Out of all the crazy things you find on your body, stretch marks are sure to make the list. Zebra stripes, battle scars, lightning bolts, thunder marks … call them if you wish but it’s no doubt that stretch marks are completely natural and reflect the physical changes of our body! Here are 7 natural remedies on how to remove stretch marks and cellulite.
Why Do You Have Stretch Marks?
There are many different ways stretch marks could appear and each varies from person to person. It can be due to fast muscle growth, puberty, weight gain or loss, or even genetics.
We all know that our skin is the biggest organ in our body, but it is also the stretchiest. We get stretch marks when the skin is stretching itself at a very quick rate. When you are going through physical changes in your body, the dermis layer of your skin starts to tear which causes those faint, yet visible lines that decorate our skin.
Stretch marks can come in four faint colors: pink, red, white, or purple depending on the skin type. When you notice pink or purple colored marks, this indicates that the stretch marks are still fresh, or earlier on in its development. This offers a good window of time to start applying topical treatments like creams and oils to help lessen the appearance by restoring moisture and elasticity back into the skin.
Why Do You Have Cellulite?
Believe it or not, cellulite and stretch marks are completely different conditions of the body.
As opposed to stretch marks, which are broken skin tissue, cellulite is fat cells stored underneath the skin’s surface. They look like small and lumpy dimples clustered together.
Aside from the appearance, both cellulite and stretch marks are not painful and don’t lead to additional symptoms that may harm your health.
7 Natural Remedies
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
There are many benefits to Apple Cider Vinegar, and combating cellulite is one of those benefits. The vinegar contains essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium to help detox the body and reduce excess fluid retention.
There are two ways to treat your cellulite with ACV: drinking and applying.
If you choose to drink, mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a cup of warm water and drink five minutes before a meal, three times a day.
If you choose to apply, mix together a one-to-one ratio of apple cider vinegar and water and directly dab the solution to the cellulite or stretch marks, and wrap with a plastic or saran wrap. Take a warm towel and place it over the area with the mixture. Keep the towel steady against the area for thirty minutes to an hour. Afterward, remove the wrap and rinse off.
2. Sugar Scrub
Sugar has been clinically proven to be a natural micro-dermabrasion ingredient, so rubbing sugar onto your skin will exfoliate away all the dead skin cells. We love using brown sugar as the granules are softer, while still acting as a great physical exfoliant.
Ingredients:
One cup Brown sugar
Half a Lemon (juiced)
A dash of Avocado oil
Directions:
- Add all ingredients into a bowl and mix until well combined.
- Scoop some mixture into your hands and rub onto the area with stretch marks or cellulite for 8-10 minutes.
- Wash off and moisturize your skin for a silky smooth and hydrated texture.
- Repeat this several times a week.
3. Coffee Scrub
Another scrub with exfoliating properties is the coffee scrub. Like the name, this scrub contains coffee has natural antioxidant properties. It is also good for stimulating blood flow and circulation, as well as aiding in cell regeneration and tightening of the skin. Try adding some cinnamon, which is another ingredient high in antioxidants that not only helps fight inflammation, but it also soothes the skin.
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon Ground cinnamon
2 Tablespoons Brown sugar
2 tablespoons Coffee grounds
2 tablespoons Coconut oil
Directions:
- Add all ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir until well combined,
- Scoop some mixture into your hands and rub onto the area with stretch marks or cellulite for 8-10 minutes.
- Wash off and moisturize your skin.
- Repeat this several times a week.
4. Olive Oil and Egg Whites
Egg whites are notorious for possessing numerous skin repairing benefits because they contain vitamins, minerals, and collagen. It can help with lightening discolorations on the skin, as well as tighten the skin to reduce stretch marks or cellulite. On top of that, olive oil contains vitamins A, C, and E, which are essential to promoting stimulation of collagen production in the skin.
After separating the yolk and the whites from one egg, take the egg white and apply it to the affected area of your skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes then use a damp towel to wipe away the egg whites. Take a small amount of olive oil and massage the same area for ten minutes. Do this repeatedly every night to restore moisture into the skin and reduce stretch marks from forming.
5. Coconut Oil
Since stretch marks are scarring from skin damage, coconut oil helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite and promote healing. Coconut oil contains natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which helps reduce the time for skin wounds to heal.
Simply massage a small amount of virgin coconut oil onto areas of concern on your skin every night before you go to bed.
6. Vitamins A & E
Sometimes the best way to treat skin problems is a real dose of vitamins. In this case, vitamins A and E work together to produce more color genes in the skin, as well as stimulating collagen production to repair skin elasticity. You can find vitamins A & E in your local drugstore or pharmacy as topical oils or oral supplements. For the topical oils, directly apply to the skin with stretch marks and cellulite and massage into the skin twice daily. For best results, apply after taking a shower.
7. Diet
It’s great to promote skin health from the inside out, so focus on eating foods with natural fatty acids to repair your skin. Foods such as salmon, tuna, cod-liver oil, chia seeds, walnuts, avocado, spinach, olive oils, and eggs are filled with omega-3 fatty acids that help speed up the repair process and keep your skin glowing and smooth.
Of course, these are only a few tips to helping your stretch marks and cellulite. Just remind yourself stretch marks and cellulite are natural marks on your body so it doesn’t hurt to embrace them as a part of you.
For more tips on reducing stretch marks, check out our full video: How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks! 7 Natural Ways + 4 Pressure Points
