Home Remedies for Stretch Marks – Over 7 Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Naturally

Lost the weight, but not the stretch marks? Up to 90% of women develop stretch marks to some degree during the course of pregnancy, although stretch marks commonly occur on thighs and the butt as well. Striae, as they are called by dermatologists, are caused by tearing of the dermis when skin overstretches its elastic capacity, and commonly occurs any time an individual gains or loses a good deal of weight relatively quickly. It isn’t terribly easy to get rid of stretch marks, but a number of home remedies for stretch marks do exist that will at least lessen their appearance.

Stretch marks generally fade somewhat over time, but rarely disappear completely, and many people are frustrated by their unsightly appearance. There are a number of expensive creams, several invasive dermatological practices, and even surgery as possible ‘solutions’, but before you empty your wallet and subject your skin to lasers, try some of these natural solutions.

Get Rid of Stretch Marks the Natural Way – Over 7 Home Remedies for Stretch Marks

Apply a Mixture of Coconut Oil and Vitamin E Oil

Coconut oil’s unique composition, including a variety of powerful antioxidants and fatty acids, makes it an outstanding source of nourishment for the skin when applied topically. It also contains lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid whose only other natural occurrence is in mother’s breast milk- dermatologists suggest that coconut oil does for the skin what mother’s milk does for growing infants.

Contrary to popular belief, coconut oil is not a rich source of vitamin E, which is also highly regarded for its ability to nourish skin.

As both coconut oil and vitamin E are readily available at supermarkets, blend the two to reap maximum benefits. Apply the oil to clean, dry skin twice daily and allow to absorb. Store unused oil in a cool, dark container for future use.

Add Vitamin E- and Zinc-Rich Foods to Your Diet

Eating vitamin E rich foods is beneficial for the same reasons as its topical application- vitamin E is outstanding at protecting against free radicals and nourishing skin cell membranes. Vitamin E rich foods include sunflower seeds, almonds, leafy greens, asparagus, bell peppers and papaya.

Zinc is necessary for the production of collagen, which gives skin it’s elasticity, as well as an essential part of the functioning of enzymes that repair damaged tissue in the body. Foods rich in zinc include sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, oats, yogurt, as well as several meat sources.

Use a Homemade Scrub and Create Your Own at Home Spa

In The Green Beauty Guide, Julie Gabriel suggests a mixture of salt, honey and glycerin to get rid of stretch marks. Stir together 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon glycerin in a small container; then massage onto skin for a few minutes and rinse. Afterward, wash with a gentle cleanser, moisturize (with the oil blend from above) and pat dry. Store unused scrub in the refrigerator and use within 48 hours.

Other Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Here are a few other ways to get rid of stretch marks if the above home remedies for stretch marks don’t work for you.

• Gently rub of warm olive oil on the abdomen and hips for better blood circulation.
• Add one ounce of avocado, sweet almond or jojoba oil with seven drops of lavender and five drops of chamomile. Apply on the affected areas.
• Another mixture, mix some badaam (almond) oil, lavender oil and half a teaspoon chamomile oil and rub it on the affected areas.
• Gather 1/2 a cup virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup aloe vera gel, liquid from 6 capsules of vitamin E, and liquid from 4 capsules of vitamin A. Blend the ingredients, and store the mixture in the refrigerator. Apply the oi where stretch marks usually appear (abdomen, hips, thighs and breasts).
• Always drink plenty of water. Helping to naturally detox your entire body and restore skin elasticity, water helps to keep the skin optimally healthy. In order to replace fluids lost from urination, defecation, perspiration and respiration, drink one half of your body weight in ounces daily.
• Don’t forget diet; it has an impact on any health issue, including stretch marks. Include plenty of vitamins A, C and E in your daily diet. These vitamins help allow for optimum elasticity while simultaneously promoting overall healthy-looking skin. Try to consume fresh fruit, vegetables, and nuts daily. Here are 5 foods to improve skin, hair, and nail health, and some other foods for beautiful skin.

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Fortunately, stretch marks do not pose any real health threat. Still, as the body’s largest organ, our skin serves as a representation of our body’s health in general, and the desire to maintain it in its best shape possible is thus commendable. Take care, inside out and outside in. And remember, don’t forget to share which home remedies for stretch marks have worked and haven’t worked for you!

Additional Sources:

Webmd

MayoClinic

MedicineNet

MedLinePlus