Stretch marks appear on everyone at some point of life and form scarring after your skin quickly stretches or shrinks. They appear as parallel lines or streaks across the skin in pink, red, brown, purple or thinned, glossy skin that over time become whitish and scar-like in appearance. Stretch marks may be slightly depressed and have a different texture than normal skin. They usually start darker and fade over time. Stretch marks are most common on the tummy, breasts, chest, upper arms, legs, upper thighs, bottom, hips or back.  The first sign you notice might be itchiness or burning around an area where the skin is becoming thinner.

They do not appear overnight but gradually due to hormonal changes in the body due to pregnancy, puberty, sudden weight gain, or loss or if you are doing exercises to build your body. According to Ayurveda, stretch marks have Pitta and Kapha imbalance in them. Kapha involvement causes itching and Pitta causes burning sensation. Usually in few individuals, these stretch marks subside by its own after few months of delivery, whereas in others they remain for few more months or permanently. Among pregnant women, when stretch marks appear on abdomen will be different from woman to woman. They can be found in children who have become rapidly obese. Stretch marks usually fade over time but may not disappear completely. There are many lotions and creams but here we are using some natural effective remedies to get rid of stretch marks easily at home.

What makes stretch marks worse and what are the Ayurvedic Remedies for skin stretches?

Any rapid weight gain or loss or if you are purposely trying to build muscle mass, can increase stretch marks. So, consider slowing your routine down so your skin has time to acclimate and use coconut oil massage.

Follow “Prevention is better than cure” rule. Beginning with the pregnancy, weight loss or gain or exercises, if you apply sesame oil over the prone areas such as lower abdomen, sides of abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and chest/breasts 10 minutes before bath, then the skin stretching will happen without leaving any marks behind and at the same time this oil improves the quality of skin. You can also use oil combinations for removing other skin issues along with stretch marks.

How oil massaging of stretch marks is beneficial?

Massaging of your stretch marks regularly for at least a few minutes every day increases blood circulation along with soothing your body, which helps your skin to receive nutrients faster and accelerates the healing process. Coconut oil, sesame oil, castor oil almond oil and ghee help to stimulate collagen and elastin production. They also help the damaged tissues regain their original shape and position after suffering from stretching.

Coconut oil massage is proved as the best in healing the stretch marks and wounds quickly because of its healing properties and the fat in the coconut oil is the same as the fat in our skin. Our skin in comparison to other oils will better absorb it. How to use it: After applying coconut oil to the prone area, smear vitamin e from the capsule, and then massage that area with a comb for 5 to 8 minutes every day and stop it when the area become reddish in color. Combing makes micro damages to the skin and increases the blood circulation in that area that helps to absorb the oil and vitamin e into the skin. In case of severe scars, it may take 2 to 3 months otherwise 1 month will be enough. Apply coconut oil on your tummy area every day during pregnancy. After delivery, you will see only minimal stretch marks

Which plant is good for stretch marks?

Aloe Vera acts as a natural healing and skin-smoothing agent to treat your stretch marks. To use this remedy, take out the sticky gel from the inside of the leaf. Massage the gel on the skin and let it stay for 20-40 minutes before washing it off.

What vitamins and vitamin rich food help fade stretch marks?

Include vitamin C, E, A, and Zinc in your diet to prevent stretch marks during high-risk periods. Collagen plays a role in keeping your skin strong and elastic. It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, stretch marks and sins of aging. Vitamin C is an important nutrient for the development of collagen. Vitamin A has retinoid that have been known to remove stretch marks and give you youthful skin.

These vitamins and collagen protein can be found in many fruits and vegetables: Lean Proteins: Tuna, Salmon, Egg Whites, and Turkey. Citrus Fruits: Grapefruits, Oranges, lemons, and Limes. Berries: Blackberries, Raspberries, Cherries, and Strawberries. Green vegetables:  Spinach, Olives, Brussel Sprouts, and Cabbage. Orange Vegetables: Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, and Pumpkin. Red Vegetables: Tomatoes, Red Peppers, Red Onions, and Radishes. Soy Products: Tofu, Edamame, and Soy Milk. Beans: Green Beans, Hummus, Black Beans, and Pinto Beans. Nuts: Peanuts, Walnuts, and Flaxseeds. Favorites: Garlic and Avocados.

What are the Homeopathic remedies for reducing stretch marks?

homeopathy has excellent remedies: 1) silicea in lower potencies 6x,I2x helps in tightening the skin and fades away, 2) thiosinaminum  will help in the most thicker and larger scar like stretch marks, this med dissolves the scar and helps the skin to get its normal elasticity, 3) cal flour is useful in building the collagen of the skin and reducing the lines on abdomen. 4) calendula mother tincture and arjuna mother tincture can be used for external use.