Causes And Remedies For Stretch Marks

By Vijayalakshmi

Stretch marks are truly annoying. These fine white lines on the skin not only develops during pregnancy.
It is important to know that stretch marks also appear because of fluctuation of body weight. It is also said that rapid growth during puberty also forms stretch marks. However, it is also believed that stretch marks reduces considerably. But the fact remains that these unsightly stretch marks may remain throughout our lives. These lines not only makes us uncomfortable but also shelves us in wearing those outfits that could reveal these fine lines.

Firstly, it is important for us to know the causes of stretch marks. Before getting down to the cure for stretch marks.

Causes And Remedies For Stretch Marks

Here are few circumstances that can lead to stretch marks.

Pregnancy
Pregnancy is on the the main factors that develops stretch marks on the skin (especially in the abdomen). Many pregnant women develop stretch marks during their pregnancy.One of the important factors that lead to stretch marks is the stretching of the skin. Even hormonal factors contribute to the formation of fine white lines on the skin.

Gyming
While many boys strive to go to gym to build their body. But they fail to realise that stretch marks appear as their muscles grow gradually, due to daily workout leading to the stretching of the skin.

Fluctuating weight
Sudden weight gain and weight loss is not just bad for the health but worse for the skin. Skin being the most sensitive part of the outer body tends to develop changes leading to stretch marks, especially on the arms and legs.

Skin Condition
Skin conditions play an important role in the formation and development of stretch marks. Dry skin particularly is less elastic and contains less moisture. Due to this people with dry skin are more prone to developing stretch
marks than people who have oily skin.

These are some of the main causes of stretch marks. However, this does not mean that stretch marks cannot be healed. There are few medicated lotions to cure stretch marks. But if you are looking for a natural way of getting rid of stretch marks, then follow some simple home remedies.

Home Remedies to get rid of stretch marks:

Healthy Foods
Include more proteins and vitamin C and E rich foods in your diet. These foods nourishes your body from inside out and gives you a flawless skin (as it promotes the growth of new tissues and heals the damaged tissues of the skin). Foods containing zinc, particularly, nuts and seeds, prevent the development of stretch marks. Vitamin K rich foods, like dairy products, green leafy vegetables and tomatoes, promote rapid healing of stretch marks.

Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has enzymes which promotes the removal of damaged tissues while keeping the skin healthy and hydrated. Massage the affected skin with aloe vera extract to tone the skin and remove stretch marks.

Olive Oil
Olive oil is known for its medicinal benefits and is the most recommended home remedies for the treatment of stretch marks. When applied three times a day to the affected area, this oil induces the growth of new skin tissues. This in turn reduces the stretch marks gradually as they fade away.

Scrub
A good scrub exfoliates dead and damaged skin tissues found in stretch marks. It also helps tone the skin.

Finally, it is extremely important to leave your skin hydrated and moisturised. If you are prone to stretch marks, make sure you use a moisturiser after you shower every day. Also eat nutritious foods with plenty of antioxidants such as vitamin A and C to help protect your skin. Moreover, drink plenty of water to keep
yourself hydrated and flush out toxins from the body.

Story first published: Friday, February 8, 2013, 13:31 [IST]
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