How Men Can Eliminate Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, which are also known as the ‘striae’ in medical terminology, are reddish or whitish colored lines which develop on our skin. Skin has three layers. Stretch marks are formed in the dermis, which is the middle layer of skin. Skin is an elastic organ which, when it is stretched beyond its limit, loses its elasticity and overgrowth of skin occurs. This leads to the formation of stretch marks. Men are mostly affected by stretch marks when they work out excessively and build up bulky muscles very rapidly. Other causes for development of such marks in men can be abrupt weight gain, growth spurts in the case of teenagers or even rapid weight loss. Stretch marks once formed cannot be removed entirely but you can improve their appearance by using certain remedies. Methods for getting rid of stretch marks are same in the case of both men and women.

Step 1

Work out smartly! You should make alterations in your exercise regimen. Instead of lifting heavier weights, try lighter ones and increase the number of repetitions. Your aim should be to strengthen your muscle, not just increasing their size.

Step 2

Eat wisely! Maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Make sure your fat intake is not excessive because gaining fat and muscles together can cause the stretch marks. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables especially of green leafy variety, grains and lean meat etc. Avoid fried food or foods that contain excessive sugars.

Step 3

If you do develop stretch marks, you can consult a doctor and have him prescribe you a tretinoin cream. It contains retinoic acid which restores elastin and collagen in the skin. You should keep it in mind that this cream is only effective for stretch marks no older than six weeks. Such stretch marks are generally reddish or purplish in color.

Step 4

If your stretchmarks are older i.e. silvery or white in color, then you can try excimer laser therapy. This procedure uses a laser beam to stimulate production of a skin pigment called melanin. This helps in restoring color of the stretched area so that it will match the skin color of the unaffected skin.

Step 5
Another laser therapy involves use of pulsed-dye laser which stimulates elastin and collagen. This procedure sets off regeneration of normal skin structure thus, leading to the disappearance of stretch marks.

Step 6
A more invasive option is microdermabrasion. In this procedure, silicon dioxide crystals are used to cut off excessive skin in a stretch mark. Next step is suctioning of all of this debris and dead skin cells. By removing damaged skin cells, fresh skin growth is stimulated and its elasticity is improved.

Step 7

If you like organic methods you can try using natural home remedies like using coconut oil or castor oil. You can also try using Aloe vera gel. These natural methods are very inexpensive and using them can save you a lot of money.

Step 8

Always keep your skin moisturized with a good moisturizer. You can also use homemade moisturizers like honey and cream etc. for this purpose.

Precautions

Before trying any of these treatments, always consult your physician.

How to Avoid Stretch Marks on Your Breasts

Stretch marks, also known in medical terminology as the ‘striae’, are a common skin issue. Skin of abdomen, thighs, arms and breasts is mostly affected by them. The main reason behind formation of these hideous marks is stretching of the skin beyond its normal limit. Skin contains collagen and elastin which keeps it elastic. On over-stretching of the skin, collagen and elastin fibers tear up resulting in the development of stretch marks. Stretch marks once formed are permanent but a number of home remedies, cosmetics and procedures can be used to lighten them.

Causes

Women are mostly affected by the stretch marks during pregnancy. This is due to abrupt weight gain associated with pregnancy. With the baby growing inside the abdomen, its skin gets over-stretched and the stretch marks form. With pregnancy, mother’s body undergo a number of changes like increase in the size of breasts. This rapid increase in their size can lead to the formation of stretch marks on breasts. In addition to this, hormones also play a role. Excessive production of cortisol, which is a glucocorticoid hormones, weakens elastin and collagen fibers in our skin, making it lose its elasticity. Thus stretch marks are formed. Genetics also play a major role in the formation of such marks, so ask your family members if they have suffered from this problem, to find out if it runs in the family.

Exercise

To prevent stretch marks you need to adopt a healthy life style and exercise is essential for it. Regular exercise helps you to keep an ideal body weight and it also ensures that sudden weight fluctuations do not take place. It improves blood flow in skin thus maintaining its vitality. Moreover, exercising keeps your muscle tone better thus preventing skin from stretching beyond limit.

Diet

Another essential component of a healthy lifestyle is to eat a balanced and healthy diet. A balanced diet contains food from all food groups like cereals, meat, veggies and fruits. A healthy diet will keep your weight in the normal weight range. Add more proteins like eggs, fish, chicken etc. to your diet because it helps tissues to repair themselves. Also include micro-nutrients like vitamin E, A, C and zinc which helps in the collagen production.

