Growth, both physical and mental, is what life is all about. But the growth that is aimed for shall also be beneficial. The human body always grows as and when we provide it with food and nutrition. Good food always has good nutrition that provides healthy and beneficial growth. Food lacking in essential nutrients or full of harmful substances like trans-fats is going to bring about growth that is neither natural nor healthy. Such growth in the body leads to higher fat around organs, blockages in the arteries, and uneven skin or stretch marks. Stretch marks trouble almost all individuals who have gone through rapid bodily changes like growth in belly fat, sudden heightening, and even pregnancy.
Stretch marks occur due to sudden stretching of the skin. A steady natural growth generally doesn’t cause any stretch marks. Teenage stretch marks caused by changes in height, which usually appear on the back, disappear automatically within a few years. The stretch marks caused by weight gain or pregnancy have a lasting change on the skin as it stretches the skin within a few months. Hence, clearing the effect of these types of stretch marks requires an effective routine of home remedies to heal the skin. But first, one must know what causes the problem to solve it;
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks are a condition where our skin gets stretched beyond the point of recovery. The skin generally takes time to recover when it gets stretched. Natural stretching of the skin, caused during the growing years or steady growth in muscle size, has enough time to recover and have an even tone. However, there are times when there is rapid stretching of the skin caused due to pregnancy or sudden weight gain. There are more reasons why some get more than usual stretch marks on their skin. Here are some of the main causes of stretch marks
- Due to pregnancy when the skin stretches around the belly and the waist
- Due to weight gain in a short period where the skin gets stretched all around the body
- During puberty when the height and width of the body increase rapidly
- Excessive use of over-the-counter body creams that contain the hormone cortisol
- Genetically you can have stretch marks if your immediate family has stretch marks
- Certain ethnic groups like Latin people are known to have more stretch marks
- Increased cortisol hormone in the body due to Cushing Syndrome
- Due to a genetic medical syndrome called Ehler-Danlos Syndrome where the skin becomes too elastic and gets easily bruised if stretched
When the body goes under too much oxidative stress due to unhealthy weight gain or stress, the skin gets stretch marks that are not repaired easily. Two kinds of stretch marks appear on the body. Striae rubrae are red and flat stretch marks that appear at right angles and show where the skin is being stretched. They are mostly temporary and can be lightened with care and time. The other stretch marks are called striae albae which are generally pale and wrinkle the skin on which they appear. These kinds of stretch marks are generally permanent and are caused by puberty, pregnancy, or height gain. They can always be lightened to match the skin tone but it is difficult to completely remove them. Striae rubrae can turn pale later on if not taken care of. Both kinds of stretch marks can usually be seen on breasts, hips, thighs, abdomen, and flank.
How to repair stretch marks with home remedies?
Some herbs and plant extracts can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and give your skin an even tone. Here are some of the home remedies with plants and ingredients you can find close to you -
1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a skin-soothing plant. The gelatine that comes out of its leaves can be used to reduce the effects of inflammation on the skin because of which stretch marks are caused. Cut an aloe vera leaf from the middle and remove the plant sap with a spoon. Apply the gel-like sap to the skin where you see stretch marks, and wash it off after 2-3 hours.
2. Coconut oil
Coconut oil gives natural moisture to the skin and hydrates it deeply, giving it more elasticity and making it possible to stretch without getting scars. Massaging stretch-ridden skin with extra virgin coconut oil will reduce the appearance of stretch marks in a few months and will even help reduce their reappearance by making the skin easy to stretch.
3. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is known to protect the skin cells that produce collagen, which keeps the skin healthier and younger. It prevents the skin from aging and ensures that the natural elasticity of the skin is not lost. Applying hyaluronic acid as soon as you see stretch marks appear reduces the appearance of stretch marks by hydrating and plumping the skin so that the stretch marks don’t have different skin tones.
4. Olive oil
One of the most important nutrients present in olive oil is Vitamin E, which is great for the skin and improves collagen production in the skin thereby protecting it from scarring and stretch marks. It increases the production of healthy skin cells which maintains the elasticity of the skin. Massaging the skin with olive oil during pregnancy or weight loss procedures, reduces the appearance of stretch marks.
5. Egg whites
Eggs are complete foods and are great of the overall health of the body. They protect the skin and hair similarly. Removing the egg yolk from the whites and applying the egg white onto the stretch marks regularly can reduce the effect of stretch marks. Do this at least twice a week, 2 hours before showers.
6. Body butter
Using body butter for stretch marks can be one of the most effective home remedies. Body butter like Namyaa Body Butter for Stretch Marks is made out of skin-healing extracts like shea butter cocoa seed butter and sweet almond oil. All these ingredients contain nutrition for the skin that produces collagen and reduces the effects of cortisol on the skin.
Experiencing stretch marks is a natural process of life and can be repaired with home remedies that maintain the quality of skin. Herbal solutions and plant-based oils are always great at ensuring a more flexible and elastic skin.
