Whenever weight is lost or gained, stretch marks can develop. Pregnancy, teen growth and sudden weight gain can all cause stretch marks. In fact, 50 percent of pregnant women have stretch marks by the time they give birth, according to Tanushree Podder in her book, "Beauty Solutions." Stretch marks tend to appear on the breasts, hips, buttocks and stomach. There are natural remedies and exercises you can try to help remove stretch marks; however, a dermatologist can also prescribe certain creams to lessen them.
Plant-Based Paste
In "Beauty Solutions," Podder offers a natural remedy for stretch marks that you can make at home. It is even safe to begin to use during pregnancy. Mix 1/2 tsp. of aloe vera gel, 1/2 tsp. of papaya pulp, 1 tsp. rosewater, 1 tsp. sandalwood paste, 10 drops of almond oil and 2 drops of lavender essential oil together in a bowl. You can find most of these ingredients at a health food store. According to Podder, if you apply this mixture twice a week on your stretch marks it will help to reduce their appearance. Try adding it just before or after an evening bath.
Vitamin E
Shahnaz Husain writes in "Shahnaz Husain's Beauty Book" that you can reduce the appearance of stretch marks by rubbing vitamin E oil onto the marks. Vitamin E can help preserve the skin from the aging process. You can also help prevent stretch marks by eating foods that are rich in vitamin E such as liver, green peas, eggs, turnips and sunflower oil. Additionally, Husain suggests that getting regular massages to draw circulation to the skin may help reduce stretch marks.
Apricot Oil Mixture
In "Shahnaz Husain's Beauty Book," Husain also suggests an apricot oil mixture for stretch marks. Find an 8 oz. bottle of apricot oil at your local health food store and mix it with 2 tsp. of powdered turmeric and 1 tbsp. of lemon juice. Apricot oil is known as an astringent for the skin and also helps keep it moisturized. Turmeric is an herb that is revered in India for its healing properties, especially for reducing inflammation. Turmeric is also commonly used in face masks and other remedies for the skin in Ayurveda medicine. Apply this mixture several times a week until you notice a difference.
Commercial Products
Your doctor or dermatologist may be able to prescribe certain medicines for your stretch marks, according the Health Learning Info website. Retin-A cream may help reduce the redness in stretch marks and may prevent scarring. It can only be used on stretch marks that are new or less than one year old. Cosmetic laser surgery is another option that you can discuss with a health care professional. It is the best way to achieve results, but is also expensive. Six to 8 treatments are usually required.
References
- "Beauty Solutions;" Tanushree Podder; 2000
- "Shahnaz Husain's Beauty Book;" Shahnaz Husain; 2005
- Health Learning Info: How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks
