If you’re more concerned with getting rid of stretch marks than preventing them, read on. There are many methods to choose from, ranging from home remedies for stretch marks, to medical and cosmetic procedures. You will notice that every single one of these remedies also helps promote the overall health of your skin – the healthier your skin is, the better it can heal itself. Always consult your doctor before undergoing any treatment, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
Home Remedies to Remove Stretch Marks
* Time – Stretch marks, like all types of scarring fade over time.
* Retin-A (Tretinoin) – 0.1% Tretinoin creams have been shown to significantly reduce the appearance of stretch marks in a study published in the May 1996 Archives of Dermatology. See your doctor for a prescription. These creams work best when used on fresh stretch marks. WARNING: Do not use tretinoin treatments if you are pregnant of breast feeding as the active ingredient may be passed to the unborn child or the breast milk.
* Vick’s Vapor Rub Exfoliate daily – use a loofah or scrunchy to remove daily.
* Vic’s Vapor Rub – Many people have reported success using Vic’s Vapor rub by applying it to a washcloth or paper towel and rubbing it forcefully into the scarred skin on a nightly basis for a few weeks.
* Increase Circulation – by taking hot baths and massaging the areas regularly.
* Tanning – Go sunbathing! Tanning can diminish and even eliminate minor stretch marks. Be sure to use sun screen. (For information on Tanning, learn the guide to Tanning)
* Vitamin E Gel Vitamin E Gel – Break open vitamin E capsules and rub the oil into the skin over the stretch marks daily for 2 weeks.
* Unstretch the skin – After the skin returns to its normal, unstretched size, stretch marks often become nearly invisible.
* Stretch Mark Creams and Lotions – Using stretch mark creams and stretch mark lotions that heal and beautify your skin can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The following ingredients are widely accepted as beneficial for this purpose:
o Cocoa butter
o Rose hip oil
o Emu oil
o Jojoba oil
o Cocoa butter
o Vitamin E Cream
o Castor oil
o Shea butter
o Vitamin A
o Vitamin E
o Vitamin C
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