Stretch marks can happen for a variety of reasons. Growth spurts, rapid weight loss or weight gain, and pregnancy can all result in stretch marks, which are caused by the skin pulling and stretching over time. They are most often found on the stomach, thighs, breasts, and buttocks.
Most stretch marks are permanent. They can vary in color, darkness, and depth. Though some marks may fade with time, they never truly go away. But there is something you can do about it! Here are 7 easy ways that will make your stretch marks less visible.
- Aloe Vera
Perhaps most commonly used to soothe your burnt skin from the sun or cold, aloe vera treats a wide range of other ailments including constipation, fever, and stretch marks!
The soothing properties of aloe vera can help lessen the appearance of stretch marks. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to your skin and let it stand for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. You can also mix aloe vera gel with vitamins E and A to create a mixture that is then rubbed into the skin until fully absorbed.
Perform either process once every day until you see improvement.
- Egg Whites
You knew egg whites were a healthy breakfast option full of protein, but egg whites on stretch marks? Who knew?
The protein and acids found in egg whites can help treat those stubborn skin imperfections. Whisk together 2-3 egg whites and use a small brush to apply a thick layer of the egg whites to your skin. Let it dry completely before rinsing the residue with water.
You may want to apply a moisturizer afterwards to keep your skin from drying out.
- Vicks Vapor Rub
Yes, that sometimes smelly, sometimes thick and cold cream that your mother used to spread on your chest to break-up congestion can also double as a stretch mark miracle worker!
It’s actually the ingredients in Vicks Vapor Rub that help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Cedar leaf oil, turpentine oil, and petrolatum help soften and moisturize the stretched skin and reduce visibility.
Other awesome uses for Vicks Vapor Rub include soothing burns (similar to aloe vera mentioned above), treating athlete’s foot, and moisturizing dry, cracked heels.
- Lemon and Potato Juice
The kitchen is a great place to find homemade remedies for countless ailments and treating stretch marks is no different. The juices from both this tart fruit and dinnertime staple can help eliminate the appearance of those unsightly marks.
The acidity in lemon juice is the active ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of not only stretch marks, but scars and acne as well. Like most other topical treatments, apply the juice to your stretch marks in circular motions and let stand for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Potato juice should be applied in the same manner. What makes this carb’s juice so effective are the vitamins and minerals it contains. These nutrients help foster the growth and restoration of your skin cells.
To ensure the nutrients absorb into your skin, take one potato slice and rub it onto your stretch marks until you can visibly see the starch covering the area. Let this dry before rinsing with water.
- Sugar
If you are looking to sweeten up that lemon juice, you can add raw sugar and almond oil. This mixture helps exfoliate the skin. Gently rub it on and around your stretch marks before rinsing. After a few months, you should see your stretch marks lighten drastically.
- Castor Oil
If you suffer from age spots, moles, or wrinkles, you are no stranger to castor oil.
Massage castor oil into your skin using circular motions. Continue this for approximately 10 minutes. Next, wrap the affected area in a thin cloth and add heat to this area using a heating pad or hot compress for 30 minutes. When done, remove the cloth and gently rinse area with warm water.
This process should be completed daily for a month or longer to see significant results.
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many benefits and healing properties that can actually help heal wounds. And that’s why this oil is perfect for treating and healing the appearance of stretch marks.
Are your stretch marks especially red in color? If so, apply coconut oil directly to the affected area, leaving a thin coating. This will help lighten the skins color and make the scarring less obvious to the naked eye.
Say Goodbye to Your Stretch Marks
Don’t let your stretch marks cause you unnecessary stress or impact your self-confidence. These easy and convenient remedies can be done at home with items you might already have in your cabinets.
By taking just a few extra minutes to apply these topical treatments, you can drastically reduce the appearance of stretch marks from any area of your body.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
