Medizines

When skin has been stretched beyond its elastic limits, a stretch mark will appear. This generally affects people that grow too quickly or lose or gain weight faster than their skin can adapt to the changes. These marks usually appear on the breast or chest, abdomen, upper arms, hips, thighs and back of the knees.

Generally, women are more susceptible to stretch marks. But, men can also develop them especially extreme athletes. For example, men that practice bodybuilding are especially likely to develop stretch marks.

They work on "bulking up", which causes their skins to stretch excessively in a short period of time. It is highly common for bodybuilders to develop stretch marks along their thighs and lower abdomen. For this reason, several bodybuilders are concerned about stretch marks and stretch mark treatments.

Ways of Treating Stretch Marks

Stretch mark removal is an unlikely solution for most bodybuilders because they don't have excess skin that can be removed. Surgical options are much more adequate for people who have lost a great deal of weight and have loose skin and stretch marks. Nevertheless, there are other treatment options for bodybuilders.

When stretch marks are new, it is possible to treat them with stretch marks creams and other stretch mark products, like rose hip seed oil. However, as they get older it may not be possible to eliminate them completely. Rose hip seed oil is very effective in dramatically reducing the appearance of stretch marks but not in eliminating them.

As a matter of fact, one of the best options for bodybuilders is to cover up their stretch marks. If you are okay with this solution then you should know that there are three basic ways of covering up these bothersome striations: clothing, makeup, and self tanners. Anyone can benefit from using these solutions.

Covering Up Stretch Marks

Clothing is probably the easiest and most hassle-free way of covering up your stretch marks. You can use jackets and long sleeve shirts to cover the stretch marks on your arms while the stretch marks on your abdomen can be covered up using a top or shirt. However, since bodybuilders compete they need other options that will help cover up stretch marks. In this case body makeup or self tanners can come in handy.

Body makeup is thick and more wear-proof than traditional foundation. When you have stretch marks in areas that are hard to cover or that you simply don't want to cover with clothing, this is an ideal option for you.

Another alternative for covering up stretch marks is spray on tans or self tanning lotions. If you decide to get a real tan, then you will only be making your stretch marks darker. But, self tanners will cover the skin evenly and help you avoid too much sun exposure.By: Martha Fitzharris

The dermatologists term stretch marks as 'Striae Atrophicae.' They are mainly caused due to sudden growth of weight. When our weight increases, the skin also needs to expand but it has limited elasticity. When this expansion goes beyond the elasticity, we can see some white or silver colored fine lines on the surface of the body. These are called stretch marks or the striae. Among women they mostly occur due to hormonal changes, pregnancy and puberty. For men the key reasons of striae are sudden weight gain and excessive workouts at the gymnasium.

Here are some tips that need to be considered in order to remove these unwanted lines naturally within 2 to 3 weeks:

* Zinc : You must have foods that are rich in zinc. It helps a lot in formation of the new skin tissues. Some of the items that are rich in zinc enlist oysters, shellfish, wheat germ, bran cereals, pine nuts and pecan nuts.

* Vitamin E: This is a tried & tested cure for all sorts of skin issues. You can massage the affected area with vitamin E oil. Also you can have diet that is rich in this nutrient. Some of the items include sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, hazelnuts, almonds, mayonnaise, peanuts, popcorn, etc.

* Vitamin A & C: Vitamin A helps in strengthening the skin tissues and vitamin C add glow to the newly formed cells. Together they make a perfect diet to cure stretch marks. The list includes carrots, citrus fruits, milk, potatoes, mangoes, etc.

* Castor oil: Apply a thick layer of castor oil on the affected area and tie it with a plastic sheet. Now apply heat on it for 20 to 40 minutes using a hot water bottle or the heating pad. You must do it once in a day for at least 7 days.

* Aloe vera:  Blend aloe vera gel or butter with vitamin E oil and olive oil. Apply this mixture once or twice a day regularly.

* Cocoa butter: Massage the affected area at least once in a day with cocoa butter. This is a conventional and perhaps the most recommended tip to get rid of the striae.

* Shea butter: It is used just like the cocoa butter and is indeed worth a try. It has no side effects and shows assured results within one or two weeks.

* Water: It helps in maintaining the necessary moisture of the skin. You must have at least 10 glasses of water per day.

