Stretch marks also known as Striae are long, narrow streaks, stripes or lines that develop on the skin. Anyone can develop stretch marks although they tend to affect women than men. This type of scarring happens when the skin can’t resume normal form after a period of intense growth, often due to pregnancy, weight gain, weight loss or puberty. More than 50 percent of women experience stretch marks during pregnancy.
Water
I’m sure I’m not the first one to tell you how important it is to keep hydrated. The water you drink provides your skin with the hydration that is necessary for it to remain healthy. When your skin cells have the right amount of water, they can function properly and repair themselves more efficiently. Therefore means your skin is better able to recover from stretch marks. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Vitamin C
Eating foods like berries, raw cabbage, citrus fruits, kiwis, melons, peas, peppers, broccoli, pineapple, spinach, tomatoes and turnips provide the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C. It contains antioxidant properties that help our bodies to fight free radicals which in turn help skin scars heal faster.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is also an antioxidant hat fights free radicals whilst deeply nourishing the skin. Foods like almonds, raw seeds, swiss chard, hazelnuts, pine nuts, spinach, avocado, broccoli, parsley, papaya and olives are very rich sources of Vitamin E. Daily consumption of these types of foods will help rid of stretch marks.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help increase elasticity in the skin. Foods like Salmon, anchovy, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, soybean, tofu and cauliflower can help keep the stretch marks at bay. These fatty acids are part of the membranes surrounding the cells in our body and can provide a whole host of other health benefits.
Moisturiser
The right moisturiser is one of the most important part of a healthy skin care routine. It keeps the skin smooth and glowing, helps maintain your skin’s protective outer layer and help preserve the skin elasticity and helps stretch marks too. When choosing a moisturiser, always ensure that it’s organic as some moisturisers contain ingredients that contain chemical nasties that may find their way into your breast milk. The effect of these ingredients on a new born is unknown so it’s better to avoid using non organic products altogether.
Honey
Honey is antiseptic and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks but for it to be effective it has to be raw and organic. Prepare a honey scrub by mixing honey with salt and glycerine (plant derived type) Apply to the affected areas and leave it on till it dries. Rinse off using warm water.
Sugar
Who would have thought you could use sugar to rid of stretch marks? It’s great for exfoliating dead skin cells and can help with lightening your stretch marks too.
Here’s how to make a sugar scrub:
Mix one tablespoon of brown sugar with almond oil or a carrier oil of your choice; add a few drops of lemon juice mix well
Apply mixture to the affected areas the rinse off with warm water
Lemon Juice
Lemons are known to lighten. Lemon juice is naturally acidic making it a useful agent in healing acne, pimples and other skin conditions. The acidic properties also help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and help speed up the healing process.
Try these steps to help lighten your stretch marks:
Rub fresh lemon juice on your stretch marks
Leave on for 10 minutes to let your skin absorb the juice
Rinse off the lemon juice using warm water
Apply every day for best results.
Potato Juice
As you may know, potatoes contain starch and other skin lightning properties which is why it is used often to lighten dark circles, spots and blemishes from the skin. It bleaches the skin and effectively reduces the visibility of stretch marks when applied regularly.
Organic Olive Oil
Olive oil has very rich moisturising properties and is full of antioxidants and other nutrients that are great for repairing skin damage. Apply to stretch marks on a regular basis and it will help fade them over time.
Conclusion
The best treatment for stretch marks is prevention. By keeping your skin moisturised and making sure you drink plenty of water and consuming the right foods you help keep the elastin that your skin needs to keep from scarring.
Using topical oils such as coconut oil or rosehip oil will keep your skin moisturised and make stretch marks less likely. Even without treatment, almost all stretch marks will fade over time. Rarely will stretch marks stay prominent as when they first appear.
