How To Prevent and Get Rid Of The Stretch Marks

Stretch Marks Removal | Get rid of Stretch Marks Post delivery | Prevent Stretch Marks | For Pregnant Ladies | Natural Remedies for Removal of Stretch Marks

Unless you are one of those blessed pregnant ladies, you are likely to have stretch marks either during or post-pregnancy. It’s very common rather 90% of them will have those pink or dark brown lines on their skin.

I was extremely concerned about these marks right from the day I got to know I was pregnant! I went and buffered through all the articles and Youtube videos to know how to prevent and even get rid of those in case I end up having some. I used to follow the instructions very strictly and regularly, and perhaps that’s the reason I just have 1-2 tiny marks which have now almost disappeared.

So if you ask me whether it’s possible to get rid of the stretch marks? Then, the truth is not fully. You can prevent it from appearing on your skin but once you have it you cannot make them fully disappear. They only get lighter with time and treatments.

The treatments are the same for both during and post pregnancies. Here are a few effective products and natural home remedies that really helped me to prevent and get rid of the stretch marks over time.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are nothing but little tears in the layers of your skin. They are very much similar to scars and some people term it as “ Battle scars”! These are like long narrow streaks mostly found in the areas prone to fat accumulation like breast, hips, arms, abdomen, tummy, butt, and thighs.

Causes of stretch marks -

Stretch marks occur when the skin's fibers are stretched, like when a person shrinks, grows or gains weight rapidly. This causes collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to rupture hence resulting in stretch marks when healed. They may also develop due to hormonal changes.

Dryness can be the main culprit for stretch marks. When you are pregnant you gain weight and your tummy starts growing big. If your skin is dry it’s obvious that you will end up having stretch marks. Hence, moisturizing your whole body is extremely important.

Even if you aren’t pregnant keeping your skin moisturized regularly can help you stay away from those scars.

How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks?

Once you get stretch marks then it's gonna be with you until the end. Over time these marks fade off but will not completely disappear. Hence our main aim should be to prevent it from appearing on the skin, as you know " prevention is better than cure." But don't get disheartened I will also be mentioning some natural home remedies for people who have stretch marks already on their body. This will help to fade off those battle scars to a very great extent.

1) Products To Use To Prevent it

Online or offline you will get hundreds of products for preventing or reducing the stretch marks. Even I had gone through and tried some of them. Some worked amazingly while some didn’t. SO here I will be mentioning my most favorite products which I have personally loved using. They really gave me very effective results. So let’s jump to the list of products.

a) Bio-Oil -

In one word this is a must. No matter what you need to get this if you have or want to prevent stretch marks. It’s a miracle oil that comes with a ton of benefits.

It contains Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calendula oil, Lavender oil, Rosemary oil, Chamomile oil, and the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil TM that makes it work best for the scars.

• It contains ingredients that help to increase the elasticity of the skin; thereby reducing the possibility of getting stretch marks.

• Improves the appearance of the marks by lightening it to a very great extent.

• It absorbs quickly and is not at all heavy on the skin.

• Has a pleasant fragrance.

• It also provides an even skin tone and keeps your skin nourished.

• Inexpensive.

Link -> Bio-Oil for scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, and aging.

It’s always been A popular choice of expecting or new moms around the world. But anyone having stretch marks issues can give it a shot.

b) Shea and Cocoa Butter -

It’s believed that Shea butter stops scar tissues from reproducing and also encourages healthy cell growth. As a result, it minimizes the appearance of the marks as well as helps in preventing their development.

Shea butter is rich in vitamin A and fatty acids

• It helps to increase skin elasticity.

• Helps in collagen production

• Suitable for all skin types.

• Deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin

• It doesn’t make your skin oily.

I used to use Mamaearth Body Cream with Shea butter and Milk protein which really has a very good formula. It deeply moisturized and nourished my skin and kept it hydrated for a very long period.

Link -> Mamaearth Body cream for Stretch marks

Another amazing ingredient is Cocoa Seed Butter which is highly rich in fatty acids. Applying cocoa butter regularly will keep your whole body moisturized and hydrated. Most doctors recommend Cocoa and Shea butter for reducing the chances of stretch marks on the skin.

• Increases your skin's natural elasticity, providing comfort to your stretching Skin

• It also helps to improve skin tone.

• It also provides Soothing and it’s emollient-rich blend relieves dry, tight, stretched pregnant belly skin.

• It fades unsightly marks effectively.

• It’s budget-friendly.

I came across this product when I was in my 5th month and even used it after my delivery. It's that good. Mom & World Gentle & Smooth Skin Bio Therapy Oil and Belly Butter work wonders on stretch marks. It also reduces 6-7-year old marks/scars to a very great extent.

Another alternate can be -> Palmer's cocoa butter formula

c) A Good Body lotion/moisturizer -

Last but not least you require a good moisturizer or body lotion. If you don’t want to spend too much money on cocoa or Shea butter, then you can opt for a hydrating lotion that contains these ingredients. Either of them is really important in your routine.