Skin Care

In addition to a good diet and regular exercise, you can try topical treatments as well. These treatments can help in rejuvenating your skin and lightening the stretch marks. You can also try using a bristle brush. Dry brushing with it can increase blood circulation in skin, remove toxins and reduce stretch marks or other skin imperfections like scars etc.

Oil of Rosehip seed can also lighten stretch marks because it contains essential fatty-acids and vitamins.

Consult a Physician

If you cannot find any obvious reasons for stretch marks on your body then consult a doctor as soon as possible. You might be suffering from a medical disorder associated with the stretch marks. Connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome and Elhers-Danlos syndrome can lead to the development of such marks. Diabetes interferes with the production of collagen in the skin and results in the stretch marks. You should also see a doctor before trying any new treatment for the stretch marks.

Concealing Stretch Marks On Dark Skin

How to Conceal Stretch Marks On Dark Skin

Stretch marks are a wide spread problem which affects both Caucasian and African American population equally. Stretchmarks are unavoidable during pregnancy. In the case of African Americans, when their skin is over stretched they develop purple or dark brown colored striations, which are prominent on their dark skin. A lot of articles talk about methods such as concealer and makeup for hiding stretch marks which are designed for Caucasians. When trying to hide the stretch marks, it is important to find the perfect shade and brand for the skin. So here are some ways for African Americans to cover up their stretch marks.

Step 1

Find a department store that is offering makeup samples for free. Now try these shades to find which color suits you the most. Keep it in mind that the skin of your belly may have a skin tone darker or lighter compared to the skin of your face. Describe to the assistant at the cosmetic counter that you would like to look for a concealer which is a bit lighter than the color of your stomach, if you are ashamed to ask. They would only need to match the skin above your hip bone to find the shade required.

Step 2

Use your middle finger when applying makeup. Your hand is heavier when you are using an index finger and you tend to apply concealer in thicker layer.

But it is better to apply several, lighter layers rather than a single thick one. Your goal is to apply the concealer in such a way that it give your skin a slicker look. Stretchmarks are dark in color compared to the surrounding skin so using a lighter shade of concealer is a wise choice.

Step 3

Take a clean sponge and pour a little bit of dark foundation onto it. Now using this sponge, pat the foundation over the concealed area and two inches of area adjacent to it for a more real look. Make sure your foundation matches your skin tone more closely, compared to your concealer, so that it blends well with the skin.

Step 4

Apply some loose powder over your make up to let it set and imitate your skin’s true texture. Sephora, Cover Girl and M.A.C. have specially made makeup lines for African Americans. Therefore you can easily find a translucent or loose powder in a darker shade to match it to your skin tone.

Step 5

If you are looking for a more permanent and reliable cure, you can try reconstructive tattooing or permanent makeup. Ointments and creams will never do away with the stretch marks completely since the connective tissue of skin has been damaged. So you can try permanent makeup to cover up your stretch marks in your precise skin tone. Consult an aesthetician to find out more about permanent makeup.

Warnings

When you are wearing makeup on your stretchmarks, refrain from bathing. Also avoid rubbing and excessive sweating. Always carry your makeup in a small bag with you to be ready for speedy touch ups whenever needed.

Home Remedies to Reduce Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are the ugly looking, whitish lines which appear on our certain body parts like arms, thighs, abdomen, breasts etc. Either weight loss or weight gain can trigger them. Most commonly pregnant women develop stretch marks but men can also develop them. With puberty teenagers can also develop these marks. This is because of the the sudden growth spurt which is associated with changes in hormone levels. These marks are permanent and cannot be entirely removed. But you can use certain tricks at home to lighten them.

Lemon juice
Lemon contains citric acid which bleaches your skin naturally. That is why lemon is very effective to reduce stretch marks.

Cut a fresh lemon and squeeze its juice out.
Apply it to the skin affected by stretch marks.
Leave it on. After ten minutes, wash off with tepid water.
Repeat this a couple of times every day for good results.

Vegetable oil massages
In Indian tradition, new mothers are given bath with natural oils for a few months after childbirth.

Oils like castor oil and coconut oil are used to massage whole body including scalp then a hot water bath is taken. This ancient technique is used by health spas and beauty centers. Vegetable oils like olive oil, coconut oil and castor oil are so effective because they have moisturizing abilities which help smoothen wrinkled skin thus removing stretch marks.

