moisturizer. Repeat every other day for at least 2 weeks.
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7. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is another old fashioned but effective way of reducing the appearance of stretch marks. You need to be consistent with cocoa butter for it to be effective, however. Apply it to the affected areas twice each day for 8 to 10 weeks. This method might be slower than some of the others, but it works remarkably well.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic compounds which can work quite well in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Add two or three drops of tea tree oil to two tablespoons of coconut oil and massage into the affected areas once a day until you get the desired results.
SEE ALSO: 6 Exercises That Help You Get Rid of Stretch Marks Infographic
9. Apricots
You might not know this, but apricots are extremely healing to the skin. To use this method, get three fresh, organic apricots and remove the seeds. Grind the apricots to make a paste and apply this directly to your stretch marks. Allow this mixture to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. Do this every other day for 4 weeks and you will see remarkable results!
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10. Alfalfa
With eight essential amino acids, alfalfa leaves are terrific for the skin. They are also rich in vitamins E and K, which are known to nourish the skin. Mix a few drops of chamomile oil into a tablespoon of alfalfa leaves until you have a smooth paste. Massage this paste into the affected areas twice each day for 6 to 8 weeks or until you see improvement.
11. Sugar
Sugar certainly isn’t good for your insides, but it is really great for your outside! Mix one tablespoon of raw sugar (or brown sugar) with some almond oil. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice if you like. Rub the sugar mixture on your stretch marks for a few minutes before each shower. Do this for 4 or so weeks and you will notice a definite lightening of your stretch marks, making them less noticeable.
12. Potato Juice
The juice from potatoes has vitamins and minerals that encourage the skin to restore itself, which can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Take a medium sized, organic potato and cut it into thick slices. Rub a piece over the stretch mark for a minute or two. Be certain that you cover all of the stretch mark with the potato starch. Allow it to dry for a few minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Repeat every day before you shower for best results.
Eating a diet that is high in vitamin C, zinc, and protein can go a long way towards helping your skin to heal as well. Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, pumpkin seeds, fish, nuts, and citrus fruits for the most beautiful skin ever.
If you are pregnant, please consult your doctor before applying anything to your skin to be certain that it is safe for you and your baby.
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AngelinaSenior
Feb 11, 2017 at 9:43 pm
After having my first child i had ugly stretch marks and wouldnt dare show my stomach again but after using dermelastic serum for only a few weeks now my stretch marks are really clearing and i love it. dermelastic did wonders for me. i’ve already recommended it to a friend and i’m able to show her my stomach as proof