For years stretch marks have been the bane of many people’s lives. Unsightly and causing a drop in confidence, they can often be difficult to remove completely. However, whilst there are many new products on the market to help with the removal of stretch marks, some of the more traditional stretch mark removal methods are the ones that often work best.
A prime example is a simple exfoliation technique. Using a mixture of cocoa butter, vitamin E and a general moisturising solution, the lotion should be massaged into the affected area of the skin for approximately 3 or 4 times a day until the stretch marks are removed. Olive oil and tea tree oil are also fantastic in the reduction of stretch marks, especially when used with vitamin C. All of these ingredients will aid with the removal of stretch marks as they actively promote the growth of collagen in the body and skin, which is a natural ingredient that tightens skin in areas that are affected. Furthermore, these said ingredients also plump up the skin, building up any obvious delves that have been made or left by stretch marks.
With regular exfoliation of cocoa butter and vitamin C, plenty of water should be drunk to hydrate the skin properly. It is recommended that 8 glasses of water are drunk each day; however this may need to be increased throughout the summer months when the body perspires more. The reason water is paramount to removing stretch marks is because if the skin is hydrated properly, it will be at its healthiest possible level and can therefore react effectively to changing skin, often being able to actually protect the skin from stretch marks before they have appeared.
Although it wasn’t seen as a removal method for many years, carrying out daily exercises including walking and stretching is one of the best ways to remove stretch marks. As stretch marks are caused by the skin stretching and returning to normal, if the skin is tightened, the stretch marks should effectively be removed. Depending on where the stretch marks are depends on the exercise that needs to take place. However, as they generally appear on the thighs, stomach and underarm areas, simply walking briskly for 30 minutes each day, followed by leg stretches and basic weight lifting (taking care not to over exert oneself), should encourage the affected skin to contract, removing any visible stretch marks in only a matter of weeks.