Have you ever turned down an invitation to go swimming because of your red stretch marks? The most common places stretch marks (aka striae) appear are the stomach, thighs, hips, arms, and breasts. Red stretch marks can can hinder your self confidence any time of the year. However If you plan to go swimming, how can you prevent yourself from embarrassment?  If you want to feel more confident by covering up your striae, you can follow the 4 methods below.
Use Makeup-The first way  to hide red stretch marks is to use makeup. If you are using this method, it is important to use the right shade, as you want the makeup to look natural.  The best way to get the shade closest to you skin tone is to choose two shades of makeup that most resemble your skin. Once you have done this, experiment with mixing the colors together to find your perfect match.
Wearing a Sarong-If you are planning on going swimming and have red stretch marks on your hips and thighs, you may want to consider wearing a Sarong (a wrap) around your waist. A sarong can be found near the bathing suits and are made in various colors and styles. In recent years they have become more fashionable.
Wear a Tankini- If you are suffering from embarrassing striae on your stomach, you may want to consider a Tankini. Tankinis provide the convenience of a two piece suit and the coverage of a one piece.
Apply Tanning Lotion- Another option to mask your striae is to use a sunless tanning lotion. if you do not want to risk turning orange, it is best to use a lotion that will gradually darken your skin. This will give your skin a "healthy glow". If you are going this route, it is important you exfoliate your skin before applying the lotion as it will allow the color to appear more even. Note: Going to a tanning salon or tanning outside is not a good alternative because it can make your red stretch marks more noticeable.

Dale Calder  hails from Auckland, the City of Sails, New Zealand and all of his adult life he has had a strong interest in all aspects of holistic health, especially focusing on natural herbal remedies and recipes.By Dale Calder

Approximately 90% of pregnant Caucasian women develop stretch marks, with women of color fairing slightly better.

Your genetics play a role, so if your mother has bad stretch marks, you probably will too; as does your skin type, stress, poor diet and sudden environmental change.

What is the cause of stretch marks?

They appear during puberty, pregnancy, the bulking up phase of bodybuilding, obesity, intense physical activity and Cushing's disease. Oral steroids and over-use of low potency topical steroid creams/ointments driven deeper into the skin when covered with plastic wrap, can also cause stretch marks.

During these critical times, increased hormones in the bloodstream prevent the dermis from forming collagen and elastin fibers.

At the very time your skin over-stretches and you need elasticity and strong underlying support most, you do not have it. Unsurprisingly the dermal layer tears, it flattens the epidermis and leaves red surface marks.

Stretch marks are actually bands of elastin broken beneath the skin. When the tears heal, the collagen fibers do not line up properly, resulting in an uneven appearance and white marks.

What it boils down to is that stretch marks are scars created by your own body to heal damage on the inside caused by over-stretched skin which is too thin.

Unfortunately stretch marks stay with you forever because the damage is in the dermis, far below the surface of the skin, and no cream on earth can undo it.

How your skin normally heals indicates what your stretch marks will look like. With time all stretch marks are less noticeable, and with treatment, even less so, but their striated appearance rarely returns to its original smooth appearance and the texture remains different to normal skin.

Although aesthetically stretch marks may bother you, they are harmless and do not require medical treatment.

How to fade stretch marks?

Instead of trying expensive, painful, invasive procedures which may or may not work, with just a little diligent self-maintenance and patience your marks will fade dramatically.

The regimen we look at entails repairing your multi-layered skin from the inside with water, good nutrition and exercise; and from the outside with exfoliation, massage and oils.

All the natural, chemical free ingredients are conveniently found in your kitchen or local health store, generating the same results as expensive creams, but saving you a ton of money.

The earlier you start treatment on red scars, the faster they heal; but do not give up hope, there is still a lot you can do for older white scars.

Let us start by replenishing the inside:

Water

Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day naturally hydrates your tissues, keeps your skin soft and elastic and helps keep collagen production at normal levels. Think of it as an internal moisturizer.

For every mug of coffee, tea or soda you drink, have an additional glass of water.

Nutrition

Eating foods rich in essential fatty acids, zinc, silica and vitamins A,C,D,E,K nourishes the body and replenishes your skin. Include oily fish, eggs, liver and lean meats, citrus fruit, tomatoes, almonds, pumpkin seeds, carrots, spinach, green cabbage, kale, Swiss Chard, turnip greens, broccoli, tomatoes, collards and low fat dairy products in your diet.

