Ways on how to reduce the occurrence of Stretch marks

Stretch marks occur as a result of the presence of long dark or reddened strips that stretch out the skin occurring as a result of the increase and decrease in body weight. When you add up and lose body weight it causes the foreskin to become stretched out. It can be caused by several reasons.

Stretch marks are common to both guys and girls and it should not be seen as a thing to be ashamed of, because nearly everybody has stretch marks unless you are not growing. Stretch marks tend to be more visible in some areas than the others, areas such as

• stomach
• thighs
• hips
• breasts
• upper arms
• lower back.

Types of strech marks

According to health line magazine and blog, stretch marks are of four major types depending on how it is caused.

Types of stretch marks	Causes
Striae atrophica	Caused as a result of the breakdown of elastin on the skin. This is the very common type.
Striae gravidarum	This type mostly occurs during pregnancy
Striae distensae	This type comes out during puberty
Vergetures	This is usually the long type. They resemble whip’s lashings

Causes of stretch marks

Stretch marks can be caused by several reasons but a few most common causes will be mentioned here

• Pregnancy
• puberty
• rapid weight gain
• Prolonged bleaching of the skin by using corticosteroid creams
• body building
• Medical conditions like Marfan syndrome

Ways on how to prevent stretch marks

Over a long period, stretch marks tend to fade away but some things can be used in reducing their appearance.

1. Through the use of stretch mark creams and lotions
2. Try to maintain a steady diet to maintain a well-balanced weight
3. Ensure you stay hydrated always. Reports have been made that the regular drinking of water can help reduce stretch marks from showing on your body.
4. When you are pregnant watch your diet to avoid gaining weight in excess

Natural ways of reducing stretch marks

Use of baking soda and lemon juice

The use of both baking soda and lemon is very effective in reducing the appearance of a strech mark. Baking soda can exfoliate and fade away dark spots while lemon can lighten your skin.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (only half of it will be used)
• Kitchen rolls

Preparation and usage

Start by mixing the baking soda and lemon juice in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the spot needed. Cover up with the kitchen rolls and leave for 30 minutes. Wash off with warm water. Repeat the same procedure every 3 days after it fades away.

Glycolic acid

The use of glycolic acid is also another fast way to get stretch marks. Glycolic acid will help boost your collagen content and help moisturize your skin too. It is completely safe to use for pregnant women.

Materials needed

• glycolic acid

Procedure and usage

Start by applying few drops of glycolic acid on the affected area the last thing before bed. Wash off in the morning after waking up. Avoid going out in the sun with the glycolic acid on your skin.

Use of potatoes

Potatoes is very effective in skin brightening, it is also a great exfoliant too. Using the extracts from potato is very effective in fading away from the strech mark.

Materials

• 1-2 Potatoes

Procedure and usage

Start by grating the potato using a greater. Apply the potato on the affected spot and massage in a circular motion for a while. Using a kitchen roll cover it up and leave for 10 – 15 minutes. Wash it off using cool water. Note the regular use of this will fade away from your stretch mark in no time.

Use of Aloe vera

Using Aloe vera along with other oils such as coconut oil and tea tree essential oils is very effective against removing the g stretch mark from the body

Materials

• 2 – 3 Aloe Vera vera leaves
• Two tablespoons of coconut oil
• 2 – 3 drops of tea tree essential oil

Preparation aand usage

Start by extracting the aloevera gel out from the leaves. Mix the gel along with the coconut oil and tea tree essential oil. Ensure you mix them all properly, you can use an egg whisk for this. Apply on the spot daily for best results. You will notice that after a while the strech mark will fade away.