Stretch marks (medical name: striae distensae) can be caused by various factors such as giving birth, weight loss (or gain), hormones as well as other factors.Your skin literally stretches too fast, causing visible marks. You get the same effect when you overstretch a balloon.
Wearing normal clothing will cover up most of the stretch marks, but what happens on a nice summer day when you would like to enjoy yourself.
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We all know that these marks can be embarrassing and will spoil your day and life.
Stretch marks can happen to every one… teenagers, boys, girls, men and women, young and old.
On top of that, stretch marks can appear all over your body such as your inner thighs, hips, upper arms, legs, stomach (belly), buttocks, knees, armpits and breasts.
To get rid of stretch marks fast, you have to find the best ways that will work for you personally.
You have probably tried a few expensive lotions, with little success and that’s why you are here looking for answers.
Depending on how severe your stretch marks are, the remedies you use (these remedies could use natural ways or be commercial), your skin type as well as other factors will determine how long it will take for them to go away.
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Personal experience has shown that it is very difficult to actually get rid of stretch marks completely, since there will still be some fade marks. Some people suggest that laser surgery is the only way to get rid of stretch marks but that does not always work.
One person suggested an extremely painful way to remove them, which quite frankly, I don’t like, whether it works or not.
Most people say that stretch marks never really go away and that they only fade. While you will find many solutions to this problem, you will have to try each of them (or a combination of them) to see what works for you.
Whatever you do, do it quickly, preferably as soon as you notice them, since the longer you take, the more difficult it will be to remove your stretch marks. If you are pregnant, only use natural home remedies, since anything that you put onto your skin will be absorbed into the body and eventually can harm your unborn baby.
There is no guarantee that any method will work for you. Be careful of any substance that you use, since your skin or body could have an allergic reaction to it. Test first by applying a little bit to your skin and see what type of reaction you have.
You don’t just have to accept these marks and you can definitely do something about them, but it will take a little bit of effort. Don’t you want look good and feel good about yourself? We all do.
Here are the 9 best ways to get rid of stretch marks:
1.) Start by Exfoliating your skin (Removal of Dead Skin), Followed by Moisturizing
There are many ways that you can do this by using exfoliating creams or some sort of abrasive tool or substance. Then make sure you moisturize the skin. Do this daily if you can, otherwise 2 – 3 times per week.
A quick DIY (do it yourself) way is to use coffee granules (grounds). Don’t use instant coffee. Dip your hand in lukewarm water so that your hand warms up a bit, take the grounds and then rub the stretch marks for a minute or two.
Then wash it off. It is quite messy, so do it in your bath or shower. Moisturize your skin with your favorite skin lotion.
You could also add a little bit of Aloe Vera Gel. Both these ingredients are beneficial to get rid of stretch marks. Your skin should be silky smooth after this.
Another DIY way is to use white sugar as an exfoliator.
Exfoliation is also useful in helping to reduce pimple spots and marks.
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2.) Use a Derma Roller to Super Charge Your Skin
Hmm… now this is interesting. I can see the value of this method since the device penetrates the deeper layers of the skin and attacks the stretch marks where it starts… in the middle layer of the skin.
Your skin has three main layers, with the first two containing sub-layers:
- Top: Epidermis (Has 5 sub-layers) – Sheds skin and makes place for new skin.
- Middle: Dermis (Has 2 sub-layers) – Where the stretch marks normally start.
- Bottom: Subcutaneous tissue – Fatty layer that provides the skin’s foundation.
Not only does it help to get rid of stretch marks, but it can also be used to reduce wrinkles and also to give your skin a healthier and natural look.
If you can’t get hold of a Derma roller locally, try shopping for one online.
It basically has lots of micro needles that penetrate your skin and helps to regenerate your skin by naturally increasing collagen and elastin levels, which helps to increase the suppleness (flexibility) of your skin.
Follow the instructions on the leaflet or box. If not mentioned, wash your hands first, then spray the roller head with 99 % alcohol. Wash off the alcohol on the roller head before using it.
The derama roller is also useful for pimple scars.
3.) If You Want to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Permanently, Then Try This!
When asking around, I got this recipe from an older woman who had stretch marks all over her body after giving birth to her children. She also had it on her upper arms and upon closer inspection, I could not see any stretch marks or even a hint of faded stretch marks. The skin was totally clear. Not even white stretch marks. Wow! I was impressed.
