Although stretch marks don’t pose any threat yet it’s a matter of appearance for many people. Try rose petals and olive oil for stretch marks with this article.
The Mayo Clinic defines stretch marks as indented streaks that often appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks, and thighs. They are caused when the skin fibers rupture when stretched beyond their elastic capacity. They can vary in width, color, and intensity.
The newly formed stretch marks are itchy, pink in color, and slightly raised. Scratching the itchy skin damages the skin further. Over time, they become flatter and lighter in color. They are commonly seen on the distended bellies of pregnant women.
Causes of stretch marks
- The stretching of the skin causes stretch marks, and their severity depends on your genetic propensity, degree of stress on the skin, and the cortisone levels in your body. Cortisone hormone produced by the adrenal glands in your body weakens the elastic fibers in your skin.
- Females have a higher risk of developing stretch marks. Pregnancy is one of the main reasons, along with other reasons such as
- obesity
- rapid gain or loss of weight
- steroid medications
- breast augmentation surgery
- slimming diets
- anorexia nervosa
- pubertal growth spurt,
- having Cushing’s syndrome, Marfan syndrome, chronic liver disease, and certain other genetic disorders.
- They are neither painful nor harmful but pose a cosmetic problem. Several treatment modalities make them appear less noticeable, but none can entirely remove them. Some home remedies are useful in making them lighter and less apparent.
Rose petals and olive oil for stretch marks
- Pick the petals of three red roses. Crush and bruise them. Pour 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil into a glass bottle. Add the petals to the bottle and stir well so that the petals are coated with the oil. Bring water to a boil in a wide vessel and then turn off the flame. Cover the bottle and place it in the water and let it remain until the water cools down. Remove the bottle and leave it for 24 hours for the essence of the petals to seep into the oil further. Then sieve the petals out of the oil. The oil is now ready for use. You can also use dried rose petals. This oil stays good for at least a month.
- Massage the oil into your skin for about 10 minutes. Leave it for 20 minutes or overnight and wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this once or twice a day for two months to see results.
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which boost skin health. Rose petals have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that soothe and heal the skin. They moisturize and hydrate your skin, making it look younger. They also contain vitamin C, which improves complexion, and vitamin E that stimulates collagen production. Rose is a skin cleanser and helps maintain the ph levels of your skin. The combined nourishing and healing properties of rose petals and olive oil help repair your skin and lighten the stretch marks.
Precautions
Do a patch test to rule out any allergic reaction before you use the oil.
Consult a doctor before using the oil if you have any pre-existing skin conditions.
Other Rome remedies
1. Sugar or Coffee Granules
Mix 1 cup sugar with 1/4 cup almond or coconut oil. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice. Gently scrub the affected areas for a few minutes and wash off with water. You can mix coffee granules with coconut oil to form a scrubbing paste.
2. Aloe Vera Gel
Apply fresh aloe Vera gel on the stretch marks and leave it for 20 minutes once a day, and then wash it off with water.
3. Cocoa Butter
Massage cocoa butter on the skin before bed time and leave it overnight. Bath the following morning, follow this routine for a month or two.
4. Lemon Juice
Use a mixture of turmeric powder, lemon juice, and coconut oil on the stretch marks. This should fade the stretch marks to a negligible level. Additionally, a mixture of lemon juice and cucumber juice helps heal, soothe and lighten stretch marks.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils like bitter almond oil, Argan oil, lavender oil, pomegranate, and neroli oils diluted with mild carrier oils can help fade stretch marks when used for topical massage.
6. Castor and Coconut Oil
Castor oil and coconut oil massaged regularly on the affected skin helps moisturize, lighten, and heal your skin.
Conclusion
- Medical treatments include topical creams, laser therapy, needling, cosmetic surgery, and microdermabrasion.
- Prevention of stretch marks is better than treating it. The best way is to maintain an ideal weight and consult your doctor on the ways to prevent them or reduce their appearance when you are pregnant.