Stress, oral contraceptives and hormone therapies can deplete your body of essential nutrients vital for skin health. Good nutrition helps correct the balance.

Biochemistry/tissue salts

Calcium Fluoride, Natrium Muriaticum and Calcium Phosphate restore tone and elasticity to muscles, connective tissue and skin, and help maintain the body's water balance.

Exercise

Stretch marks look worse on flabby skin than they do on toned, firm flesh.

Working from the outside, focus on the stretch marks themselves, twice a day:

Exfoliate or dry brush the stretch mark areas.

Apply lemon juice to fade the scars.

Dry your skin.

Generously moisturize with one or more of the oils below.

Massage as vigorously as you can to increase circulation.

Moisturize generously, preferably after showering when your pores more receptively soak up the oil.

When you can, cover your oil saturated stretch marks with plastic wrap, put a hot water bottle, hot towel or heating pad on top for 20 to 30 minutes.

Remove the wrap and wipe off any excess oil to obviate stained clothes.

Use whichever oils appeal to you; there is no wrong one. Just stick to the general principles - exfoliate, moisturize and massage.

Let us look at each factor in more detail.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating and/or dry brushing removes layers of dead skin to unveil soft, fresh skin. Some marks may be difficult to reach and areas like the breasts are more sensitive, but do what you can.

Use a loofah or an exfoliator, bought or home-made -- sea salt, oatmeal, baking soda, ground coffee or apricot scrub, with a wet washcloth. Add any of them to olive oil to make a paste and then massage the stretch marks for 10 minutes in a circular motion while you are in the shower.

Or use this as your exfoliator:

5 tablespoons of scrub

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

1/2 teaspoon vitamin E

1 teaspoon cocoa butter

Rinse off afterwards.

Apply lemon juice which helps stretch marks fade. Allow it to dry, then rinse with warm water and towel dry your skin.

A derma or skin roller helps oil penetrate more deeply. If using one, use it now before you moisturize.

Moisturize and hydrate

The more you infuse your skin with moisture the better.

Massage any natural oil into your stretch marks. What oil you use matters less than that you regularly and vigorously massage these areas, thereby improving circulation and promoting rejuvenation.

If you are pregnant and the skin of your expanding stomach feels ticklish, keep your nails short; scratching tears the dermis. Apply oil and gently rub the area with a cloth to relieve the itch.

A word of caution if you are keen to try one of the packaged remedies for stretch marks: many are laden with dangerous chemicals which should not be applied when you are pregnant and most especially not to your abdomen.

Fragrances in baby oil dry out the skin and petroleum jelly moisturizes when applied, but the skin becomes drier when you abstain, so stick to natural organic oils:

Cocoa butter

Rose hip oil

Extra virgin olive oil

Castor oil

Emu oil

Lanolin oil

Vitamin E oil

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Vitamin K cream

Jojobo oil

Natural shea butter

Aloe vera

Let us elaborate on some of these oils. Ideal by themselves, or combine as in these recipes.

Vitamin E oil

Alpha Tocopheral in Vitamin E is an antioxidant needed to regenerate the skin by promoting the growth of cells.

Squalene, a natural antioxidant which promotes skin regeneration, enhances the effects of vitamin E.

To get your vitamin E oil, break open the capsule, discard the casing and rub the oil into the affected areas.

Mix almond oil, castor oil, avocado oil and vitamin E oil together.

Combine vitamin E oil and cocoa butter.

Make a paste of vitamin E rich oil such as olive oil or castor oil with aromatic herbs like mint, lemon grass, lavender, thyme, and massage for 20 minutes before going to sleep.

Bio Oil is great.

Essential oils

To one ounce of carrier oil (avocado, sweet almond, jojoba, grapeseed) add seven drops of lavender and a few drops of chamomile, and apply to the affected areas.

Lavender essential oil, applied directly to scars will help them fade, especially newer injuries.

Vitamin K cream

Apply Vitamin K cream topically to stretch marks, and depending on how severe they are, your skin type and activity level, you will see results in as little as 8 to 14 days.

Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is probably the best known stretch mark home remedy and also keeps the skin soft and pliable.

1/2 cup cocoa butter

1 tablespoon wheat germ oil

1 teaspoon apricot kernel oil

1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

2 teaspoon grated beeswax

Heat the mixture until the beeswax melts. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and apply to your stretch marks.