Before bedtime, take some olive oil, warm it a bit and rub it deeply over the affected area or whole body. You can also use a mixture of coconut oil and olive oil.
The following day wash it off with some warm water. A light soap can also be used if needed.
The most effective way to use castor oil is to warm it slightly before application on skin. Then cover that oiled area with a piece of cloth dunked in warm water or a sheet of plastic.
Hot water bottle can be used over oiled areas to increase its effectiveness. This is because warmth opens up pores in our skin and let it absorb oil faster.

Egg white
Egg white contains lots of protein which are helpful in decreasing stretch marks.

Crack two eggs open, separate yolks form the whites.
Whip up the whites gently.
Apply thick layer of this egg pack on the stretch marks.
Let it dry, then rinse it off with some water and moisturize that area with olive oil.

Moisturizer
By maintaining the skin elasticity, stretch marks can be reduced. To keep skin elastic and fresh, it must be kept hydrated by using a proper moisturizer regularly.
You can use moisturizers available commercially which contain cocoa butter and Aloe vera. Alternatively you can make home-made moisturizer by blending equal parts of olive oil and Aloe vera.

Vitamin E Pure Oil
After prolonged period, reducing stretch-marks gets difficult. In such case you can massage Vitamin E pure oil onto the affected area regularly.

Aloe vera
When skin loses its elasticity, it leads to the formation of stretch marks. With its healing properties, Aloe vera helps improves skin elasticity.

Cut an Aloe vera leaf, peel it, and force out the juicy gel.
Massage it over affected area.
Vitamin E pure oil can also be used with it.

Commercial market is full of products which make bogus promises of curing stretch marks completely. But it is impossible! You can only lighten them to improve your appearance. While you can use simple home remedies for this, what is the point of wasting your money on phony products. Use these simple tricks and eat lots of veggies especially greens to lessen your stretchmarks.

Lightening Stretch Marks

Lightening Stretch Marks and Tightening Loose Skin

Stretch marks are a skin problem that cause constant distress to the women (and some men). Stretch marks are, in fact, loose and saggy skin folds. This problem aggravates with age as the skin starts aging. With aging, production of elastin and collagen in the skin decreases considerably. This makes skin lax and floppy and it starts drooping under the influence of gravity.

Stretch marks are formed by the undue stretching of skin because of various reasons like weight gain, pregnancy or puberty. The skin is stretched beyond normal limits so rapidly that gaps are formed in it marked by purplish or reddish colored striations. Although scientific research does not affirm home remedies as a treatment for loose skin and stretch marks but there is anecdotic proof of their effectiveness.

Treatment for Stretch Marks

Tip # 1

Massage the scarred area with cocoa butter twice every day. Check out the ingredients on packaging to make sure you buy a cream containing 100 percent real cocoa butter. Because there are certain commercially available creams which contain pure cocoa butter in a very little amount.

Tip # 2

Massage oil of vitamin E over the stretch marks on a daily basis. You can make this oil by crushing two capsules of vitamin E and mixing them with some natural oil like wheat germ, almond or olive oil. Vitamin E can also be taken orally after consulting a doctor.

Tip # 3

Blend ¼ cup each of olive oil and Aloe vera gel to prepare a gel for stretch marks. Rub it over the stretch marks daily to lighten them.

Masks for Tightening Saggy Skin

Tip # 1

Take an egg, crack it open and separate the egg white from the yolk. Now whip up the former vigorously until it is stiff and frothy. Add quarter teaspoon of crushed crystals of vitamin C and one tablespoon of cellulose in four ounces of warm distilled water. Mix the whipped egg white and this mixture together. This will produce a skin tightening mask. Apply it over the affected area and cover it with warm bits of gauze or a towel. Leave it on for fifteen minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water.

Tip # 2

Take a bath with ¼ cupful of the apple-cider-vinegar added to the warm water in the bath tub. You can cover up the stench of vinegar with the essential oils like clary sage, geranium or lavender. This will help improving the skin tone and tighten it.

Tip # 3

Press juice from half a lemon and add it to one cup of water. Water should be cold. Splash it all over your face but do not wash it off. Let it dry out by air-drying.

Tip # 4

Mix one whipped egg white with one teaspoon of pure honey. Coat a thin layer of it under the eyes and rinse it off after 15 minutes. This mask is ideal for under eye bags but you can use it on loose skin anywhere on your body.

