Stretch marks, also known as Striae, are a form of scarring that happens on the skin which looks like reddish purple streaks and have a different texture than the surrounding skin of that area. These stretch marks are common to both men and women.
Stretch marks aren’t harmful to your health and are neither a sign of ill health but can be due to various reasons including sudden weight loss or sudden weight gain, pregnancy, puberty, growth spurts in teenagers, from the side effects of certain medications, increase in muscle size due to weight lifting, etc. These stretch marks can diminish over time, but usually do not completely go away.
Here are some products and remedies that you could use to decrease the scarring of these stretch marks:
1. Homemade sugar scrub:
Sugar acts as a natural exfoliator and can be used as a natural microdermabrasion method to reduce stretch marks. Microdermabrasion methods are usually used by Dermatologists to renew overall skin tone and texture.
How to make it:
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
(Or almond oil)
Method:
Into a small mixing bowl, add in the granulated sugar and add in the oil and keep mixing, until you find the consistency becoming semi-liquid.
How to use:
Scrub this mixture on the area affected by the stretch marks. Rub this for 4 to 5 few minutes while applying slight pressure. Do this 2 to 4 times a week for the best results.
2. Cocoa Butter or shea butter :
A cocoa butter massage can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks visibly and can also help increase skin elasticity. For women going through pregnancy, using this often during pregnancy can help reduce the stretch marks significantly and help it fade away.
How to use:
Take a little bit of cocoa butter and apply it over the area where there are stretch marks. Gently using circular motions massage the area for a few minutes. This practice should be followed twice a day, once in the morning and once again in the evening.
3. Potato juice:
Potatoes are rich in starch. Starch can help improve skin health and promote skin hydration. It can also improve skin texture. Potatoes contain catecholase, which can act as a bleaching agent and can lighten the scars.
How to use:
Extract the potato juice by squeezing out the juice from grated potatoes. Apply this juice all over the stretch marks and leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes. Then, rinse off with cold water.
4. Glycolic acid:
Glycolic acid can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks as it can moisturize the skin and can boost collagen (a protein found in skin) production.
How to use:
Apply some glycolic acid over the area with stretch marks just before you go to bed. Wash this off the next morning.
Caution:
Remember to wash this off before you leave the house or get exposed to sunlight as this acid when exposed to sunlight can cause sunburns and therefore is recommended to be used only at night. READ MORE – BEST SKINCARE INGREDIENTS TO CLEAR ACNE
5. Aloe vera:
Aloe vera is a skin regenerator and can help regenerate skin tissues over time.
How to use:
Take a fresh leaf of aloe vera, slit it in half and scoop out the gel using a spoon. Apply this gel over the area, gently massage it in for a few minutes and leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes. Then, wash off with warm water. Repeat this process on a daily basis for best results.
6. Hyaluronic acid –
Hydration is key to healthy glowing skin. The serum provides hydration at depth and surface. Surface hydration results in instant glow and long lasting hydration delivers anti aging effects. penetrate deep and provide hydration from inside that helps to smooth stretch marks. READ MORE – PRODUCTS AND REMEDIES TO CLEAR DARK CIRCLES OVERNIGHT
Caution: If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before completely applying this mixture. If you have any sort of irritation, rinse off immediately and discontinue its usage.