Stretch marks are a normal occurrence during pregnancy and almost every expecting mum experiences these marks across her body. As the foetus grows, you put on extra weight, which stretches the skin and produces stretch marks.
While these marks are pretty harmless, they can sometimes make you conscious of your appearance. But don’t worry, because you can improve the appearance of stretch marks with a little effort and a lot of tender loving care.
What Causes Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Stretch marks during pregnancy appear due to the skin’s inability to catch up with the body’s growth. The collagen and elastin fibres that keep the skin taut otherwise, stretch and snap due to weight gain during pregnancy, leaving pinkish streaks on your body. Almost all women develop these marks during pregnancy, which especially appear on areas like the breasts, stomach, and buttocks.
When Do Stretch Marks Start To Appear During Pregnancy
You may notice the development of stretch marks around 13 to 21 weeks of pregnancy. Fresh stretch marks typically appear pinkish in colour and may itch. However, in some cases, they may appear purple, red, or brown, depending on your skin tone. Although you cannot avoid these marks or get rid of them completely, you can reduce their appearance using natural treatment methods.
9 Natural Ways To Reduce The Appearance Of Stretch Marks
Use Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains moisturising properties that hydrate the skin and enhance collagen and elastin synthesis. Regular usage of a natural aloe vera gel over the affected areas can help improve the appearance of early stretch marks and soothe itching and irritation.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon of natural aloe vera gel
Method:
- Massage the stretch marks with natural aloe vera gel twice a day.
- Leave it on to dry.
Moisturise With Shea Butter
The application of shea butter can be used as a preventive measure to nourish and moisturise the skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
You will need:
- A tablespoon of raw shea butter
Method:
- Massage the affected areas with shea butter twice a day.
- Leave it on for several hours or even overnight.
- Rinse off the next day.
Apply Natural Oils
Natural oils can moisturise the skin and maintain its elasticity. Use a carrier oil such as coconut or avocado to boost collagen development and improve the appearance of fresh stretch marks. Add 2-3 drops of essential oils like rosehip, and lavender to nourish and soothe the skin.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon of your choice of carrier oil (coconut or avocado)
- 4-5 drops of essential oil (lavender, rosehip oil)
Method:
- Mix the carrier and essential oil together.
- Massage your stretch marks with this oil blend once a day.
- Leave it on for a while and then wash off with lukewarm water.
Use Baking Soda And Lemon
Baking soda is abrasive and may act as an exfoliating agent. Lemon extract is used for skin whitening for its potential bleaching effects. Using this recipe can gently help exfoliate your skin and lighten stretch marks.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Method:
- Mix the ingredients together.
- Use a brush to apply the mixture to your stretch marks.
- Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Try Dry Brushing The Area
Dry brushing the affected areas can exfoliate the skin and help get rid of the dead skin cells. This may help soften the skin and minimise the appearance of stretch marks in the long run.
You will need:
- A body brush with soft and natural bristles
Method:
- Gently brush the affected areas in a circular upward motion for about five minutes.
- Shower as usual and apply a hydrating moisturiser.
- Repeat this step every alternate day before showering.
Use A Coffee Scrub To Exfoliate
Caffeine-infused products can boost collagen synthesis and help heal stretch marks. The natural oils in caffeine moisturise the skin and speed up the healing process. Use a natural coffee cranberry body scrub to gently exfoliate the skin, smoothen the skin surface, and improve the appearance of stretch marks.
You will need:
- A natural coffee-cranberry body scrub
Method:
- Take a generous amount of the body scrub and apply it to the stretch marks.
- Scrub gently in circular motions.
- Leave it for 5-10 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this step twice a week.
Use Egg Whites
Egg whites contain peptides and bioactive proteins that can promote skin regeneration and collagen synthesis. It can also enhance wound healing.
You will need:
- 1 egg white
- Makeup brush
Method:
- Beat the egg white lightly.
- Use a brush to spread it on the affected areas.
- Leave it for 5-10 minutes and then rinse with water and moisturise.
- Do this once or twice a week.
Apply Apple Cider Vinegar To Heal The Marks
Apple cider vinegar is beneficial in healing scars and treating blemishes. The topical application of this ingredient may help improve the appearance of stretch marks.
You will need:
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- A spray bottle
Method:
- Dilute the apple cider vinegar with water and then pour it into a spray bottle.
- Spritz the mixture on the stretch marks and leave it on overnight.
- Shower as usual the following day and follow up with a moisturiser.
Add Vitamin C To Your Beauty Regime
Vitamin C can help enhance the production of collagen and fade stretch marks over a period of time. Incorporate a Vitamin C-infused moisturiser or body lotion into your beauty routine to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Some Helpful Tips To Prevent Stretch Marks
- Keep your skin moisturised: A well-moisturised skin is elastic and less prone to wear and tear caused by stretching. Use a natural body butter infused with ingredients like organic cocoa butter, shea butter, rosehip oil, and sea buckthorn oil to get super-nourished and hydrated skin. Apply the body butter twice a day to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
- Consume Vitamin C-enriched foods: Foods rich in Vitamin C can improve skin elasticity and promote collagen development. Consume food like lemons, r=oranges, broccoli, kiwi, grapefruit, etc.
- Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink 8-10 cups of water every day to improve skin elasticity and firmness.
- Exercise: Work out to maintain optimal weight. Also, exercise tones the skin and this can help reduce the visibility of stretch marks.
Stretch marks appear as your growing belly stretches the skin and causes it to tear and snap. While it’s impossible to avoid these marks, you can always use the natural methods described above to improve the appearance of stretch marks. Besides keeping your skin moisturised, make sure to consume a well-balanced diet and stay hydrated to enhance collagen synthesis to keep the skin firm and taut.
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