Most of us associate stretch marks with pregnancy, but did you know that’s not the only cause of stretch marks? Stretch marks are simply lines or stripes that appear on the skin when someone goes through a rapid weight gain or loss. It is most common among women post-pregnancy or rapid weight gain, although it may happen to men and teenagers as well.
The thing with stretch marks is that even though they’re harmless, they might pose to trigger self-esteem issues in some people because of the beauty standards these days.
# Cocoa butter/body butter helps fade stretch marksCocoa butter is highly popular as an anti-stretch mark agent. It helps improve the appearance of scars, promotes blood circulation, nourishes the skin, and also possesses antiaging properties.
Body butter is nothing but a moisturizer consisting of cocoa butter, shea butter, and oils.
How to use: Gently massage cocoa butter on the affected skin two times a day.
# Aloe vera promotes skin healingAloe vera is popularly used in a range of cosmetics and skincare products. It has various dermatological applications, including moisturization, skin healing, and the reduction of stretch marks.
How to use:- Cut an aloe vera leaf and extract the pulp.
- Rub the fresh aloe vera gel on your skin or use it as a mask.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.
# Vitamin E oil boosts collagen production
Stretch marks generally result from the healing of damaged connective tissues. Vitamin E facilitates collagen production and thus promotes skin repair.
How to use: Massage your skin with vitamin E rich oils, such as almond, sunflower, peanut, and olive oil. You can also consume foods containing vitamin E.
# Coconut oil moisturizes the skinCoconut oil is an excellent moisturizing agent that also supports skin healing, therefore aiding in the reduction of stretch marks.
How to use: Massage coconut oil on the affected areas daily.
# Gentle scrubbing may helpSugar is a natural exfoliating and nourishing agent that can be used for gentle scrubbing at home. You can also use a coffee scrub to help lighten stretch marks.
How to use: Mix sugar with almond oil and lemon juice to form a scrub and use it as an exfoliator. Alternatively, make a coffee scrub by mixing half a cup of ground coffee in coconut oil, and scrub the affected area with the paste.