Some people prefer the 100% cocoa butter stick to the lotion. Quite dry when first applied, it becomes oilier as you rub it on.

Olive oil

Massage onto the stretch marks.

Warm olive oil slightly in the microwave, spread on scars and leave for 20 minutes.

Mix equal amounts of olive and coconut oil.

Rub a mixture of olive oil and lemon on the parts of your body where the stretch marks are, then apply cocoa butter immediately afterwards.

Some people find cocoa butter has no effect on them, but olive oil works well. Experiment to find what best suits your skin.

1/2 teaspoon each of cod liver oil, olive oil and aloe vera gel doubles as an anti-aging skin treatment.

Flaxseed/linseed oil

Good for any scar tissue, mix equal amounts of olive oil and flaxseed oil. You can add this to your favorite body cream if you wish.

Flaxseed oil is excellent for internal use too. Add to yogurt, shakes or salad dressing.

Castor oil

Apply castor oil to any scars including warts, moles, dark spots and wrinkles for 30 minutes a day. Combine it with rose hip seed oil, tea tree oil and vitamin E oil. Even though you apply it externally, it works as a laxative and your lymphatic system detoxifies.

Then apply some of the following cream:

200 ml unscented aqueous cream

20 ml collagen cream

10 ml olive oil

5 ml coconut oil

5 ml tea tree oil

Mix and leave in the sun for one day before you use it (more natural than microwaving). Apply at least twice a day and see an improvement after three days. Good for eczema sufferers too.

Aloe vera gel

Known for its healing and soothing properties.

1/2 cup olive oil as your base

1/4 cup aloe vera gel

Oil from 10 vitamin E capsules

Oil from 5 vitamin A capsules

Blend and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Rub into the skin until fully absorbed.

Vicks Vapor Rub

Smear Vicks onto the stretch marks.

Or combine lemon juice, aloe vera gel and Vicks, microwave for 5 seconds. Leave it on your scars for 10 minutes. Rinse it off and apply cocoa butter stick, rubbing it into the stretch marks.

Hide them

Until they have faded sufficiently, consider hiding your stretch marks with clothes, a swimsuit offering more coverage, a self-tanning cream or body makeup. Tanning itself will not help - the stretch marks are less likely to tan than surrounding skin and their appearance may actually be emphasized.

Conclusion

Be wary of promises made by those flogging stretch mark creams. No cream can truly prevent or remove stretch marks.

If you feel self-conscious about your stretch marks, take comfort in the fact that most people have them, and with the passage of time together with the above, they will barely be noticeable.

In the meantime learn to live with them. Being proud of your body, stretch marks and all, is a very appealing quality.

Sharon Dell

Stretch marks has often been a reason to be self-conscious. It is natural to have them but to have those kinds that are so dark, they really look dirty is another thing.
Laser surgery in removing stretch marks is so pricey. Why pay hundreds when you can remove those pregnancy scars/working out scars yourself?
Often times, stretch marks appear on parts where fat is stored. These are the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, under arms and breasts. Women who had just given birth have theirs as reddish marks which become light purple later on. These can also be obtained through physical activities such as working out. Also, if your weight balloons up and down on the weighing scale, your skin is often stretched and the collagen normally produced is disrupted, resulting to discoloration.
Realistically, stretch marks cannot be removed instantly. According to doctors, these are already scars. What you can do is to make them less noticeable by lightening the dark spots.
The most common home remedy in removing stretch marks quickly is cocoa butter. This has been tried and tested by mothers who had recently given birth. It is also possible that the massaging action of applying the cocoa butter attributes to the less noticeable stretch mark.
Another solution you can try is to exfoliate. Choose a product that will work best for you. After exfoliating, use a good lotion on the scars. Some have even tried squeezing a Vitamin E capsule open and applying the liquid to the area with the stretch marks. According to them, it worked.
You can also use olive oils and coconut butter. Thoroughly massage these topical ointments on the area where the stretch marks are located. Do this religiously and regularly. Sooner or later, you will see results.
If you prefer those you can buy in the drug store, there are a number of products you can use. An example is the Palmer’s Stretch Marks Cream. It is herbal based and is quite safe and effective in removing those unwanted stretch marks on your thighs, buttocks, stomach and breasts. It also restores your skin to its original texture.
Stick to one solution. Do not go from one home remedy to the next – as to this might have additional side effects. Make up your mind which remedy you would like to try and stick to it for at least 6 to 12 weeks. If there are no improvements, then you can try another one.
Prevention is better than cure and the most effective way for you to not get stretch marks is to exercise. By doing so, your muscles and your skin remain firm. You can also eat foods that are rich in proteins, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Drink lots of water because they can also help your skin to be healthier.
Stretch marks are not hazardous to one’s health though. Having them does not mean that the person will not be able to function properly. It is normal for everybody to be concerned on how they look and although these stretch marks are located in areas that are not usually seen, the fact that you still have them can lessen your confidence.
We all have a right to feel good about ourselves and if lessening the possibility of having our stretch marks noticed, then so be it. If it also means removing our stretch marks fast, then go for it.

