Pregnancy stretch marks are a common issue for women; they are persistent and tend to lower people’s confidence. This is a frequent beauty affliction that affects the waist, thighs, lower backs, hips, breasts, arms, and buttocks, whether it’s caused by pregnancy or unexpected weight gain.
Stretch marks affect most women after giving birth, but this is not the only reason. Stretch marks can also be found on men and non-pregnant women. Stretch marks are brought on by an abrupt weight gain or loss. Stretch marks certainly have the potential to be extremely inconvenient. Stretch marks can affect anyone, whether they are teenagers or adults.
To remove stretch marks, people frequently turn to numerous cosmetic procedures. Few people are aware, though, that chemical-based cosmetic treatments can have a unique set of adverse effects. One might make use of certain potent home remedies to prevent the negative side effects. Stretch marks can be reduced, lightened, or even eliminated with the help of several natural products. However, it necessitates a consistent skincare routine and strict self-control.
What are pregnancy stretch marks?
Pregnancy stretch marks commonly show up as parallel bands on your skin. These lines can be any color—from purple to hot pink to light gray—and have a different feel than your typical skin. As in the case of pregnancy, they develop when the skin’s dermal layer is unexpectedly stretched. Because of the thick, linked fibers in the dermis, your skin may stretch as your body expands.
Stretch marks are the result of the skin’s fibers breaking due to excessive straining brought on by rapid weight gain. Stretch marks initially appear red or purple as a result of the blood vessels under the skin showing through when the dermis tears.
The pale-colored fat beneath your skin becomes apparent later, as the blood vessels become narrower, and the marks become silvery-white in hue. Several natural therapies can help lessen and remove pregnancy stretch marks, even if they are not a sign of bad health.
Types of stretch marks during pregnancy
1. Red stretch marks
These stretch marks, also known as striae rubra, are new and initially seem reddish or purplish. They develop when the skin’s dermal layer is stretched, exposing the blood vessels. You might be itching a lot around these stretch marks right now. Red stretch marks are more quickly removed since they are more recent.
2. White stretch marks
These are the most obstinate and are also known as striae alba. They have a white or silvery appearance. Tiny tears appear on the skin as a result of the blood vessels shrinking, revealing the fat beneath. Since the white stretch marks are further advanced, treatment may take longer.
Here are a few effective home remedies to prevent pregnancy stretch marks:
1. Argan oil
Rich in vitamin E Since argan oil makes the skin more elastic, using it to stretch marks may help the damaged tissues gradually heal, causing the markings to gradually disappear.
2. Lemon juice
Lemon juice efficiently reduces visibility because it has natural bleaching characteristics. To notice results, apply a sliced lemon wedge on your marks or use fresh lemon juice every day.
3. Egg white
Egg white is a superfood for the skin since it is loaded with proteins and amino acids. The egg white will aid to lighten stretch marks while also tightening the skin when applied to stretch marks.
4. Potato juice
Because potatoes contain starch and other skin-lightening enzymes, they are frequently used to remove blemishes, spots, and other imperfections from the skin. When used frequently, it bleaches the skin and effectively lessens the sight of stretch marks.
5. Olive oil
Olive oil has excellent moisturizing qualities and is packed with minerals and antioxidants that are particularly effective at mending skin damage. Stretch marks can be treated with cold-pressed olive oil to help them disappear over time.
6. Sugar
To make a scrub, combine sugar, olive oil, and lemon juice. Rub it in for 10 minutes after applying it to the stretch marks. Use warm water to rinse.
7. Castor oil
Castor oil should be directly applied to the stretch marks and massaged for 15 to 20 minutes in a circular motion. After the massage, use a heating pad to administer heat to the area and cover it with a thin cotton cloth. Do this as frequently as you can for a month to get the optimum results.
8. Aloe vera gel
The aloe vera leaf’s outer layer should be peeled off, revealing the sticky gel inside. Apply this aloe vera gel on stretch marks, then rinse with water two to three hours later.
9. Apricots mask and oil
Because of their excellent exfoliating properties, apricots are highly good at fading stretch marks. Take two or three apricots, slice them, and remove the seeds. Making a paste out of the fruit, use it as a mask for 15 minutes to the stretch mark-affected areas. To notice results, wash it off with warm water and then repeat the procedure every day for a month. Stretch marks can be lessened by pure apricot oil because it rejuvenates the skin. For effective effects, massage some lemon juice onto the skin.
