Let’s make it crystal clear. Outside of being abducted by aliens and having a brand new skin implant, there is really no way you can completely get rid of stretch marks.
Unlike acne or wrinkles, stretch marks are harder to deal with because they occur in the second layer of skin, your dermis. This means there won’t be anything short of peeling away the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) that will truly get rid of them – and you can’t do that.
But don’t despair just yet! Even though you cannot completely eliminate them, there are many ways to make them fade and turn lighter. And the best news is you don’t have to spend huge bucks at the dermatologist’s clinic for invasive skin treatments or any of that sort.
In fact, you most probably have what you need sitting innocently in your very own kitchen right now. A lot of the ingredients you use for making your meals can also be used to help treat skin problems, including stretch marks.
But first, let’s get it out of the way that I am in no way telling you that your stretch marks or the lack of them define who you are. If you like your battle scars (i.e. if you got them from pregnancy, losing weight, or getting through that turbulent period of life called puberty), or if you don’t mind them at all, then this article is not for you.
This article is for those people who want to at least lighten their stretch marks so they can feel more comfortable about being in their own skin. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you are not happy with your body – just as there is nothing wrong with being 100% delighted with it. We all are on different levels here, and as individuals, we get to decide what we want to do with our bodies.
That said, now that that disclaimer is out of the way, let’s head to the kitchen.
Olive Oil
Greek women have been rubbing olive oil to their skin (and hair) for centuries, and that’s because olive oil has numerous beneficial qualities that are good for you. In particular, olive oil is loaded with vitamin E, an essential nutrient that helps keep the skin softer and smoother and protects it from free radical damage. It also has a mild exfoliating effect that helps remove dead skin cells and promote a glowing complexion on the upper layer of skin.
Cocoa Butter
Well, we all know this one, but it is definitely worth mentioning here still. Cocoa butter is extremely rich in fatty acids and saturated fats that can easily penetrate the upper layer of your skin and make it soft and supple. It helps if you start applying it even before you get stretch marks, as the moisturizing properties will help make the skin more elastic as it stretches to accommodate the changes in your body.
Lemons
This all-around kitchen staple is also a versatile beauty ingredient that you can use for a variety of purposes. To help fade stretch marks, simply cut one lemon in half (store the other half in the fridge) and rub the juice over the affected area. Do this until you’re happy with the results. Lemon juice works because it is chockfull of vitamin C that acts as a bleaching agent that can lighten your skin over time. It is also a great antioxidant that can boost the amount of collagen produced in your skin.
Potato
Potatoes have gotten a bad rap because of this crazy myth about carbs being not good for you. But not only are potatoes nutritious and delicious, they can also help with stretch marks because, like lemons, potatoes are rich in vitamin C. Surprised? They also have a lot of phytochemicals, polyphenols, and carotenoids that can help restore the suppleness of your skin.
Egg Whites
Bodybuilders load up on egg whites because they are teeming with protein that make up muscle, but egg whites can also have benefits for the skin too. You might know that egg whites can tighten your skin and reduce your pores temporarily, but the protein content in egg whites can help improve the overall texture of the surface of your skin. To apply over stretch marks, simply dip a clean makeup brush in a bowl of egg whites and swirl over your skin. Wait for it to dry before rinsing off, then rub some olive oil to combat the skin drying properties of the eggs.
Sugar
Stop spending so much money on expensive Dead Sea scrubs or other exotic exfoliators. You can mimic the same effects using an ingredient that costs a dollar for a pound of it. I’m talking about table sugar, which, when mixed with other ingredients, can exfoliate your skin just as well as the fancy stuff. You can use with oils such as olive oil or coconut oil and even mix in a few drops of lemon juice to increase skin cell turnover and let the newer, brighter skin come out.
Alfalfa
Technically, you use alfalfa powder, which isn’t really a kitchen staple, since not many people have alfalfa powder in their homes. But you can easily find it at your nearest health food store, and it is absolutely worth trying this out. Alfalfa powder has copious amounts of protein and vitamin E, which we all know are good for the skin. It also has antifungal properties that help get rid of toxins in your skin. Mix a tablespoon of alfalfa powder with a few drops of chamomile oil and turn it into a paste that you can rub on your skin every day.
Turmeric
Turmeric is used in various Eastern cultures as a cooking and beauty staple. Indians, in particular, use turmeric (which they call haldi) that they mix with rose water and sandalwood and turn into a paste that can be applied to the skin during wedding ceremonies. You can also mix with milk or castor oil. Turmeric is known to effectively exfoliate your skin and lighten dark areas. Used regularly, turmeric can promote a more even skin tone and glowing, healthy skin.
Apricots
These velvety, smooth fruits look innocent but they offer a one-two punch for stretch marks. They have high vitamin C levels to help lighten skin and are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin A to provide the moisture your skin needs. This combination helps make your skin look brighter and clearer while maintaining suppleness and softness too. To apply, remove the seed from an apricot and mash the flesh into a pulp. Rub onto your skin and leave for 20 minutes (or longer) and rinse. Do this every day until you see a difference.
Honey
For a long, long time, honey was so revered by ancient peoples so much that it was once considered a currency – much like gold or any of the precious metals we use today. Honey has a lot of benefits for a lot of things, including maintaining the health of your skin. As a humectant, honey attracts moisture to your skin and keeps it locked in. It also has antiseptic and antioxidant properties that protect it from damage by toxins. To use for the skin, apply honey on a piece of cloth and lay it over your stretch marks. You can also mix it with sugar for a nutrient-loaded, effective scrub to slough away dead skin cells and allow the new skin to come out.
Andy Atari is a fitness blogger, researcher, and enthusiast. She writes for the every guy and every girl, the average Joes and Janes of the world who aren’t training to win a competition tomorrow or run a marathon in a week. She believes that everyone can have a fit and strong body, a goal that is not impossible to achieve if you set your mind to it. For more information, check out Andy’s work at FitnessAtrium.com.