By Low Jeremy

Stretch marks are linear scars that occur on the body when the skin is stretched past its flexibility capacities. This normally happens due to sudden weight gain caused by pregnancy, a burst of growth during puberty or bulking up for body building. The hormonal surges that can accompany pregnancy and puberty also contribute to the development of these scars. The stretch marks are red or purple in color when they are new but fade to white or silver as they age.
It is recommended to treat the scars when they first appear as they are harder to get rid of when they are older. It is best to try to prevent them in the first place and there are a lot of home remedies for stretch marks that can help both in preventing the scars and treating them once they have appeared.
1. Dieting: One of the most simple of the home remedies for stretch marks involves eating a healthy and nutritional diet as well as keeping the body well hydrated. A healthy body has healthier skin that can resist stretch mark scarring and also repair damage more efficiently. Good foods for healthy skin include products made from whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as cold water fish.
2. Vitamin & Mineral Supplements: The skin needs many vitamins, minerals and nutrients to stay healthy, flexible and supple. These include vitamins A, E, C and K as well as the mineral zinc. Taking a vitamin, mineral and nutrient supplement every day will ensure the body has these essential ingredients and is better equipped to defend and heal itself.
3. Exercising Daily: A regular routine of exercise that emphasizes stretching can help to break down scar tissue as well as increase circulation and blood flow for improved nutrient delivery to the skin.
4. Exfoliation Techniques: Exfoliation removes a thin layer of surface skin to help remove scar tissue as well as dead skin cells. It is accomplished by using a cleanser that has exfoliating ingredients like tea tree oil or alpha hydroxy acid or is mildly abrasive like oatmeal or baking soda. The applicator that is used apply the cleanser should also be mildly abrasive such as a loofah, coarse sponge or soft bristled brush.
5. Massage Therapy Treatments: Massage is one of the home remedies for stretch marks that has been used for many years with good success by numerous people. Massage improves circulation and blood flow in the body so that more nutrients are delivered to the skin and the pressure involved in the technique helps to break down scar tissue.
6. Creams for Stretch Marks: There are a lot of natural and holistic creams and lotions that can be used to prevent stretch marks from happening, reduce the visibility of existing scars or even remove them all together. Cocoa butter has long been used as a folk remedy for stretch marks but the list of holistic products that work on the scars is a long one. Some of the more effective include shea butter, aloe vera, emu oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, mink oil, castor oil, almond oil and liquid vitamin E. Each of these natural home remedies for stretch marks works in slightly different ways so it is possible to mix them together in order to get even better results.

By Sean Saunders

Stretch marks or striae distensae can appear on boys and girls, men and women, usually on the abdomen, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms or lower back, anywhere fat is stored.

Approximately 90% of pregnant Caucasian women develop stretch marks, with women of color fairing slightly better.

Your genetics play a role, so if your mother has bad stretch marks, you probably will too; as does your skin type, stress, poor diet and sudden environmental change.

What is the cause of stretch marks?

They appear during puberty, pregnancy, the bulking up phase of bodybuilding, obesity, intense physical activity and Cushing's disease. Oral steroids and over-use of low potency topical steroid creams/ointments driven deeper into the skin when covered with plastic wrap, can also cause stretch marks.

During these critical times, increased hormones in the bloodstream prevent the dermis from forming collagen and elastin fibers.

At the very time your skin over-stretches and you need elasticity and strong underlying support most, you do not have it. Unsurprisingly the dermal layer tears, it flattens the epidermis and leaves red surface marks.

Stretch marks are actually bands of elastin broken beneath the skin. When the tears heal, the collagen fibers do not line up properly, resulting in an uneven appearance and white marks.