Things Required

Cocoa butter
Gel of Aloe vera
Egg white
Essential oils
Gauze
Massage oils
Distilled water
Towel
Lemon
Vitamin E
Pectin
Honey
Crystals of Vitamin C

Get Rid of Stretch Marks Naturally

Stretch mark is a very usual problem faced by many men and women. Pregnancy, sudden weight gain or weight loss, growth spurt and medical disorders like Marfan syndrome and Cushing’s syndrome are some of the causes of stretch marks. Stretch marks are ugly in appearance and blemish your look.

The commercial market is full of a number of ointments and creams for non-prescription cure for the stretch marks. These treatments not only cost you a lot of money but are also unnatural. Home remedies, on the other hand, are natural, easy to use and very cheap. These remedies are not authorized by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), therefore you should always consult a doctor before you try them.

Glycerin, Honey and Salt Scrub

Make a great body scrub for stretch marks with glycerin, salt and honey. Add ½ teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of glycerin and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix these ingredients well and store in an airtight container. Rub it over your skin and leave it on for five to ten minutes. Wash it off with tepid water and a cleanser. Let your skin air-dry and moisturize it. Use this body scrub twice daily. Leftover scrub can be preserved in the fridge for 48 hours.

Vitamin E and Vitamin A

Blend of vitamin E and vitamin A can help in lightening stretch marks when used regularly. Make this mixture by combing 1 teaspoon of ointment of vitamin A and 1 teaspoon of oil of vitamin E and stirring them well. Store this mixture in a container. Rub a little quantity of this blend on the area affected by stretch marks. Wash off that area after thirty minutes with warm water and a mild cleanser. In the end moisturize your skin. This process should be repeated twice daily. Leftover mixture can be stored in a dark and cold place for about a week.

Aloe vera with Vitamin A and Vitamin E

Aloe vera has many soothing and healing properties and it is used in many beauty products and cosmetics. Mix 1/4 cup of Aloe vera gel with oil from ten vitamin E capsules and oil from five vitamin A capsules.

Massage this mixture onto the skin until it is fully absorbed. Use this blend on a daily basis. Another way is to apply Aloe vera directly over your stretch marks for 15 minutes. Then wash that area with some tepid water.

Carrot Scrub with Olive Oil and Tangerine Peel

Stretch marks can also be removed with a body scrub made by mixing tangerine peel, olive oil and fresh carrots.

To prepare this scrub, mix 4 teaspoons of olive oil, peel of one tangerine and one half of a carrot in a food processor or a blender and purée for twenty seconds at a high speed. Use this mixture when you take a bath. Apply on damp skin and massage well. Then wash it off with warm water. Dry off your skin and moisturize the area. Use this treatment once daily. Left over mixture can be stored in a fridge for up to 5 days.

Pregnancy Stretch Marks on the Thighs

Pregnancy is the major cause of the stretch marks in women. More than ninety percent of expecting mothers develop such marks. Stretch marks are bluish or purplish colored striations formed on our skin due to overstretching. In pregnant women, abdomen expands as the baby grows in size leading to the formation of stretch marks. Other areas of body affected by these marks are breasts, arms, thighs, buttocks etc. Weight gain is also a contributing factor for the development of such marks.

Importance

Stretch marks which are located on the inner aspect of thighs are formed around 6^th or 7^th month of pregnancy. This is due to the baby’s weight which puts pressure on the mother’s skin, overstretching it, thus leading to tears in the supportive tissue of skin. This, coupled with rapid weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk for the development of stretch marks by many folds. In addition to that, genetics also play a vital role in the development of such marks. So if your sister or mother have stretch marks, you are prone to them as well.

In the beginning stretch marks are reddish, brownish or purplish colored streaks. These marks look gross and you are inclined to hide them by wearing pants instead of shorts etc. But with time these marks become silvery or white in color thus becoming less noticeable. Their final color depends on your skin tone, however they are generally more light-colored compared to the skin next to them. After the birth of baby, it takes 6 to 12 months for the stretch marks to fade into a lighter color.

Preventive Measures

There is no such exercise, cream or lotion which can absolutely prevent stretch marks from developing. But keeping your weight in a healthy range can decrease likelihood of the appearance of stretch marks on the inner aspect of your thighs. Gaining weight is something inevitable for pregnant women but they can consult a dietitian or a doctor to formulate a plan to make this weight gain steady and consistent. Keep your body hydrated by drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.

