Stretch marks often happen during pregnancy or when you gain weight, starting as red or orange and then turning white. Today with Fitness Garage, we'll give you some natural ways to reduce how stretch marks look.
First solution: Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps the skin release retinoids that make it soft and more even. That's why many skincare pros use it in products. Using Vitamin A as a cream or taking supplements after checking with a doctor can really help stretch marks. You can add it in your diet too by eating carrots, sweet potatoes, and eggs regularly for a good natural dose.
Second solution: Sugar
Many girls use sugar to exfoliate their skin. A lot of dermatologists recommend regular peeling like weekly. The mix is made like this:
1- Two spoons of sugar
2- A quarter spoon of almond oil or coconut oil.
3- Add a squeeze of lemon juice. Not recommended for sensitive skin.
Rub the stretch mark areas with this mix weekly. Do it before a warm shower to open pores and boost blood flow, especially on the stretched spots.
Third solution: Aloe vera gel
Recently, it proved effective in treating many skin scars and marks. Girls put it on rough stretch marks to make the skin soft and even-toned. For good results, use it daily before bed.
Fourth solution: Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid helps produce collagen, which renews and moisturizes skin cells and keeps them from aging. Many doctors recommend taking hyaluronic acid by capsule or mask.
Fifth solution: Coconut oil
Stretch marks happen due to skin damage. Many studies show coconut oil helps wounds heal faster. Massaging stretch marks with it reduces their look and makes them more acceptable.
There are some other treatments done outside the home that also reduce the appearance of stretch marks without hiding them, like chemical peels, laser treatment, and collagen injections with needles. But these treatments should be done under a doctor's supervision.
How to avoid stretch marks from appearing
We'll mention some steps that help stop stretch marks from showing up in the first place:
Step one: Control your weight
Most stretch marks show up because of weight gain. Following a healthy diet stops them from appearing. A healthy diet includes all nutrients and reduces these marks. Also avoid quick weight loss diets because they lack nutrients.
Step two: Drink lots of water
Stretch marks sometimes happen because of constant dry skin. So drink more than 8 cups of water regularly throughout the day. Avoid drinking too much caffeine because it dries out the body and blocks water absorption.
Step three: Pay attention to the vitamins you take into your body
You should pay attention to vitamins you get from food because many people think just eating healthy is enough. But it's important to get enough amounts of all vitamins. To avoid stretch marks, focus on vitamin D and zinc. Vitamin D is found in dairy, whole grains, and legumes. Zinc is found in large amounts in fish and nuts.
Some exercises can really help reduce stretch marks but it depends on why and where they show up. So you might want to get a personal trainer from Fitness Garage to set up a workout plan to help get rid of stretch marks.
