Natural Treatment for Stretch Marks.

By- Samyati Mohanty

Stretch marks are a common ailment that both men and women suffer from. They are tenacious and undermine people's confidence. Whether it's due to pregnancy or unanticipated weight gain, this is one cosmetic ailment that can be seen on the waist, thighs, lower backs, hips, breasts, arms, and buttocks.

Stretch marks appear as a series of parallel lines on your skin. These lines are different from your regular skin in colour and texture, ranging from purple to hot pink to light grey. They occur when the dermal layer of the skin is stretched in an unexpected way, such as during pregnancy. The dermis contains strong, linked fibres that allow your skin to expand as your body grows.

As a result of rapid weight gain, the skin overstretches and the fibres break, resulting in stretch marks. When the dermis rips, the blood vessels beneath the skin show, making the stretch marks seem red or purple at first. When the blood vessels narrow and the marks become silvery-white in hue, the pale-colored fat beneath your skin becomes visible. While stretch marks aren't a symptom of sickness, they can be lightened and removed using a variety of natural therapies.

Stretch marks have several causes.

1. During pregnancy- Stretch marks appear in the majority of pregnant women as the skin's fibres soften and stretch to accommodate the growing baby. Stretch marks form on the abdomen, thighs, and breasts as the baby grows, as a result of the constant tugging and stretching.

2. Adolescence- During puberty, children go through a major growth spurt and may gain or lose weight quickly. Stretch marks are caused by the skin compressing and stretching abruptly on the hips, thighs, and breasts.

3. Putting on weight- When the skin stretches rapidly as a result of rapid weight gain, stretch marks emerge. Because your weight varies, they can appear while you're on a diet. As a result, it is preferable to lose weight gradually in order to avoid stressing the skin.

4. Corticosteroids(a kind of corticosteroid)- Corticosteroid creams, lotions, and pills used to treat some skin conditions can induce stretch marks by lowering collagen levels in the skin. This lowers the skin's ability to stretch, increasing the chance of stretch marks.

5. Genetics- You're more than likely to have stretch marks if your parents have them.

6. Health issues- Cushing's disease, Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and other adrenal gland disorders are among the ailments that create stretch marks. In Cushing's syndrome, the body produces too much cortisol, resulting in these marks. Meanwhile, a faulty gene causes Marfan syndrome, which causes the skin and connective tissues of the body to thin and brittle, increasing the chance of stretch marks.

7. Muscle Development- Stretch marks are a common issue among bodybuilders. Stretch marks are caused by rapid muscle growth and, in certain circumstances, the use of anabolic medications to accelerate muscle growth.

Types of stretch marks

1. Reddish-brown stretch marks- These striae rubra, or reddish or purplish stretch marks, are young and seem reddish or purplish at first. When the dermal layer of the skin is stretched, blood vessels are exposed. At this stage, you may sense a lot of itching around the stretch marks. It is easier to get rid of red stretch marks rapidly because they are fresh.

2. Stretch marks that are white- These are the most obstinate, with a white or silvery appearance. They're also known as alba striae. When blood vessels collapse, disclosing the fat beneath the skin, small rips develop on the skin. Because white stretch marks are more established, treatment may take longer.

Stretch mark treatments at home

1. For starters, there's argan oil- vitamin E supplemented Because argan oil enhances skin elasticity, using it to treat stretch marks may help to heal the torn tissues and diminish the scars over time.
2. A lemon juice- Lemon juice effectively diminishes visibility due to its inherent bleaching properties. Use fresh lemon juice on a daily basis to see results, or just apply a sliced lemon wedge to your blemishes.
3. Egg white- Egg white is high in proteins and amino acids, making it a superfood for the skin. Egg white helps to lighten stretch marks while tightening the skin when applied to them.

4. The juice obtained from potatoes- Potatoes, which contain starch and other skin-lightening enzymes, are commonly used to lighten dark circles, blotches, and imperfections on the skin. It bleaches the skin and successfully reduces the appearance of stretch marks when applied on a daily basis.
5. Sucrose is a sugar.- Combine sugar, olive oil, and lemon juice to make a scrub. It should be rubbed in for ten minutes after being applied to the stretch marks. Rinse with lukewarm water.
6. Olive oil (extra virgin)- Olive oil is high in antioxidants and other nutrients that help to repair skin damage and has a lot of moisturising properties. The usage of cold-pressed olive oil can aid in the reduction of stretch marks.

7. Castor oil- Apply castor oil directly to the stretch marks and massage in a circular motion for 15-20 minutes. After massage, cover the area with a thin cotton cloth and apply heat with a heating pad. To achieve the best benefits, do this as often as you can for a month.
8. Aloe vera gel- Remove the outer covering of the aloe vera leaf as well as the sticky gel from the inside of the leaf. Apply aloe vera gel on stretch marks and wash off with water after 2-3 hours.
9. Apricots- Grind 2-3 apricots into a smooth pulp after removing the seeds. Apply the paste immediately on the stretch marks. Allow 20 minutes to complete the process. After that, rinse it with lukewarm water.

10. Black tea- Black tea is high in vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B12, which helps to regulate skin pigmentation. Boil a couple of teaspoons of black tea and season with salt to treat stretch marks. Apply the mixture to the markings after it has cooled, and repeat the process until they are gone.

Dietary Supplements

1. Water 

A daily intake of 8-10 glasses of water is helpful  to the skin. It helps to restore elasticity to the skin, keeping it smooth and silky. Stretch marks are reduced as a result of this.

2. Vitamin C- Ascorbic acid

Berry, raw cabbage, citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, melons, peas, peppers, broccoli, pineapple, spinach, tomatoes, and turnips are all high in vitamin C. It's an antioxidant that helps us battle pollution and free radicals in our body. If you get enough Vitamin C, your skin scars will heal faster.

3. Vitamin E is an antioxidant.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that both protects and nourishes the skin by neutralising free radicals. Almonds, raw seeds like pumpkin and sesame, Swiss chards, hazelnuts, pine nuts, spinach, avocado, broccoli, parsley, papaya, and olives are all high in vitamin E. Eating these meals on a regular basis can help to prevent stretch marks.

4. Fatty Acids (Omega-3)

Omega-3 fatty acids also help to make skin more supple. Some foods that can help avoid stretch marks include flaxseed, chia seeds, salmon, sardines, cod liver, walnuts, soybean, beef, tofu, shrimps, and cauliflower.

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