An overview of ways to help prevent stretch marks and how to minimize there appearance if they appear.
Since the scaring of the skin is caused by the skin stretching during weight gain, pregnant women especially want to take special care of those areas that are most likely to be affected. The key is keeping the skin soft and supple. Dry skin tears much easier when expanding. Many dermatologists refer to this as elasticity, the more elastic the skin, the more it can stretch without tearing.
Single ingredients that can be used to both help prevent stretch marks and reduce the appearance of them include olive oil, coconut butter, aloe vera, vitamin E oil and shea butter.The most recommended are vitamin E oil and cocoa butter; both have been used by many women for years.
If pregnant, massaging any one of the ingredients into the skin around the abdominal area and breasts twice daily. This will help the flesh in these areas withstand the rapid stretching that will be happening as your pregnancy progresses.
Water plays a vital role in skin care, as the water you drink will help the skin to stay hydrated, thus not drying out to where tearing is a greater risk. The old saying of eight glasses of water a day is one that particularly rings true in the prevention of stretch marks.
There are several home recipes for reducing the appearance of stretch marks after they have occurred and are simple and easy to make.
Vanilla Stretch Mark Crème
1/2 cup cocoa butter
2 tablespoons wheat germ oil
2 teaspoons apricot kernel oil
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
4 teaspoons grated beeswax
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Put all ingredients except the vanilla extract into a saucepan and heat slowly until the beeswax and cocoa butter have melted, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract, stirring to distribute it evenly throughout the mix. Allow to cool and then store in a clean bottle or tin.
Olive Oil Lotion
4 ounces Olive Oil
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
1 teaspoon essential oil (Optional, can be any scent)
Combine all ingredients in a large bottle and shake well to mix. Any essential oil you prefer can be added for a pleasing scent.
Stretch Mark Fade Cream
1/2 cup coconut oil
3 teaspoons strong coffee
Stir the coffee into the oil or shake together in a large bottle. Apply liberally to affected area nightly.
While there is not a cure for stretch marks, using these oils, lotions and creams can help your skin to look more revitalized and make any stretch marks you may have less noticeable.
