One of the happiest experiences of a woman's life comes with its own set of drawbacks. In the case of pregnancy, this drawback has to be stretch marks. At least more than half of the pregnant women have stretch marks. Almost all women have just one question after pregnancy- "how to remove stretch marks after pregnancy."
How to Remove Stretch Marks After Pregnancy
Stretch marks are a result of sudden weight gain or loss and during pregnancy, this happens as the baby grows inside the womb and the skin stretches beyond capacity. They are initially pink in color and as time goes by, they fade to a silvery white color and become less noticeable.
However, the good news is that one can easily get rid of stretch marks only by following a few simple home remedies. Some of the best tried and tested methods include-
Pro Tip: The earlier they receive treatment, the easier they are to cure.
Natural Oil Treatment
Massaging the stretch mark area with natural oils like coconut oil, essential oil, olive oil, etc. helps reduce the impact. Oils moisturize and exfoliate the skin, improve blood circulation, which, in turn, helps to get rid of stretch marks.
All you need to do is take some oil in your palms, massaging the affected area gently. Let the oil remain for 30 minutes so that the skin absorbs the nutrients in oil. After the massage, take a bath and follow the routine regularly.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an excellent skin healer that soothes the skin gently, it is also one of the best-known remedies for other problems like skin sores, constipation, etc. It is best when applied fresh rather than purchasing it from the market.
Take some aloe vera in the palms and rub it directly over the skin. Let it remain for around 15 minutes on the skin and use lukewarm water to wash it. Apply the gel regularly on the affected area for better results.
Also, one could also prepare a mixture of one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel with oil from different sources of nutrients. Rub over the skin till completely absorbed. Apply it twice a day.
Self-Made Moisturiser
Moisturizer is excellent for the skin and helps remove elasticity. Depending on the skin type, there are a number of moisturizers available. For example, women with dry skin should go for one with cocoa butter and those with oily skin must use a cream which contains aloe vera or clay moisturizer.
Prepare a mixture of olive oil, aloe vera gel and wheat germ oil in equal proportions. If a person has dry or combination skin type, use this as a moisturizer. However, if a person has oily skin type, mix it with clay.
Milk, Sugar and Green Coconut Water Scrub
Scrubs are extremely effective in boosting the skin regeneration process. It is also effective in the removal of stretch marks after the birth of the baby. Especially this scrub that has milk, sugar and green coconut water as ingredients is super effective.
To prepare the scrub, mix two spoons of raw milk, a few drops of lemon juice and cucumber juice and half a spoon of sugar. Apply the mixture on the stretch marks scrubbing the area for five minutes in a circular motion. Rinse the mixture with water and wipe with a towel. Now, apply coconut water and let it dry until you notice the skin stretch. Now apply aloe vera or shea butter and rinse. Apply moisturizer and relax. Follow this remedy a maximum of three times a week to help remove the stretch marks and lighten the skin.
Potato Juice
Potato juice is a well-known remedy for a number of skin related issues and can be used to get rid of stretch marks as well. They contain carotenoids, polyphenols, and phytochemicals that improve the skin texture considerably.
Take a potato and slice it into two pieces rubbing one half over the stretch marks. The two halves would generate juices, allow the juice to soak into the skin and leave it to dry. Rinse the area using lukewarm water and the change is noticeable in a few months.
Drink plenty of water
The skin should be well-hydrated at all times to get rid of the stretch marks and other related skin conditions. Try to consume at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to ensure the skin remains hydrated and protected from toxins at all times. Besides keeping the skin flexible, it also keeps intact the elasticity. Also, try to avoid dehydrating agents like tea, coffee, and soda.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has acidic properties that work well while healing stretch marks.
Rub fresh lemon juice on the affected area, leaving it for about 10 minutes so that it soaks into the skin. Rinse thoroughly using warm water and apply daily for best results. Alternatively, make a mixture of lemon and cucumber juice using equal quantities of both and apply on the affected area.
Egg Whites
Egg Whites have been known to contain enzymes that increase the skin's elasticity that cause the stretch marks to fade away over time.
Take an egg and separate the egg white from the yolk. Beat the egg white lightly and apply with a brush on the affected areas. Wait for the mixture to dry on the affected naturally and rinse with cool water. Moisturize the area.
Bibliography
- https://www.babycentre.co.uk/x2432/how-can-i-get-rid-of-stretch-marks
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/26153-remove-stretch-marks-after-pregnancy/
- http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/simple-home-remedies-for-removing-pregnancy-stretch-marks/#gref
- http://www.momjunction.com/articles/effective-ways-reduce-stretch-marks-post-pregnancy_00308/#gref