10. Black tea
Numerous vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12, which helps to regulate skin pigmentation, can be found in black tea. Boil a few teaspoons of black tea and add some salt to it to treat stretch marks. Apply the mixture to the spots after it has cooled, then repeat the procedure until the marks are gone.
11. Cocoa Butter
Stretch marks can be reduced by using cocoa butter, and from my experience, using it both during and after pregnancy fully eliminates them. The best time to apply cocoa butter is at night, so massage it thoroughly into the skin. Over time, you’ll notice the stretch marks lessening and eventually disappearing.
12. Cucumber and Lemon Juice
Lemon juice’s natural acidity aids in wound healing and scar reduction, and cucumber juice’s cooling, calming effects leave your skin feeling fresh. Mix equal volumes of lime juice and cucumber juice, then apply the mixture to the troubled regions until the skin absorbs it. After letting it sit on your skin for roughly 10 minutes, rinse it off with warm water.
12. Almond and Coconut Oil
To lessen stretch marks, use equal parts almond and coconut oil. Regularly massage the skin with it. Since this home cure is entirely natural, there are no negative side effects. For good outcomes, adhere strictly to this therapy.
13. Use Natural Oils
Natural oils keep the skin supple and moisturize it. This aids in minimizing the visibility of stretch marks. Avocado and coconut oils aid in the production of collagen. This might help make new stretch marks look better. Lavender oil encourages the synthesis of collagen, while rosehip seed oil hydrates the skin. Both carrier oil and essential oil are required. Blend the essential oils with carrier oils. Use this oil mixture to gently massage the afflicted area. Overnight or for some hours, leave it on. the following day, wash off.
14. Shea Butter
Shea butter can prevent stretch marks from forming and can be used to keep the skin hydrated and reduce its visibility. Apply shea butter to the area that is harmed. Overnight or for some hours, leave it on. the following day, wash off.
15. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly acts as a barrier and stops the skin from losing moisture. Stretch marks should be avoided and the skin could stay moisturized. It is preferable to apply a moisturizing lotion first, then petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly should be applied to stretch marks. Leave it on and massage it for five to ten minutes. Every night before you go to bed, carry out this.
16. Dry Brushing
Your body can be exfoliated with a dry brush to remove dead skin cells. In the long run, this may soften the skin and lessen the visibility of stretch marks. Use a gentle brush with natural bristles to gently brush the affected area in circular upward strokes for five minutes. As normal, take a shower, then moisturize well. Before taking a shower, repeat this every other day.
17. Coffee Grounds
Collagen synthesis can be boosted by caffeine. Stretch marks may be healed as a result. The skin is moisturized by natural oils, which also hasten the healing process. Coffee grinds and any carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, should be combined. Use the mixture to scrub the afflicted region in a circular motion. After applying the scrub for five minutes, rinse it off. Every two weeks, use the scrub.
18. Apple Cider Vinegar
According to anecdotal evidence, apple cider vinegar spray can treat scars and blemishes. Applying it to stretch marks might help them look less noticeable. Pour water and vinegar into a spray bottle to dilute the vinegar. Let the mixture dry after applying it to the stretch marks. Keep it running all night. In the morning, take a typical shower and finish with a quality moisturizer. Every night before going to bed, repeat this. Reminder: Dilute the solution with one cup of water if you have sensitive skin.
19. Baking Soda And Lemon
Due to its abrasive nature, baking soda may aid in skin exfoliation. Because of its possible bleaching action, the lemon extract is frequently utilized in skin-whitening lotions. This recipe might help to lighten stretch marks and act as a natural skin exfoliant. Apply the mixture to the stretch marks after combining the ingredients. After 10 to 15 minutes of drying, carefully scrub it off. Use water to rinse. Do this a couple of times per week. You can manage stretch marks using topical therapies in addition to natural ones.
20. Nourishing Skin Mask
In my 20 years of expertise in the beauty industry, I have witnessed the amazing results of the nutritious mask below, which contains egg yolks, lemon juice, oatmeal, almond paste, and milk to reduce stretch marks. Apply the mixture to the marks after thoroughly blending all the components, and allow it to fully dry. Gently scrub with cold water before washing off. Alternate days should be used for this.
Other dietary remedies to prevent pregnancy stretch marks are:
Water: Water consumption of 8 to 10 glasses each day is highly beneficial for the skin. It helps maintain its suppleness and softness by restoring its elasticity. Stretch marks are less noticeable as a result.
