Stretch marks are tears in the deeper layers of the skin, where the skin cannot expand fast enough to keep up with the rate of growth. Stretch marks do not pose a health threat but they may cause cosmetic problems, according to MayoClinic.com. A sudden growth spurt, as with teens in puberty, pregnancy and sudden weight gain can all cause stretch marks. According to Teens Health, you cannot remove stretch marks, but you can reduce their appearance with various home remedies. For the best results, treat stretch marks as soon as possible.
Shea Butter Stretch Mark Cream
Shea butter is made from tree nuts, indigenous to West Africa, and is available from online retailers and at health food stores. In its pure form, it is a firm, whitish-yellow paste. Shea butter has moisturizing properties, per Donna Maria Coles Johnson, author of "Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions," can reduce the appearance of new stretch marks. Johnson recommends melting shea butter, mixing in almond, wheat germ and vitamin E oils, then blending the mixture as it cools.
Homemade Self Tanner
Teens Health recommends self tanner to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Stretch marks don't actually tan, so a tanning bed, or sunlight, would not work. Teen's Health also cautions that UV exposure may further damage the skin. A self tanner made with an 8-oz. cup of strongly-brewed tea mixed with lanolin and sesame oil will dye the skin so that the stretch marks blend in. Plain cocoa powder, mixed with a white, unscented, body lotion also works as a self tanner.
Stretch Mark-Soothing Body Oil
Valerie Ann Worwood, author of "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy," recommends a pregnancy tummy rub with essential oils of rose bulgur, lavender and tangerine mixed with vitamin E and jojoba oil. She advises using these oils on the abdomen, thighs and buttocks as a preventative measure. Worwood also recommends using a blend of borage seed and carrot essential oils with almond and wheat germ oil on existing stretch marks.
References
- Teens Health: Stretch Marks
- Mayo Clinic: Stretch Marks
- "Making Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions";Donna Maria Coles Johnson;2000
- "The Herbal Home Spa";Greta Breedlove;1998