You will need 4 ingredients:
- Germolene Cream (20 ml)
- Bennetts Baby Aqueous Cream (Non-perfumed) 250 ml
- Camphor Oil (30 ml)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (20 ml)
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients together.
- Dip your index finger into the mixture, rub it between your hand palms until it feels smooth and warm. The camphor oil is what gives off the heat.
- Apply the mixture on your stretch marks and rub until the oiliness disappears from your hands.
- Do this every morning and evening after a shower or bath.
The stretch marks won’t disappear overnight and it could take about three to six weeks for it to completely disappear. Try this and see if it works for you.
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4.) Use Vicks Vaporub as an Effective Treatment
Hmm… another interesting solution.
Quite a few people have mentioned this as an effective way to get rid of stretch marks quickly. Use your finger to apply it to the stretch mark and then rub it vigorously until you feel that all of the Vicks is gone.
Leave it on overnight and take a good shower in the morning. My wife tried this, but unfortunately, it did not work for her. By her own admission, she did not try it long enough.
5.) Drink Lots of Water
Drink the recommended 8 – 10 glasses per day. Water will keep your skin supple.
6.) Use Lemon Juice
Wash your hands thoroughly, use lemon juice (freshly prepared) and then apply the juice to the stretch marks. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and wash it off.
Lemon juice also helps with other conditions such as pimples, is effective for headaches and also works for dandruff.
7.) List of Oils and Lotions to Try
- Mederma
- Bio oil
- Baby oil
- Cocoa butter
- Coconut oil (Use virgin coconut oil)
- Rosehip oil
- Emu oil
- Jojoba oil
- Castor oil
- Shea butter (Very effective… search for it online)
- Egg white (Beat it, apply, leave on for about 20 – 30 minutes. Do it daily.)
- Fenjal bubble bath (Soak in it and enjoy the wonderful aromas)
- Vitamin E oil
8.) Vitamins That Can Help Reduce or Get Rid of Stretch Marks
- Vitamin A – Will mostly fade the stretchmarks. Found in spinach, fish liver oil, carrots, lettuce, fruits, etc.
- Vitamin B – Found in spinach, banana, seeds, eggs, fish, nuts, chicken, oatmeal, bread, etc.
- Vitamin C – Take vitamin C supplements orally. This has been very effective for some people. Also found in broccoli, strawberries, oranges, etc.
- Vitamin D – Most people get it mainly from the sun (Watch out for too much exposure). Also found in mushrooms, eggs yolks, cheese, beef and fish.
- Vitamin E – Very effective and one of the best vitamins to reduce or remove stretch marks. Preferably use Vitamin E oil to apply directly to the skin. Found in spinach, avocado, cereals, eggs, halibut (type of fish), canned sardine and tuna, etc.
- Vitamin K – The best way is to apply it topically since it will be more effective than foods containing Vitamin k. Will reduce stretch marks. Get a cream or solution.
9.) The One Mineral That Can Reverse, Reduce or Eliminate Stretch Marks
Zinc (Generates collagen: Collagen holds your body together, sort of like glue) – Very effective for old stretch marks as well. The best way is to apply it topically and by using supplements, but you can also get it from foods like oyster, shrimp, beef, spinach and cashew nuts.
Zinc is also versatile in that it helps with other conditions such as getting rid of zits, helps with removing and controlling dandruff as well as removing blackheads and whiteheads.
What can you do to prevent stretch marks?
Prevention is the best solution. To a certain extent, you can prevent stretch marks, but other factors such as hormones still play a role, no matter what you do.
To prevent stretch marks, the first thing you should do is to avoid gaining/losing weight too fast, such as with bodybuilding, working out, lifting and dieting. When you gain weight too fast, the skin can’t keep up with the growth and the skin will stretch too fast. Easier said than done.
Although you should incorporate a good diet with lots of veggies and fruit, this will not be enough and you should apply oils topically (on the skin) that can deliver the vitamins, minerals and nutrients directly to your skin.
Have a look at the vitamins and minerals your body needs in order to maintain a healthy skin. Vitamins such as Vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K are all necessary for a strong and healthy skin.
Minerals such as Zinc are also important for prevention, especially for teenagers going through puberty and hormonal changes. A zinc deficiency will cause severe acne.
Use coconut oil, olive oil or cocoa butter during and after your pregnancy.
Conclusion
To get rid of stretch marks will take a bit of testing and time, but don’t just accept it. Do something about it.
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