Treatments

If the stretch marks disfigure your appearance, even after they have faded out, then you can consult a dermatologist to get advice for reducing these marks. You can try topical treatments like glycolic acid or tretinoin cream. You can also rub vitamin E gel over the stretchmarks on your thighs.

Vitamin E will help you to get rid of these stretch marks by increasing the rate at which your skin cells are produced. Other option is the laser treatment which can alter pigmentation of these marks and improve skin elasticity.

Expert Advice

Experts recommend using a good moisturizer over the affected skin to avoid dryness and itchiness. Scratching can further disfigure the stretch marks, so abstain from it. If you are going to the beach on a vacation or some other occasion, you would want to hide these gross marks. In this case, you can use tanning products to mask the stretch marks on your inner thighs.

Methods of Exfoliation for Stretch Marks

Pesky looking, purplish, reddish or whitish colored streaks which appear on your skin are called stretch marks or striae. This happens when your skin is stretched too quickly by factors like weight gain, pregnancy, growth spurts etc. A number of products and treatments have made huge claims about eliminating such marks but in reality, nothing can completely cure these marks. You can try various tricks to lighten them. For that, rejuvenation of skin is needed which, in turn, depends upon collagen production. The latter process can be accelerated by exfoliation of skin regularly. Your body sheds dead skin cells at an alarming rate and simply washing your body with the soap does not help in the removal of the dead skin cells at all. It’s important to apply an exfoliator to the wet skin, so exfoliating in the shower or a bath is the best way. There are many kinds of exfoliators: creamy, salty, and oil-based. Experiment with different methods of exfoliation until you find the one that suits you the most and stick to it. Do not use different exfoliating treatments at once because it can irritate your skin.

Method # 1

Brushing your skin on a daily basis will improve its texture and reduce the stretch marks. You can use a natural bristle body brush for this purpose. Brush your skin when it is dry. Best time to do so is before you take a shower. Brush your skin 5 times using firm strokes, starting at the feet and moving upwards slowly. This will improve the blood flow of the skin and exuviate dead skin cells.

Method # 2

You can also use a scrub for exfoliation. Use it in the shower on a daily basis. Prefer a scrub that has granules or beads in it. When you will rub this scrub on the skin, it will feel coarse. Exfoliate you skin in the area of stretchmarks in a gentle and circular motion. Wash off any excess scrub from your body.

Method # 3

Another simple method is to use a loofah when you take a shower. Using the loofah with shower gel or a soap, gently scrub your skin. Pat your skin dry and moisturize it with a good moisturizer. This will not only lighten your stretch marks but also give your skin a nice glow.

Method # 4

Use a cream which contains Retin-A, such as tretinoin cream. Retin-A is a chemically active exfoliator. It accelerates turnover rate of your skin thus speeding up the collagen production. Increased collagen level in the skin makes it appear tighter and strong.

Method # 5

A more aggressive way is to get microdermabrasion treatment. This treatment is available at either a dermatologist’s office or a spa. This procedure involves spraying of ground crystals on your skin under pressure of pressurized air. The pressure aids powdered crystals to scrub away dead skin flakes in its top-most layer. The newer skin which replaces the old skin is way more elastic and healthy and it makes your stretchmarks seem lighter and smaller.

Things you will be needing

Natural bristle body brush

Moisturize

Loofah

Shower gel or a soap

Exfoliating scrub

Tretinoin cream

Treat Stretch Marks with Jojoba Oil

For centuries Native Americans living in Southeast regions of America have been using this mystery plant called the Jojoba plant. They extract an incredible oil from seeds of this plant. This oil has numerous qualities especially pertaining to the treatment of skin disorders.

It is light in consistency.
It suits all skin types e.g. oily, dry, combination etc.
It does not irritate eyes.
It cleanses skin of dirt and debris.
It keeps oil production of skin in check.
It is a natural emollient.These properties make it extremely effective for the treatment of stretch marks and acne scars. For these reasons, it is used in a lot of cosmetics and skin care products.

Characteristics of Jojoba Oil

The word oil in ‘Jojoba oil’ is in fact a misnomer. Research shows that it is not essentially an oil, rather it is a golden colored wax obtained from the Jojoba plant. It is very different from vegetable oils with regards to its constituents. This wax contains many fatty esters and fatty acids. It is used vastly as an ointment for many skin conditions like sunburn, psoriasis, arthritis, eczema, wrinkles, stretch marks, acne scars etc.

