Pregnancy is one of the happiest moments in a woman’s life, but the stretch marks that come with it – not so much! Well, we have some good news for you! You can easily get rid of them by following simple home remedies. This article talks about various solutions for this cosmetic skin problem.
Stretch marks occur when our body suddenly gains or loses excess weight. During pregnancy, with the baby growing inside the womb, the skin stretches beyond its capacity, leading to those ugly looking stretch marks. It is always better to treat them as early as possible. That’s because when the stretch marks are at an early stage, they respond best to any treatment.
There are many chemical and surgical treatments available to remove stretch marks like vascular laser, fractional laser treatment, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), etc. However, these treatments have a lot of risks attached and are expensive. It is always advisable to opt for safer home remedies which are as effective and a lot cheaper. Read on to know more!
1. Using Natural Oils
Carrier Oil Options –
Almond Oil
Argan Oil
Jojoba Oil
Mustard Oil
Coconut Oil
Castor Oil
Essential Oil Options –
Grapeseed Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
Avocado Oil
Lavender Oil
Rosehip Oil
Evening Primrose Oil
Almond oil or coconut oil with grapeseed and rosehip oils
Castor oil or jojoba oil with evening primrose, hemp seed, and lavender essential oils
Massage the affected area with this oil for a few minutes.
Leave the oil on for as long as possible.
You can intensify the effect of the oils by wrapping the area in plastic sheets (e.g. klin wrap) and place a hot water bottle over it for a couple of minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this oil blend twice a day regularly.
2. Cocoa Butter
Organic cocoa butter or shea butter
What You Have To Do
Massage the affected area (like your tummy, chest, and thighs) with organic cocoa butter. You can also use shea butter.
How Often You Should Do This
Reapply either of the body butters twice a day.
3. Aloe Vera
An aloe vera leaf
What You Have To Do
Cut the aloe leaf and extract the gel.
Apply it to the affected area and massage until it is absorbed into the skin.
Do not rinse it away.
How Often You Should Do This
This remedy should be used twice daily.
What You Have To Do
Apply the petroleum jelly on the stretch marks and massage for 5-10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every night before going to bed.
Why This Works
Petroleum jelly is an occlusive agent, which means that it locks in moisture in the skin. This heals dry and stretched skin
Stretch marks occur when our body suddenly gains or loses excess weight. During pregnancy, with the baby growing inside the womb, the skin stretches beyond its capacity, leading to those ugly looking stretch marks. It is always better to treat them as early as possible. That’s because when the stretch marks are at an early stage, they respond best to any treatment.
There are many chemical and surgical treatments available to remove stretch marks like vascular laser, fractional laser treatment, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), etc. However, these treatments have a lot of risks attached and are expensive. It is always advisable to opt for safer home remedies which are as effective and a lot cheaper. Read on to know more!
1. Using Natural Oils
You Will Need
Carrier Oil Options –Almond Oil
Argan Oil
Jojoba Oil
Mustard Oil
Coconut Oil
Castor Oil
Essential Oil Options –
Grapeseed Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
Avocado Oil
Lavender Oil
Rosehip Oil
Evening Primrose Oil
What You Have To Do
Prepare a DIY moisturizer by mixing a few drops of your favorite essential oils with a carrier oil. Some recommended combinations are:Almond oil or coconut oil with grapeseed and rosehip oils
Castor oil or jojoba oil with evening primrose, hemp seed, and lavender essential oils
Massage the affected area with this oil for a few minutes.
Leave the oil on for as long as possible.
You can intensify the effect of the oils by wrapping the area in plastic sheets (e.g. klin wrap) and place a hot water bottle over it for a couple of minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this oil blend twice a day regularly.
Why This Works
The oil massage will keep the skin moisturized, which increases its elasticity and helps to heal scars quickly. The carrier oils provide nourishment and hydration, whereas the essential oils provide antioxidants and healing compounds . The damage caused due to the stretching can be reversed if this remedy is used twice a day without fail.2. Cocoa Butter
You Will Need
Organic cocoa butter or shea butterWhat You Have To Do
Massage the affected area (like your tummy, chest, and thighs) with organic cocoa butter. You can also use shea butter.
How Often You Should Do This
Reapply either of the body butters twice a day.
Why This Works
Both cocoa butter and shea butter are rich sources of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids that are easily absorbed into the skin. They hydrate the skin and replenish the skin cells. Shea butter contains vitamins A and E as well, which improve the elasticity of the skin and prevent dryness . A combination of these two butters also works well for pregnancy stretch marks.3. Aloe Vera
You Will Need
An aloe vera leafWhat You Have To Do
Cut the aloe leaf and extract the gel.
Apply it to the affected area and massage until it is absorbed into the skin.
Do not rinse it away.
How Often You Should Do This
This remedy should be used twice daily.
Why This Works
This is one of the best natural methods to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Aloe vera gel promotes healing and shows visible results in a few days. It also soothes the skin and keeps it hydrated . However, this remedy works for early-stage stretch marks only.You Will Need
Petroleum jellyWhat You Have To Do
Apply the petroleum jelly on the stretch marks and massage for 5-10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every night before going to bed.
Why This Works
Petroleum jelly is an occlusive agent, which means that it locks in moisture in the skin. This heals dry and stretched skin
