How to get rid of ugly stretch marks
As if turning our bodies over to house a growing human for nine months isn't taxing enough on our figures, many of us fall victim to the unsightly phenomenon of stretch marks, which kill our hopes and dreams of ever wearing a two-piece bathing suit again.
Seriously, it's so unfair. Even if you work your butt off in the gym and lose
every single last ounce of baby weight, you're still left with zebra
stripes all up and down your belly -- putting the "mom" stamp on you
for the rest of your life. Fear not, though. There are some
things you can do to prevent stretch marks, as well as reducing the appearance
of both new and old ones. Check out some of these options, listed from easiest
to most difficult to execute
· Use a
moisturizer. A
study comparing herbal moisturizers found that people who lotioned-up daily
showed significant improvement in skin appearance and elasticity. Think of it
this way: if your skin has a lot of stretching to do, it's less likely to tear
and create stretch marks if it's hydrated. Use lotion on new stretch marks, or
on areas where you're worried about getting them in the future. Though using
lotion on old stretch marks may still improve their appearance, it's probably
not as effective as using them on fresh ones. If you're worried about the
chemicals in over-the-counter moisturizers, make your own out of equal parts
wheat germ oil, olive oil and aloe vera. The same study showed that this
combination created the best DIY moisturizer
·
Egg Whites. It may sound a little icky, but supposedly the proteins in egg whites help your skin rejuvenate. Try putting the whites on your affected areas three times a day and hopefully watch your stretch marks fade away.
Egg Whites. It may sound a little icky, but supposedly the proteins in egg whites help your skin rejuvenate. Try putting the whites on your affected areas three times a day and hopefully watch your stretch marks fade away.
·
Lemon Juice. The natural acids in lemon juice can help fade and bleach stretch marks. All you need to do is rub the juice onto your affected areas using circular motions and then let it dry for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
Lemon Juice. The natural acids in lemon juice can help fade and bleach stretch marks. All you need to do is rub the juice onto your affected areas using circular motions and then let it dry for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
·
Olive Oil. Applying olive oil to your skin throughout your pregnancy is a good way to help prevent stretch marks. Olive oil contains vitamin E, which restores skin tissue. The oil will also help soften your skin so it can expand, making stretch marks less likely.
Olive Oil. Applying olive oil to your skin throughout your pregnancy is a good way to help prevent stretch marks. Olive oil contains vitamin E, which restores skin tissue. The oil will also help soften your skin so it can expand, making stretch marks less likely.
·
Use Retin-A. A study from the University of Michigan suggests that people who use Retin-A (or a retinoic acid cream) on new stretch marks saw huge improvements. Retin-A is thought to boost collagen production, helping skin stretch out and avoid tears. Note that you should not use any products containing retinoic acid if you are pregnant or nursing. It can potentially cause birth defects in humans. Retin-A won't be as effective on old stretch marks. You'll probably need a prescription to get products such as Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, and Differin (which all contain retinoic acid).
Use Retin-A. A study from the University of Michigan suggests that people who use Retin-A (or a retinoic acid cream) on new stretch marks saw huge improvements. Retin-A is thought to boost collagen production, helping skin stretch out and avoid tears. Note that you should not use any products containing retinoic acid if you are pregnant or nursing. It can potentially cause birth defects in humans. Retin-A won't be as effective on old stretch marks. You'll probably need a prescription to get products such as Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, and Differin (which all contain retinoic acid).
·
Try Vitamin E oil. Vitamin E oil is often said to be the miracle cure for stretch marks, though one study shows that it's most effective on women who have already been pregnant before, and has not been effective in general use. Still, it can't hurt in moderate doses.
Try Vitamin E oil. Vitamin E oil is often said to be the miracle cure for stretch marks, though one study shows that it's most effective on women who have already been pregnant before, and has not been effective in general use. Still, it can't hurt in moderate doses.
·
Aloe Vera. Aloe vera is another treatment that can be used both during and after pregnancy to diminish stretch marks. It soothes and heals your skin, and is gentle enough to apply daily.
Aloe Vera. Aloe vera is another treatment that can be used both during and after pregnancy to diminish stretch marks. It soothes and heals your skin, and is gentle enough to apply daily.
·
Potato Juice. Potatoes get such a bad rap because of the whole no-carb craze, but the vitamins and minerals in their juice help restore skin cells, thus making stretch marks less apparent. Simply slice a potato and rub it on your belly.
Potato Juice. Potatoes get such a bad rap because of the whole no-carb craze, but the vitamins and minerals in their juice help restore skin cells, thus making stretch marks less apparent. Simply slice a potato and rub it on your belly.
·
Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter. Massaging cocoa butter or shea butter into your skin a couple of times a day will help moisturize dry skin and also help stretch marks to fade. And if you apply it throughout your pregnancy, you may have a better chance at warding off stretch marks in the first place.
Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter. Massaging cocoa butter or shea butter into your skin a couple of times a day will help moisturize dry skin and also help stretch marks to fade. And if you apply it throughout your pregnancy, you may have a better chance at warding off stretch marks in the first place.
·
Increase your Vitamin C intake. One dermatologist suggests that 500 mg of Vitamin C, taken as an oral supplement, can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. For even better results, try using a topical glycolic acid along with Vitamin C.
Increase your Vitamin C intake. One dermatologist suggests that 500 mg of Vitamin C, taken as an oral supplement, can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. For even better results, try using a topical glycolic acid along with Vitamin C.
Comments
Post a Comment