Acne Scars Treatment with Jojoba Oil

Acne is produced by excessive secretion of sebum which clogs skin pores leading to the formation of pimples. Jojoba oil heals skin naturally by keeping it hydrated and nourished and maintains the natural pH levels of the skin. It keeps the sebum production in control. In addition, its light consistency makes it an excellent agent for the treatment of scars caused by the acne.

Stretch Marks Treatment with Jojoba Oil

Stretch-marks are mostly seen in pregnant ladies but it effects women and men alike especially after abrupt weight gain or weight loss. Jojoba oil efficiently lightens these stretchmarks by keeping the skin moisturized.

How to Utilize Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil can be used alone or it can be mixed with certain skin lotions and creams. When using it with other ingredients, it is better to use it with organic components. Addition of proper essential oils like tea tree oil, rose oil, geranium oil and lavender oil etc. can amplify its benefits.

Apply it over your face and hands or other affected areas of body either directly with the palms of your hands or with the help of cotton balls. When using cotton balls, soak up a few drops of the Jojoba oil on it, and dab skin gently with the soaked cotton ball. This simple and easy trick will leave your skin flawless and smooth.

Precautions

Although jojoba oil has a very light texture and adsorbs onto the skin very fast compared to heavy and greasy oils still caution must be exercised in its usage.

If you suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin, beware of using the Jojoba oil. Additionally, never use it on the chapped skin as in the case of wound or dermatitis. It should always be used externally on the intact skin. The best way is to use it over mildly scarred skin affected by the stretch marks or the acne scars. In more severe cases, consult a dermatologist before using it.

Home Remedies for Prevention of Stretch Marks

The products available commercially in the form of creams and ointments for the treatment of stretch marks can be obtained easily from any drug store at cheap rates. These fancy products make huge claims of getting rid of stretch marks completely but none of the scientific researches support these phony claims. That is the reason why people are more inclined to use home remedies for the treatment of stretch marks. Home remedies are not just natural and cheap but also very effective for the treatment of stretch marks. In addition to that, these remedies are also beneficial for our general well-being.

Water and Stretch Marks

Skin is an elastic organ and when it loses its elasticity stretchmarks are formed. You can improve elasticity of the skin by consuming large amount of water. Especially when you are pregnant or going through the rapid growth phase such as puberty or if you are gaining weight abruptly, then drink lots of water. Pregnant women should also continue drinking adequate amount of water in their post-partum period. You should be drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water per day.

Supplements

A lot of nutrients play a vital role in keeping the elasticity of skin intact. These nutrients are vitamin A, vitamin C , vitamin E, omega 3’s, silica and zinc etc. These nutrients enable our body to produce proteins like elastin and collagen which keep our skin healthy and radiant. Leafy green vegetables, liver, dairy products and tomatoes are abundant in vitamin C and vitamin K. Zinc and vitamin E can be obtained from nuts, seeds, papaya and avocado etc.

Make sure you keep your body fueled with these supplements to reduce stretch marks from your skin. You should also be eating adequate amount of protein daily.

Stretch When You Exercise

To prevent and diminish the stretch marks, you need to keep a healthy life style. You must exercise on a regular basis. Don’t forget to stretch before and after your workout. You can add exercises like flexibility and strength training to your work out regime. For example, you can try Pilates for the flexibility training. These exercise will not only help to tone your muscles but also tighten your skin up.

Scrub Your Stretch Marks Away

Exfoliation is crucial to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Especially when your skin is shrinking or stretching as in the case of stretch marks. Whenever, you take a bath use a loofah or a piece of cloth for exfoliation. Moisturize your skin with a soap and scrub the areas, that are prone to stretch marks, gently. You can make a homemade body scrub from granulated sugar. Try to avoid salt scrubs because they dry the skin out, thus worsening the problem even more.

D.I.Y. Oils for Stretch Marks

Essential oils are great for lightening stretch marks. Mix a quarter cup of Aloe vera gel, half cup of olive oil, two vitamin A capsules and four vitamin E capsules and blend it with the help of a blender. Now, apply this mixture directly on your stretch marks to lighten them. You can also add chamomile, avocado oil or lavender. Use it twice daily and keep it in the fridge in a container that is air tight.