Stretch marks generally pose no
threat to the health, but since they can be unsightly at times, some people,
especially women, choose to have them treated. For that reason, people have
developed alternative remedies that will help get rid of stretch marks from the
skin, or at least reduce their appearance. Olive oil is first on the list of
home remedies for stretch marks, simply because they are easier to find and
have been proven to be effective in treating several kinds of body ailment. It
contains carotenoids, an antioxidant that promotes healing of skin tissues. Aside
from that, olive oil can also act as a natural moisturizer.
Skin dryness can make stretch
marks appear worse, so by keeping your skin well-hydrated, you can reduce the
appearance of these ugly marks. There are several options in using olive oil
for the removal of stretch marks. To create your own stretch mark lotion using
olive oil, mix a cup of olive oil to half cup of aloe vera extract and 5
capsules of vitamin E supplement. Almond oil is another plant extract you can
use to get rid of stretch marks. Obtained from almond nut, almond oil has high
vitamin E content. It’s also rich in manganese, magnesium, protein, and some
omega-3 fatty acids. Almond oil is mainly used in aromatherapy, but has also
been found to be a good remedy for stretch marks. Massage your skin with almond
oil once a day to do away with the stretch marks. Its vitamin E content will
help lighten your skin that is affected with stretch marks and reduce the
appearance of the marks as well.
Another plant source you can use
for the treatment of stretch marks is aloe vera. A lot of people have grown to
love aloe vera because of its many skin benefits. Aloe vera has many healing
attributes and has been used for the removal of acne scars, treating sunburn,
and strengthening the scalp. Today, many people use it to get rid of stretch
marks. Since aloe vera contains collagen, it can easily penetrate deep into the
skin and promote healing among skin tissues. To use aloe vera, simply cut a
stalk from your aloe vera plant at home and extract the gel. If you don’t have
an aloe vera plant, you can also buy the commercial aloe vera gel from your
local pharmacy. Apply the gel to your skin regularly until you see your stretch
marks starting to disappear.
If you want to prevent the
appearance of stretch marks during your pregnancy, you can use castor oil as a
home remedy. Castor oil comes from castor beans. It has anti-inflammatory
properties and contains antioxidants that help keep the skin freed from damage
caused by free radicals. The only source of Ricinoleic acid, castor oil has the
ability to penetrate the skin and destroy tissues that cause the formation of
stretch marks. During the early stages of pregnancy, you can rub castor oil on
your stomach. Experts claim that by doing so, you will have a higher chance of
preventing stretch marks from forming.
Such alternative treatments for
stretch marks have no therapeutic claims. Some may even contain substances that
can be harsh for sensitive skin.