So what are stretch marks? Stretch marks are scars left on the skin from where the skin was previously stretched. These marks can leave behind a bluish purple color that causes many women to feel embarrassed. As warmer weather begins, many mothers cringe at the thought of showing their stretch marks on the beach or in a bathing suit.
Stretch marks often form in pregnancy on the belly, but they can also form on the breasts, butt, lower back, and hips. Anywhere that the skin is rapidly stretched out, stretch marks can occur. No research supports the use of creams helping to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. There is also no proof that any creams or oils will reduce stretch marks after pregnancy, though if you are the one with stretch marks it may not hurt to try, just be careful that the ingredients are safe. We hope that some of our tips can help you to remove or reduce the appearance of stretch marks!
Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that are helpful for skin health. Before applying it to the stretch mark areas, warm the olive oil and then rub it on the affected area. Some believe that this will help add circulation to the area that needs to be healed.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is inexpensive and readily available at your local grocery store. The acidic quality of lemons may help in reducing stretch marks. To extract the lemon juice from lemons, you can use a juicer or my favorite way, some old fashion hand turning and grinding the lemon on a glass juicer. Once you have extracted the juice, apply it gently onto your stretch marks and massage it in for about 10 minutes and then rinse it off.
Cocoa Butter
If cocoa butter doesn’t cure your stretch marks, at least you will smell great trying! Cocoa butter is famous for its anti-wrinkling and anti-aging properties. Massage in the cocoa butter as many times a day as you’d like. Repeat the process for as many months as it takes to reduce the visual signs of the stretch marks.
Egg Whites
Some believe that egg whites applied daily will help to cure stretch marks. Egg whites are rich in proteins and amino acids. Extract whites of two eggs and don’t forget to use that yolk for eating or serving up to your dog. My dogs love eggs. Whip up the whites with a fork. Wash the stretch mark area and then apply the beaten egg whites with a brush. Let the whites dry completely right on your skin and then wash it off with cold water.
Exercise
Many believe that exercise will help to cure or lessen the effects of stretch marks. By increasing your caloric expenditure, you will lose the fat and cellulite under the skin which is going to significantly increase the way the affected area looks. By toning and adding muscle to those areas, you will be looking better and stronger overall. People will notice the great shape you are getting in more than your stretch marks. Here are three simple exercises to try:
- Crunches. There are many variations. You can do the sit up approach or lay flat on the ground with arms stretched out behind you and then lift both legs and both arms towards each other and repeat.
- Squats. Bend your knees and squat down and back up again to a straight leg position. A variation is to do sumo squats with legs out like a sumo wrestler. Squat down and back up just like regular squats but with legs out.
- Planks. This is one of my favorites because all you have to do is hold a position for a set amount of time. Planking is an isometric exercise which means that you are keeping your muscles in a static and still position.
I hoped this helped you out in your desire to reduce or maybe even cure your stretch marks. If after these exercises your stretch marks remain, try to have a positive mindset. Stretch marks should be something you are proud of. You grew a whole human being inside of you, so try to think of the miracle of that, when you see those stretch marks. If you have tried any other stretch mark tips that have worked, feel free to share them below!
For advice on dieting, check out the article here!
