Stretch marks occur when the body undergoes drastic physical changes such as pregnancy, sudden weight loss, obesity and puberty. These changes physically alter the collagen in the skin, pulling the elastic fibers apart and causing purple or reddish streaks to develop. Although there are a variety of medical procedures, such as laser therapy and microdermabrasion, that can reduce the appearance of stretch marks, there are ways to treat them right from home.
Massage
According to the "Doctors Book of Home Remedies II," massage can help reduce stretch marks. This is because rubbing the affected area stimulates the flow of blood and helps to more evenly distribute collagen. If you cannot massage your stretch marks yourself, consider asking your partner for help or visit a health club, clinic or hospital to have it done professionally.
Tan
The KidsHealth website explains that sunless tanning treatments can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. They are available in over-the-counter lotions and sprays---some gentle enough to use as a daily body lotion. In addition, salons offer a variety of professional quality tanning solutions such as spray tans.
Actual sun tanning or using tanning beds will not disguise stretch marks. Not only are UVA and UVB rays damaging to the skin, stretch marks themselves do not usually tan.
Cocoa Butter
Although there is no scientific evidence that proves it is beneficial, the Discovery Health website recommends using cocoa butter to help remedy stretch marks. There are a variety of inexpensive over-the-counter lotions and creams that contain cocoa butter. For best results, massage an even layer of lotion into your skin several times a day. Because some people can be allergic to cocoa butter, be sure to test a small area of skin before applying it all over.
References
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II"; Prevention Magazine Editors; 1995
- Discovery Health: How to Minimize Stretch Marks After Pregnancy
- Discovery Health: How Stretch Marks Work
- KidsHealth: Stretch Marks
