What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are indentations on specific body parts, such as the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, upper arms, etc. Stretch marks are scars that form when our skin rapidly stretches or contracts. This rapid change can cause the protein tissues that support the skin, such as collagen and elastin, to break down. As the skin heals, stretch marks gradually appear during this process.
Does everyone have stretch marks?
Not everyone has these narrow streaks on their skin. In most cases, fluctuating hormone levels play a role. Pathogenic factors also play a role.
How do stretch marks occur?
The leading cause of stretch marks is the stretching of our skin. The severity of these spots depends on several factors, such as your genes and the stress level on your skin. Significant stretch marks occur during puberty, pregnancy, rapid weight loss, gain, weight training, rapid muscle growth, and topical use of steroid skin treatment creams. Sometimes, the hormone cortisol also works by weakening elastic fibers in the skin.
How do stretch marks appear?
Not all stretch marks look the same. They vary depending on your skin type, how long you have them, what causes them, and where they appear.
When stretch marks first appear, they tend to be reddish, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin tone. The initial stretch marks may feel a little raised and itchy. Over some time, the color gradually fades, and narrow streaks extend down under the skin. The skin texture on mature stretch marks feels oppressive.
How can I get rid of stretch marks?
Maintain your skin and moisturize regularly to help remove stretch marks. Using moisturizer does not directly affect the appearance of stretch marks; however, moisturizers help smoothen the healing of the underlying tissue. Massaging moisturizer on newly emerging stretch marks for a few weeks will give excellent results.
What natural ingredients or remedies can reduce stretch marks?
Olive oil: Olive oil is a great cleanser and moisturizer. Olive oil can repair damaged skin collagen. It also helps increase blood flow to the surface of the skin. Gently massage with this oil for 10-15 minutes a day.
Coconut oil: The fatty acids in coconut oil are easily absorbed by the skin. Given the anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil, it promotes collagen production, which speeds up the recovery process of stretch marks. Apply coconut oil thoroughly to stretch marks; you don’t need to erase this natural ingredient afterward.
Cocoa butter: Extracted from the cocoa bean, the ultra-moisturizing cocoa butter penetrates deep into the skin, retaining moisture and improving skin elasticity. This will dilute the appearance of stretch marks over time. Apply a generous amount of cocoa butter to stretch marks and massage. Do this once or twice a day, especially after taking a shower.
Aloe Vera gel: Aloe Vera gel helps reduce stretch marks. The ingredients in aloe vera exhibit healing properties and minimize the appearance of stretch marks. If you have an aloe plant in your home, cut off a stem and rub it into your stretch marks without rinsing off any residue. Apply aloe vera to stretch marks daily.
Sandalwood: Sandalwood helps cool the skin. It also improves the elasticity of the skin. When you first see the signs of stretch marks, apply a paste of neem, sandalwood, and Khadira to relieve itching and soothe the skin at the same time.
Castor oil: One of the best Ayurvedic oils for stretch marks, castor oil helps stimulate collagen and elastin production. It can also help damaged tissue return to its original shape and help the skin return to its original position after being subjected to stretching. A gentle massage with castor oil at least twice daily will work well.
Turmeric: Turmeric is one of the cheapest and most results-oriented treatments for stretch marks because it helps maintain skin elasticity. Mix turmeric powder or ground turmeric root with coconut or sesame oil to paste. Apply this cream to stretch marks once or twice a day.
