As the skin stretches, the collagen weakens and causes fine lines to form under the top layer. At first, stretch marks are red or pink. Over time, thin silver lines appear on the surface of the skin that develop into stretch marks
Moisture is the key to improving skin elasticity. Studies have shown that moisturizing the skin with oils and emollients can help prevent stretch marks. The remedies discussed below can help keep the skin hydrated, thereby preventing and fading stretch marks.
Shea butter is a natural emollient. Hence, it can keep your skin hydrated. This moisturizing effect can help improve the appearance of stretch marks over time.
Preparation: Melt the butter (toss in the microwave for a few seconds). Massage it on the affected area.
Leave on overnight and wash off the next day. Every day before bed.
Coconut oil is traditionally used as a moisturizer for the skin. It can help keep your skin hydrated and help prevent stretch marks.
Method: Massage the coconut oil on the affected area for 5-10 minutes.
Make sure you massage it onto damp skin.
You can leave the oil to stand overnight or wash it off after 1-2 hours. Try this method twice a day.
Aloe Vera has moisturizing properties and promotes collagen development. This property of aloe vera can help improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Method: mix both ingredients.
Massage the mixture onto the affected area.
Leave on for at least an hour. Wash it off. Do this twice a day.
There is no scientific evidence that lemon juice is effective on stretch marks. Anecdotes claim that it can help fade scars as it appears to have a whitening effect on them. You can try this remedy if you do not have sensitive skin.
Method: Dilute the lemon juice.
Apply it to the affected area and let it dry.
After 15 minutes, wash off and apply a moisturizer. Do this. Dilute the lemon juice.
Apply it to the affected area and let it dry.
After 15 minutes, wash off and apply a moisturizer.
Anecdotes suggest that women who attempted to apply breast milk to their stretch marks during the postnatal period found them effective in fading.
Method: massage / rub breast milk on your stretch marks.
Let it dry. Try this method once or twice a day.