Stretch marks can appear at any point in life. They are gained when a person’s skin is stretched rapidly and the connective tissue fibers between the layers of skin tear. This can happen for many reasons including:
- Rapid weight gain or weight loss where the skin is stretched to accommodate the extra weight.
- Pregnancy where women can experience stretch marks on their stomachs, hips, thighs, buttocks and breasts.
- Body building, due to the increase in muscle mass and the skin stretching, body builders often experience stretch marks.
- Puberty can bring about stretch marks due to the body experiencing sudden growth spurts.
The marks are formed as the collagen tears and blood vessels leak out into the middle layer beneath the skin. This causes small dark lines where the tear has occurred. The color of the lines differs for each person depending on skin tone.
Treatment
Over time, the stretch marks will become less vivid and start to fade, after a year or so, they will be seen as silvery lines which are much less distinguishable. Many people may not bother with the marks too much and wait for them to fade of their own accord, however, for others, the marks can be the source of low self-esteem. If this is the case, then there are a number of methods by which to remove stretch marks, though some are better than others. Most people will try out some well-known home remedies first before looking into more expensive or risky options such as creams or surgery.
1. Chamomile and Lavender
Ingredients: 1oz avocado oil, seven drops of lavender oil, five drops of chamomile oil.
This is one of the most popular remedies for getting rid of stretch marks with many people swearing by it. The method is straightforward; simply mix the ingredients together well and apply the mixture directly to the stretch marks. Some slight heat should be generated by the finger moving in small circular motions as the solution is applied. The heat allows the body to absorb the mixture better as it opens up the pores.
2. Vitamin Oils
Ingredients: Oil from six vitamin E capsules, Oil from four vitamins A capsules, some aloe vera gel olive oil.
Mix all the oils together and apply small amounts directly to the skin where the stretch marks are. Using small circular motions and a fair amount of pressure, massage the mixture into the marks. Do this daily after a shower and after a short time, stretch marks will begin to fade. Store the oil in the fridge when not in use.
3. Coffee Beans
One of the most simple, yet equally effective methods known to reduce stretch marks is to take some coffee beans and grind them up into a powder. Mix the powder together with a moisturizing cream, preferably one with vitamin A or E or both. Apply the mixture to the needed area and leave to dry. Go to bed and rinse the mixture off in the morning with warm water. Many people claim to see huge differences at once with this method and report clear skin in a matter of weeks.
