What are stretch
marks and why do we get them?
Stretch marks are white or purple lines made of distension,
which is in fact the tearing of the dermis, the versatile middle stratum that
keeps the shape of the skin. The tearing is triggered by the pulling that
happens with accelerated development of any kind. Examples include weight gain, pregnancy,
quick muscle growth, post-puberty growth spurts and other speedy transformations
that cause the skin to lose its elasticity.
Although our skin is elastic and adaptable to many changes,
stretch marks are inevitable for many. If you've been pregnant and you have
them, you're in good company. About 90% of women will get them sometime after
their sixth or seventh month of pregnancy, according to the American Academy of
Dermatology. If your mother had stretch marks, then you're more likely to have
them too, since genetics plays a role.
Are there any ways to
decrease the appearance of stretch marks?
Yes! Believe it or not some of the most effective ways to
get rid of your stretch marks are by using the simplest ingredients which you
can easily get from the market.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup olive or almond oil
- 10-15 drops your favorite essential oil, if you need it to smell pretty (I like orange, or sandalwood for something a little more manly)
Combine all the ingredients in a double boiler or small
saucepan over medium heat.
Heat until everything is melted.
Pour into another bowl and let cool for a good hour (in the
fridge if you're in a hurry), or until the oils are just starting to consider
re-solidifying (this is important - you won't be able to whip it up if they're
still too liquid).
When the oil mixture is starting to solidify around the
edges, start beating with a hand mixer. Continue for a few more minutes, or
until it looks kinda like whipped cream, forming stiff peaks.
Transfer to a jar or other storage. Should keep for a long
while.
Note that the measurements don't need to be exact. Since I
was dealing with solid oils, I just eyeballed them rather than doing water
displacement and all that. It won't explode if the ratios aren't perfect.
Make sure the shea butter and coconut oil are not adulterated, apply to the affected parts 2 times daily preferably after bath.
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