It need not be specifically for stretch marks. But any products that are free from sulfates and parabens are be used. For safer side try using good moisturizing baby lotion as it would be free from all harmful chemicals.

• Reduces all skin problems

• Prevents dryness and keeps skin hydrated

• Soothes sensitive skin.

Best baby Lotion -> Mamaearth Moisturizing Daily Lotion For Babies

Paraben and Sulphate free Moisturizing Lotion -> Vanalaya Cocoa Butter & Shea Butter Moisturizing Lotion

Affordable Moisturizing Lotion -> Himalaya cocoa butter intensive body lotion

Note - Himalaya Cocoa Butter was not used by me, just mentioned for people who are looking for affordable body lotion rich in Shea and cocoa butter. Please do check the ingredients before buying it.

2) Natural Home remedies to get rid of the stretch marks

These natural home remedies can be incorporated in your daily routine to lighten the marks. It can also be used along with the above-mentioned products to obstruct the development of stretch marks.

a) Natural Oils -

Massaging the affected areas with oils make your skin moisturized and smooth. This helps in reducing stretch marks. You can use any natural oils like olive, coconut, or almond.

Olive oil moisturizes and exfoliates your skin. It also improves blood circulation and removes stretch marks to a great extent. Use this before the shower.

1. Take some oil in your palms and gently massage the area. Let it remain for 30 minutes so that all the goodness of the oil is absorbed into the skin. Take a bath after the massage.

2. Follow it regularly to get the best results. You can do a similar process with coconut or almond oil.

Castor oil contains antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body. Promotes skin cell development and moisturizes the skin thoroughly.

1. Apply castor oil on the stretch marks and massage the area gently in a circular motion for about five to ten minutes.

2. Use a plastic bag to cover the area, roll a hot water bottle on it for about 30 to 40 minutes. The heat opens the pores and the oil gets absorbed into the pores.

3. Clean the area and repeat it every day for at least a month to see good results.

Tip - You can also make a mixture of all-natural oils ( olive, almond, and coconut oil) add a few drops of vitamin E oil, and massage it on the affected region. Leave it for at least 30 minutes and wash with warm water. Follow with a body lotion or moisturizing cream. Use it daily to quickly fade the scars.

b) Vitamin E and moisturizer -

Vitamin E Oil works great for stretch marks. It supports new skin cell growth and revs up cell regeneration.

1. Take 1-2 Vitamin E capsules. Extract the oil from it and mix it with any moisturizer you use regularly. Now apply it to the stretch-mark-prone areas.

2. It gives effective results by fading off the marks when applied regularly.

c) Aloe Vera Gel -

Aloe Vera promotes healing and soothes your skin. It also reduces scars and stretch marks from your skin. Use fresh gel rather than the one available in the market.

You can basically use it in two different ways -

1. Apply it directly over the skin, massage, and leave for 15 minutes. Then wash it off using lukewarm water. Apply on the affected areas regularly.

2. Another way is to prepare a mixture of one-fourth cup of Aloe Vera gel with oil from five vitamin A and ten vitamin E capsules. Take the required amount and rub it over the skin until it is completely absorbed. Apply it twice a day regularly.

d) Egg White -

Egg white is rich in proteins, which helps rejuvenate the skin and makes it look fresh. It also firms and tightens the skin.

1. Beat two egg whites using a fork.

2. Clean the affected area with water and apply a thick layer of egg white using a brush. Let it dry and then rinse off using cold water.

3. Apply some vitamin E oil / some good moisturizer to keep the skin supple and moisturized.

4. Repeat it every day for at least two weeks. It helps improve your skin tone, and the marks fade away slowly.

e) Honey and Sugar -

The antiseptic property of honey works like a miracle for reducing stretch marks. You can either apply it directly or on a small piece of cloth.

1. Place the cloth on the affected area and let it remain until it turns dry. Rinse off using warm water.

2. Another way is to prepare honey scrub by mixing it with salt/ sugar and glycerin. Apply it on the stretch marks, leave until it dries and rinse off using water.

Sugar is another best remedy for stretch marks. It exfoliates the dead skin and eventually helps in lightening your stretch marks.

1. Prepare a scrub by mixing one tablespoon of sugar, with some almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice. Use it as a scrub before a shower.

2. Do this every day for a month. You, Will, notice a huge difference

Things to remember -

• While you are pregnant never scratch your tummy as this can lead to more stretch marks. Rather simply rub gently with your palms. You can also use a moisturizing cream to soothe the itching.

• Follow all the mentioned remedies regularly for getting the best results.

• In case you are allergic to any ingredient or product stop using it immediately.

• Do a patch test before using it on your skin.

• These remedies and products are of all those who are facing issues with stretch marks. Men, women, expecting mothers, or new moms anyone can use them.

• The prices of some products may seem a bit high but investing in some good products for your skin to look beautiful is worth than spending money on pizzas or burgers.

Hope this article helps you to get back your beautiful skin as you always wished for!