What it boils down to is that stretch marks are scars created by your own body to heal damage on the inside caused by over-stretched skin which is too thin.

Unfortunately stretch marks stay with you forever because the damage is in the dermis, far below the surface of the skin, and no cream on earth can undo it.

How your skin normally heals indicates what your stretch marks will look like. With time all stretch marks are less noticeable, and with treatment, even less so, but their striated appearance rarely returns to its original smooth appearance and the texture remains different to normal skin.

Although aesthetically stretch marks may bother you, they are harmless and do not require medical treatment.

How to fade stretch marks

Instead of trying expensive, painful, invasive procedures which may or may not work, with just a little diligent self-maintenance and patience your marks will fade dramatically.

The regimen we look at entails repairing your multi-layered skin from the inside with water, good nutrition and exercise; and from the outside with exfoliation, massage and oils.

All the natural, chemical free ingredients are conveniently found in your kitchen or local health store, generating the same results as expensive creams, but saving you a ton of money.

The earlier you start treatment on red scars, the faster they heal; but do not give up hope, there is still a lot you can do for older white scars.

Let us start by replenishing the inside:

Water

Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day naturally hydrates your tissues, keeps your skin soft and elastic and helps keep collagen production at normal levels. Think of it as an internal moisturizer.

For every mug of coffee, tea or soda you drink, have an additional glass of water.

Nutrition

Eating foods rich in essential fatty acids, zinc, silica and vitamins A,C,D,E,K nourishes the body and replenishes your skin. Include oily fish, eggs, liver and lean meats, citrus fruit, tomatoes, almonds, pumpkin seeds, carrots, spinach, green cabbage, kale, Swiss Chard, turnip greens, broccoli, tomatoes, collards and low fat dairy products in your diet.

Stress, oral contraceptives and hormone therapies can deplete your body of essential nutrients vital for skin health. Good nutrition helps correct the balance.

Biochemistry/tissue salts

Calcium Fluoride, Natrium Muriaticum and Calcium Phosphate restore tone and elasticity to muscles, connective tissue and skin, and help maintain the body's water balance.

Exercise

Stretch marks look worse on flabby skin than they do on toned, firm flesh.

Working from the outside, focus on the stretch marks themselves, twice a day:

Exfoliate or dry brush the stretch mark areas.

Apply lemon juice to fade the scars.

Dry your skin.

Generously moisturize with one or more of the oils below.

Massage as vigorously as you can to increase circulation.

Moisturize generously, preferably after showering when your pores more receptively soak up the oil.

When you can, cover your oil saturated stretch marks with plastic wrap, put a hot water bottle, hot towel or heating pad on top for 20 to 30 minutes.

Remove the wrap and wipe off any excess oil to obviate stained clothes.

Use whichever oils appeal to you; there is no wrong one. Just stick to the general principles - exfoliate, moisturize and massage.

Let us look at each factor in more detail.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating and/or dry brushing removes layers of dead skin to unveil soft, fresh skin. Some marks may be difficult to reach and areas like the breasts are more sensitive, but do what you can.

Use a loofah or an exfoliator, bought or home-made -- sea salt, oatmeal, baking soda, ground coffee or apricot scrub, with a wet washcloth. Add any of them to olive oil to make a paste and then massage the stretch marks for 10 minutes in a circular motion while you are in the shower.

Or use this as your exfoliator:

5 tablespoons of scrub

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

1/2 teaspoon vitamin E

1 teaspoon cocoa butter

Rinse off afterwards.

Apply lemon juice which helps stretch marks fade. Allow it to dry, then rinse with warm water and towel dry your skin.

A derma or skin roller helps oil penetrate more deeply. If using one, use it now before you moisturize.

Moisturize and hydrate

The more you infuse your skin with moisture the better.

Massage any natural oil into your stretch marks. What oil you use matters less than that you regularly and vigorously massage these areas, thereby improving circulation and promoting rejuvenation.

If you are pregnant and the skin of your expanding stomach feels ticklish, keep your nails short; scratching tears the dermis. Apply oil and gently rub the area with a cloth to relieve the itch.

A word of caution if you are keen to try one of the packaged remedies for stretch marks: many are laden with dangerous chemicals which should not be applied when you are pregnant and most especially not to your abdomen.

