Although you can buy over-the-counter creams and prescription medication to treat your stretch marks, you can make your own home remedies using common ingredients that are already in your kitchen. These remedies tend to be much more affordable than commercially available creams, and for many women the world over, I have found that the rate of success is comparable.
The big advantage here is that if they don’t work, then you’re only out a few dollars. With commercial creams, your financial risk is bigger. Another reason why I recommend them is that these home remedies don’t cause any serious effects, so they are generally safer.
Here are some ingredients for home remedies that may already be there in your kitchen:
1.Wheat germ oil. In one study, using wheat germ oil during the initial stages of stretch marks can result in significant improvements.
2.Cocoa butter. This is a kind of vegetable fat with significant hydrating properties, which is why it is a staple ingredient in many beauty products. You need to first clean the stretch mark area with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Then take some cocoa butter (the size of a quarter should be sufficient) and rub it firmly but gently on your stretch marks for a minute or so. Wait for about 5 to 10 minutes for your skin to absorb the cocoa butter; you can wrap the stretch mark area with cloth or gauze to seal in the moisture.
3.Natural shea butter. I have found this to be a great source for vitamins A and E, both of which have ample skin-care properties. You can visibly reduce your stretch marks after massaging shea butter on them several times a day for at least 4 weeks.
4.Aloe vera. This is often used as part of a home remedy mixture. Aloe Vera can be very soothing, and it is often used as an anti-inflammatory remedy for burns. Since stretch marks are just another form of skin injury, it has been suggested that it may have the same healing effects as well, as it can also act as a moisturizer. A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic showed positive results, although more extensive studies must still be performed. If you wish to use aloe vera, I recommend applying it on your stretch marks while they are still fresh. Massage aloe vera gently on them and in the surrounding areas at least once a day. If you live in a dry area, it is recommended that you apply it twice a day.
5.Almond oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil. These can be mixed to create special massage oil for the stretch marks. Wash the skin with warm water and pat try, and then massage the oil mixture until the skin turns slightly pink. A hot shower before applying the mixture of oils may also help.
The big advantage here is that if they don’t work, then you’re only out a few dollars. With commercial creams, your financial risk is bigger. Another reason why I recommend them is that these home remedies don’t cause any serious effects, so they are generally safer.
Here are some ingredients for home remedies that may already be there in your kitchen:
1.Wheat germ oil. In one study, using wheat germ oil during the initial stages of stretch marks can result in significant improvements.
2.Cocoa butter. This is a kind of vegetable fat with significant hydrating properties, which is why it is a staple ingredient in many beauty products. You need to first clean the stretch mark area with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Then take some cocoa butter (the size of a quarter should be sufficient) and rub it firmly but gently on your stretch marks for a minute or so. Wait for about 5 to 10 minutes for your skin to absorb the cocoa butter; you can wrap the stretch mark area with cloth or gauze to seal in the moisture.
3.Natural shea butter. I have found this to be a great source for vitamins A and E, both of which have ample skin-care properties. You can visibly reduce your stretch marks after massaging shea butter on them several times a day for at least 4 weeks.
4.Aloe vera. This is often used as part of a home remedy mixture. Aloe Vera can be very soothing, and it is often used as an anti-inflammatory remedy for burns. Since stretch marks are just another form of skin injury, it has been suggested that it may have the same healing effects as well, as it can also act as a moisturizer. A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic showed positive results, although more extensive studies must still be performed. If you wish to use aloe vera, I recommend applying it on your stretch marks while they are still fresh. Massage aloe vera gently on them and in the surrounding areas at least once a day. If you live in a dry area, it is recommended that you apply it twice a day.
5.Almond oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil. These can be mixed to create special massage oil for the stretch marks. Wash the skin with warm water and pat try, and then massage the oil mixture until the skin turns slightly pink. A hot shower before applying the mixture of oils may also help.
