Commercially produced creams for stretch marks are a dime a dozen in the cosmetic aisle of any drugstore, but there is little scientific evidence of their effectiveness. Perhaps this is why more and more people are looking to home remedies that can prevent or remove their stretch marks. Home remedies are all-natural, economical and can provide the same results as commercial creams and oils. Some carry added benefits for your overall health as well.
Water Down Stretch Marks
Since stretch marks are caused by a breakdown in the elasticity of the skin's dermis, or underlying layers, one of the best lines of defense in preventing them is by drinking plenty of water.
During pregnancy and other periods of rapid growth and weight gain, or during times of rapid weight loss and in the postpartum period, make sure to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses per day.
Preventative Diet
The human body uses the fuel we put into it to keep every part functioning at its best, including skin elasticity. Certain nutrients like Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, zinc and silica are believed to help the body produce the proteins it needs to keep skin supple.
Foods that are rich in Vitamins K and C are leafy greens, tomatoes, liver and dairy products. Many nuts and seeds are good sources of Vitamin E and zinc. Make sure to consume plenty of high quality, lean protein.
Stretch Your Workout
Regular exercise, especially strength and flexibility training, goes a long way in preventing and diminishing stretch marks by helping the skin return to a more elastic state. Muscle toning produced by exercise helps stimulate and tighten the dermis layer of the skin.
Scrub Away Stretch Marks
Exfoliation is vital to the skin's renewal process in general, but is even more important to stretching or shrinking skin. Every time you shower or bathe, use an exfoliating cloth, glove or loofah with moisturizing soap and gently scrub those areas prone to stretch marks. You can also try body scrubs or make your own using a sugar base. Salt scrubs tend to dry out the skin, making the problem worse.
Make Your Own Stretch Mark Oil
The advantage of using an oil to treat or prevent stretch marks is their fast-absorbing qualities. Mix 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup aloe vera gel, 4 drained capsules of Vitamin E and 2 capsules of Vitamin A in a blender to create your own stretch mark oil.
You can add other beneficial ingredients such as lavender, chamomile or avocado oil to enhance your oil. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and massage into problem areas twice daily.
Make Your Own Stretch Mark Cream
Store-bought stretch mark creams can get expensive in a hurry. You can make a concoction of your own using some basic ingredients common in the pricier drugstore brands.
You may be pleased with results from using a stick of pure cocoa butter, available at most health food stores. Or you can create a mixture of cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, Vitamin E, elastin cream and apricot seed oil.
Make a large batch and store in an airtight container. Apply at least twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime.