Fragrances in baby oil dry out the skin and petroleum jelly moisturizes when applied, but the skin becomes drier when you abstain, so stick to natural organic oils:

Cocoa butter

Rose hip oil

Extra virgin olive oil

Castor oil

Emu oil

Lanolin oil

Vitamin E oil

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Vitamin K cream

Jojobo oil

Natural shea butter

Aloe vera

Let us elaborate on some of these oils. Ideal by themselves, or combine as in these recipes.

Vitamin E oil

Alpha Tocopheral in Vitamin E is an antioxidant needed to regenerate the skin by promoting the growth of cells.

Squalene, a natural antioxidant which promotes skin regeneration, enhances the effects of vitamin E.

To get your vitamin E oil, break open the capsule, discard the casing and rub the oil into the affected areas.

Mix almond oil, castor oil, avocado oil and vitamin E oil together.

Combine vitamin E oil and cocoa butter.

Make a paste of vitamin E rich oil such as olive oil or castor oil with aromatic herbs like mint, lemon grass, lavender, thyme, and massage for 20 minutes before going to sleep.

Bio Oil is great.

Essential oils

To one ounce of carrier oil (avocado, sweet almond, jojoba, grapeseed) add seven drops of lavender and a few drops of chamomile, and apply to the affected areas.

Lavender essential oil, applied directly to scars will help them fade, especially newer injuries.

Vitamin K cream

Apply Vitamin K cream topically to stretch marks, and depending on how severe they are, your skin type and activity level, you will see results in as little as 8 to 14 days.

Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is probably the best known stretch mark home remedy and also keeps the skin soft and pliable.

1/2 cup cocoa butter

1 tablespoon wheat germ oil

1 teaspoon apricot kernel oil

1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

2 teaspoon grated beeswax

Heat the mixture until the beeswax melts. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and apply to your stretch marks.

Some people prefer the 100% cocoa butter stick to the lotion. Quite dry when first applied, it becomes oilier as you rub it on.

Olive oil

Massage onto the stretch marks.

Warm olive oil slightly in the microwave, spread on scars and leave for 20 minutes.

Mix equal amounts of olive and coconut oil.

Rub a mixture of olive oil and lemon on the parts of your body where the stretch marks are, then apply cocoa butter immediately afterwards.

Some people find cocoa butter has no effect on them, but olive oil works well. Experiment to find what best suits your skin.

1/2 teaspoon each of cod liver oil, olive oil and aloe vera gel doubles as an anti-aging skin treatment.

Flaxseed/linseed oil

Good for any scar tissue, mix equal amounts of olive oil and flaxseed oil. You can add this to your favorite body cream if you wish.

Flaxseed oil is excellent for internal use too. Add to yogurt, shakes or salad dressing.

Castor oil

Apply castor oil to any scars including warts, moles, dark spots and wrinkles for 30 minutes a day. Combine it with rose hip seed oil, tea tree oil and vitamin E oil. Even though you apply it externally, it works as a laxative and your lymphatic system detoxifies.

Then apply some of the following cream:

200 ml unscented aqueous cream

20 ml collagen cream

10 ml olive oil

5 ml coconut oil

5 ml tea tree oil

Mix and leave in the sun for one day before you use it (more natural than microwaving). Apply at least twice a day and see an improvement after three days. Good for eczema sufferers too.

Aloe vera gel

Known for its healing and soothing properties.

1/2 cup olive oil as your base

1/4 cup aloe vera gel

Oil from 10 vitamin E capsules

Oil from 5 vitamin A capsules

Blend and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Rub into the skin until fully absorbed.

Vicks Vapor Rub

Smear Vicks onto the stretch marks.

Or combine lemon juice, aloe vera gel and Vicks, microwave for 5 seconds. Leave it on your scars for 10 minutes. Rinse it off and apply cocoa butter stick, rubbing it into the stretch marks.

Hide them

Until they have faded sufficiently, consider hiding your stretch marks with clothes, a swimsuit offering more coverage, a self-tanning cream or body makeup. Tanning itself will not help - the stretch marks are less likely to tan than surrounding skin and their appearance may actually be emphasized.

Conclusion

Be wary of promises made by those flogging stretch mark creams. No cream can truly prevent or remove stretch marks.

If you feel self-conscious about your stretch marks, take comfort in the fact that most people have them, and with the passage of time together with the above, they will barely be noticeable.

In the meantime learn to live with them. Being proud of your body, stretch marks and all, is a very appealing quality.

By Sharon Dell