Vitamin C: The recommended daily requirement of Vitamin C is found in foods including berries, raw cabbage, citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, melons, peas, peppers, broccoli, pineapple, and spinach, tomatoes, and turnips. Our bodies need antioxidants to combat pollutants and free radicals. Consuming enough vitamin C speeds up the healing of skin scars.
Vitamin E: In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E also provides the skin with substantial nourishment. Several foods are excellent sources of vitamin E, including almonds, raw seeds like pumpkin and sesame, Swiss chard, hazelnuts, pine nuts, spinach, avocado, broccoli, and parsley, papaya, and olives. Stretch marks can be removed with regular ingestion of these foods.
Gelatin: Collagen, which is found in gelatin and gives your skin its elasticity, is also found in your skin. The best natural source of gelatine in your diet is bone broth, whether it comes from chicken, lamb, or cattle.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids help the skin become more elastic. Stretch marks can be avoided in large part by eating foods like flaxseed, chia seeds, salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, walnuts, soybean, beef, tofu, shrimp, and cauliflower.
Zinc: A co-factor in the synthesis of collagen is zinc. Zinc can be found in pumpkin seeds. Sesame seeds, sesame flour, tahini, watermelon seeds, and cottonseed meal or flour are other sources of nuts that are high in zinc. Stretch mark occurrences can rise in cases of zinc shortage.
Collagen Promoting Foods: Collagen formation is aided by the wheat germ, dark leafy greens, garlic, eggs, carrots, and mango. Lean meats and beans are excellent sources of lysine. All nine essential amino acids can be found in foods derived from animals, including dairy, chicken, fish, and gelatin. Both topically and orally applying gelatin are options.
Other Methods to treat pregnancy stretch marks are:
Tretinoin (Retinol): Early stretch mark severity is successfully reduced by topical administration of 0.05% tretinoin cream (7). It speeds up recovery by rebuilding collagen. Topical retinoids should not be used when pregnant. It is better to avoid taking topical retinoids even though there is no evidence to suggest that they can lead to congenital defects. Additionally, topical retinoids could result in photosensitivity. After using these, stay out of the sun.
Vitamin C: Stretch marks may be reduced by applying topical vitamin C, which increases collagen formation. Vitamin C, however, can harm photos. So make sure you stay out of the sun after taking vitamin C.
Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid aids in keeping the skin hydrated. A well-hydrated skin can keep its suppleness. This might aid in reducing early stretch marks.
Old stretch marks are challenging to treat. Early prevention helps your skin heal better and reduces the appearance of stretch marks because of this. Here are some steps you can take.
Tips to prevent pregnancy stretch marks
Keep The Skin Moisturized: It’s because skin that has been hydrated is more elastic and resistant to damage from straining. Use creams and lotions that contain moisturizing elements like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and glycerin as well as natural oils.
Consume Vitamin C-rich Foods: Vitamin C-rich foods encourage the production of collagen and increase skin suppleness. Eat things like oranges, lemons, sweet peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, kiwifruit, berries, and grapefruit.
Use Products And Oils: You could also try stretch mark treatment products. A well-liked substance called Bio-oil may help lessen the visibility of your stretch marks. Here is a comprehensive article about bio-oil. Use plant oils to massage the region as well as to hydrate it.
Use Petroleum Jelly: Stretch mark-related itchiness and redness are reduced by it.
Exercise: Workout to lose the weight you gained after giving birth. Exercise tones the skin and might help the markings look less noticeable. But stay away from extreme weight loss strategies (like crash dieting). Exercise under the guidance of a trainer. While you work on them, you can also manage the extra inches with belly tucks.
Stay Hydrated: Regular intake of water helps improve skin elasticity.
The majority of treatments require time to produce benefits. The following considerations should be made before taking any substance or cure.
Precautions
Avoid any product that contains artificial scents, preservatives, or alcohol by checking the ingredients list. For product advice, especially if you’re expecting or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor.
To rule out the likelihood of allergic responses, perform a patch test.
As stretch marks are permanent and may take longer to disappear, have reasonable expectations.
It is common to develop pregnancy stretch marks. Stretch marks that are pinkish-purple appear as a result of the elastin and collagen fibers snapping as the stomach expands to accommodate the growing baby.
Using natural substances like coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter, and lemon juice might gradually lessen the appearance of stretch marks if you’re wondering how to get rid of pregnancy stretch marks.
In the long run, stretch marks may be avoided by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and exercising. Before utilizing any items, make sure you read the ingredient list and perform a patch test. If a bad response occurs, see a doctor.