Even though stretch marks are not harmful to the body; they are not attractive either and they mare the appearance of the skin and give the skin an unhealthy look and feel.

Stretch marks forms when the skin is growing and expanding or when the skin is suddenly stretched; this forms long and narrow stripes or streaks called stria, on the skin.

Stretch marks can form on any part of the body like the stomach, thighs, arms, hips, breasts, butt, lower back, and upper arms; it is more common in women than men but it can appear in both sexes.

Pregnancy, obesity, puberty, weight loss are some of the causes of stretch marks; they make the skin expand and in most cases, the skin is unable to return to its original form.

Some medical conditions can cause stretch marks and they include Cushing’s syndrome and Marfan syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome makes the body produce a particular hormone that leads to a fragile skin and obesity (rapid weight gain).

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Marfan syndrome decreases the elasticity of the skin; these medical conditions cause stretch marks. A very common cause of stretch marks is the long-term use of corticosteroid lotions and creams; they reduce the amount of collagen in the skin.

Collagen is the main protein used in making skin and connective tissues; this protein strengthens the skin and makes it elastic, it guards against stretch marks and improves the appearance and quality of the skin.

Natural Remedies for Stretch marks

1. Egg Whites

The white part of eggs called the albumin is rich in proteins which maintain the skin; it also contains amino acids which help in keeping the skin healthy, and hydrated.

The number of eggs to use depends on the area of the skin covered with stretch marks; break the egg (s) and remove the yolks, and whip them very well.

Wash the affected place with water and pat it dry; apply the egg white to the place in layers till it forms a thick layer. The previous layers should dry properly before adding the next one.

Allow it to dry very well on the skin and then wash it off with cold water; you can apply olive oil or coconut oil on the skin to moisturize it. Do this daily and you will see a positive result.

2. Cocoa Butter

This is a powerful remedy for stretch marks; it moisturizes the skin and treats dryness, it makes the skin smooth. It can penetrate deep into the layers of the skin and repair damages and aids the growth of new skin cells.

Apply pure and unmixed cocoa butter to the affected area twice daily; do not wash it away and massage it gently till it is properly absorbed into the skin.

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3. Sugar Scrub

Sugar is a powerful skin exfoliant; it removes wastes, toxins and dead skin cells from the skin surface and it unclogs the pores, it improves the circulation of blood to the skin and hastens healing.

Add a few drops of almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice to a tablespoon of sugar and mix the ingredients properly to form a grainy paste. Use this to massage the area for 10 minutes and wash it off with warm water. Do this once daily.

4. Tea Tree Oil

This essential oil has the ability to fade scars and stretch marks; it heals the skin and gives it a healthy look and glow. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to one and a half teaspoon of either coconut olive or almond oil.

Use this mixture to massage the skin till it is fully absorbed. Don’t wash it off.

5. Lemon Juice

The high acid content of this citrus fruit helps it fights skin problems and fades scars including stretch marks; it heals the skin and improves complexion in a natural way.

Juice half or a large lemon depending on the size of the stretch marks; apply this juice to the area in circular motions, do this for 10 minutes so that the juice will be properly absorbed by the skin.

Let it dry before you rinse it off with warm water; you can crush cucumber, extract the juice and mix it with lemon juice to make it more effective. Do this daily.

SEE ALSO: Top Ten Health Benefits of Lemons and Medical Use

6. Coffee Scrub

Coffee contains a rich amount of caffeine; this can penetrate into the skin easily and burn fats under the skin, it also has a strong antioxidant property which fights free radicals and stops damage to the skin.

Make a thick paste with coffee grounds by mixing it with water; use this to scrub the affected area gently in a circular motion five times. Rinse with warm water and use almond oil or olive oil to moisturize the place.

7. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural skin exfoliant; it removes dead skin cells and waste and lightens scars and blemishes. Mix baking soda and lemon juice to form a thick paste.

Use it to gently scrub the area for 5 minutes in a circular motion and wash it off with warm water.

SEE ALSO: Top Ten Health Benefits of Watermelons for Your Body

8. Castor Oil

This is a popular home remedy for stretch marks; it has ricinoleic acid which helps in healing a plethora of skin problems, it hastens healing of the skin, it restores the skin to its original state and it fades scars and skin spots.

Warm castor oil mildly, pour it over the affected part and massage it lightly till it is well absorbed by the skin. This should take 15 to 20 minutes. Do this every day before going to bed.

9. Shea Butter

Original and unrefined Shea butter is a great remedy for stretch marks; it hydrates the skin and keeps inflammation at bay, it repairs damaged skin and keeps the skin healthy.

It restores the skin to its original state; it boosts the elasticity of the skin and makes the complexion even. Apply pure shea butter on the stretch marks and massage lightly till it penetrates deep into the skin.

Don’t wash it off and do this twice daily.

SEE ALSO: Ten Amazing Health Benefits of Cucumbers and Uses

10. Potato Juice

The juice of potato is rich in many vital nutrients that aid the growth of new skin cells and also helps in repairing a damaged skin. It restores the elasticity of the skin and protects it from skin problems.

Cut a small potato into thick pieces; take a piece and rub it gently on the marks for at least five minutes, make sure the juice covers the area. Let it dry and then you wash it off with lukewarm water.