We all want to retain the taut youthful skin of our teens and twenties but its not always possible. The body goes through so many changes – weight loss, weight gain stretching the skin and giving rise to ugly stretch marks. Another prominent cause of stretch marks is pregnancy in women. Once they are there it is very difficult to remove them completely and often remain as faint off color scars through out one’s life.

Stretch marks can be caused by puberty, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy and body building. They first appear as reddish, long and thin lines generally in areas of the body where larger amounts of fat are stored such as abdomen, upper arms, breasts, underarms, backs, thighs, hips and buttocks.

It is difficult to remove stretch marks completely but we can work towards reducing their appearance. Check these home remedies to get rid of your stretch marks :

Home Remedies to Reduce Stretch Marks

Watch Video: 15 Must Know Home Remedies to Reduce Stretch Marks

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Sugar: Sugar is an excellent natural exfoliant for your skin. It is one of the best home solutions to get rid of stretch marks. One tablespoon of sugar stirred in with few drops of almond oil and lemon juice rubbed directly on to the stretch marks for a month or so can visibly fade out the marks.

Water: To prevent skin problems it is essential to maintain a well hydrated skin. Drinking adequate amount of water helps it to carry oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. A well hydrated body allows regular detoxification of the skin pores which is the quickest remedy to get rid of stretch marks. Drinking a minimum of 10 glasses of water daily helps flush out the toxins from the skin keeping it soft and hydrated.

Potato Juice: Rich in vitamins and minerals, potato juice promotes growth and restoration of skin cells. Take thick slices of a medium-sized potato and rub gently onto the stretch marks for a few minutes. When the juice gets dried wash off with lukewarm water.

Olive Oil: For healing stretch marks rub warm olive oil on the affected area. Olive oil is known for being rich in antioxidants and nutrients, effective for skin disorders. Massaging with olive oil increases blood circulation of the affected area and helps reduce the stretch marks.

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is considered to be one of the most effective home remedies for treating stretch marks and various other skin disorders. It also has many uses in homeopathy. Aloe Vera can be applied directly on the stretch marks and cleaned after a while with lukewarm water. Alternatively you can make a make a mixture of one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel, oil from 5 vitamin A capsules and 10 vitamin E capsules. Apply this mixture on the affected area till it gets fully absorbed. For best results apply the mixture daily.

Lemon Juice: Another easy home remedy for reducing stretch marks is lemon juice. The acid present in lemons is beneficial for reducing stretch marks, acne scars, and other skin injuries. Massage the juice of a lemon for ten minutes on the affected area in a circular motion and then wash off with warm water. Alternatively lemon juice mixed with cucumber juice applied directly on the affected area and washed off can also help reduce stretch marks.

Castor Oil: Castor oil with its many known healing properties for skin problems can also be applied directly on the stretch marks. Massage it for fifteen minutes in a circular motion and then wrap the affected area with a clean and thin cotton cloth. Now apply some heat on the area and repeat daily for about thirty minutes for one month for best results.

Egg Whites: Egg whites are rich in amino acids and proteins making them beneficial for getting rid of stretch marks. To prepare the paste extract the whites of two eggs and whisk with a fork. Wash the affected area with clean water and apply a thick layer of the egg white paste with the help of a brush. Let it dry completely and wash it off with cold water. Apply some olive oil to moisturize the skin. Repeat daily for two weeks for best results.

Cocoa Butter: Massage affected area with cocoa butter at least twice daily. Repeat daily for two months and notice a visible reduction in the scars. Alternatively make a mix of half a cup of cocoa butter, two tablespoons of grated beeswax, and vitamin E oil. Heat the mixture till the beeswax melts. Apply onto the stretch marks twice or thrice a day. It can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator to be used later.

Vitamin E Oil: Vitamin E can be very effective in reducing stretch marks. Mix vitamin E oil with your regular moisturizing lotion. Apply once in the morning and once before going to bed with special attention to affected areas.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil massaged gently onto stretch marks can effectively reduce the visibility of stretchmarks.

Apricots: Cut two – three apricots and remove the seeds. Grind them to a paste and apply directly on the stretch marks. Leave for twenty minutes then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow daily for a month to notice visible results.

Oats: Use oats as a natural scrub on the stretch marks to reduce the visibility. Use as a scrub while bathing and wash off with water. Afterwards use a moisturizer to keep skin hydrated.

Glycerin and Lemon: Put one – two drops of glycerin in lemon and rub gently on the affected area. Repeat the process twice daily to not only reduce the stretch marks but also keep skin moisturized.

Alfalfa: Crush alfalfa leaves to make a smooth paste together with a few drops of chamomile oil. Apply the paste to the affected area two to three times a day. You can see the results after daily application for few weeks. 

You need to remember that once the stretch marks have appeared it is very difficult to remove them completely. You can work towards reducing their visibility. In case you want to remove them completely then you can opt for surgical or laser treatments.