Stretch marks appear on the skin when there is extreme expansion of the membrane as during pregnancy or rapid weight gain. These result in small tears taking place in the protein fibers that make up the dermis layer. The resulting striae or stretch marks are pink, reddish, or brown, in the beginning, but gradually fade and end up as ugly white lines once they heal completely.
The best way to not have any stretch marks is to take precautions and prevent them; but in case they have already appeared, then it is best to treat them before they turn into pale white color. Once you see the stretch marks appearing, apply moisturizers containing Shea or cocoa butter, massaging them deep into the skin. A well hydrated skin is more elastic and does not break when stretched. For those who are late in noticing them, there are some proven remedies that can help you get rid of those staring marks.
1. Anti-Stretch Marks Oil
Take 100 gm of olive oil, 50 gm of Aloe Vera extract, 50 gm of vitamin E oil and contents of 4 vitamin A capsules. Blend them together thoroughly. Put in an airtight jar and store it in a refrigerator. Massaging the areas affected with stretch marks by the mixture will ensure that they will disappear, leaving behind a smooth and clear skin. Massaging with plain vitamin E oil also helps in getting rid of stretch marks.
2. Wheat Germ Oil
Wheat germ oil is considered to be a miraculous remedy for stretch marks as it can stimulate tissue regeneration and possesses great antioxidant properties. The oil is very strong when used directly, being too thick, sticky and having strong odor. Therefore it is recommended that you dilute the wheat germ oil with either a moisturizing cream, almond oil or olive oil before using it on stretch marks. Besides stretch marks, wheat germ oil can reduce scars, bacterial infections and wrinkles on the skin giving it a healthy, youthful glow.
3. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid helps in reducing stretch marks by increasing the production of collagen which can increase the suppleness of the skin. If you avoid direct sunlight on the skin with glycolic acid, it is safe enough to use even during pregnancy. It can be bought in drugstore or by a prescription of dermatologist.
4. Potato Juice
It is amazing to know that a simple potato juice can increase the growth and restoration of the skin cells better than many cosmetic products, thus reducing stretch marks. Cut fresh potato into thick slices and rub them on the stretch marks, making sure that the liquid from the potato touches the skin. Wash the skin with warm water once the juice dries up. The high content of vitamins and minerals in the potato juice, helps clearing stretch marks off the skin effectively.
5. Laser Treatment
This should be tried only as the last resort if the stretch marks are adamant and not going away even after other simple treatments. There are two types of laser treatments:
- Vascular laser or pulsed dye laser for stretch marks in initial stages
- Resurfacing laser or fractional laser treatment for indented silvery stretch marks
The expensive laser treatment comes with potential risk of possible side effects of hyper pigmentation and scarring unlike natural remedies.