Stretch marks are scars that are caused, as the name implies, by the stretching of skin. These pink, brown or purple marks, while not harmful, are unpleasant to look at.
Most of the available treatments can reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but will not completely get rid of them. Moisturizing the skin if there is a chance of developing stretch marks can help to prevent them. Coconut oil for stretch marks works by providing the moisture that the skin needs to maintain its shape and prevent discoloration.
While there are no known risks of using coconut oil for stretch marks, you should consult a doctor if you start to develop a rash or burning at the application site.
How Does Coconut Oil Get Rid of Stretch Marks?The fats in coconut oil are better skin moisturizers than any lotions or creams on the market. The antioxidants in this oil help to repair and heal the skin, which is important because stretch marks are actually scars. While they do not heal the scarring of stretch marks deep in the dermal layer of skin, they are effective in healing the epidermis (the outside, visible layer of skin) and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
To get the full benefits of coconut oil for eliminating stretch marks, you need to apply it to your skin after bathing while your skin is still somewhat damp. Apply a generous amount to whatever areas of your body are subject to stretch marks. For pregnant women, this of course includes the belly. For others, the arms, legs and buttocks might also be subject to stretching.
Coconut oil tends to harden at room temperature, but rubbing it in your hands will melt it. It is quickly absorbed into the skin, especially when it is massaged in. It is also good to spread on areas that might not be subject to stretch marks but simply need some extra moisture--like the bottoms of your feet and your elbows.
Dosage of Coconut Oil For Stretch MarksBecause coconut oil is all natural and has no side effects when used for stretch marks, there is no specific dose. Just apply as much as you would like every day. Some people recommend using it three times a day to both heal and prevent stretch marks. It will not work as well for old stretch marks as it will for new ones, but it still does not hurt to apply it to the skin.
Preventing stretch marks is better than having to try to get rid of them. If you do not have stretch marks, but know that you will be gaining and losing weight quickly due to pregnancy, diet or weight lifting, apply liberal amounts of coconut oil to the areas that might be affected. In this way, you can stop them from forming before they start.
Coconut oil is safe to use at any age. It is fine for internal or external use, and there are no concerns about risks when used while breastfeeding. In fact, coconut oil can be used to heal dry, chapped nipples.
Additional Help For Getting Rid of Stretch MarksEven though stretch marks are mostly a cosmetic problem, their appearance can be embarrassing and damaging to the self esteem for many people. If you know that you might be prone to getting stretch marks, it is a good idea to reduce your chances by controlling the amount of weight you lose and gain by moderating your diet and exercise routine.
Vitamin E contains antioxidants that, like the antioxidants in coconut oil, can be used to heal damaged skin. You can rub vitamin E oil on the affected areas to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. You can also take vitamin E capsules to help keep your skin in good condition.
One of the less common methods for getting rid of or preventing stretch marks involves the use of potatoes. While it may sound strange, potatoes are known to lighten skin, which can lessen the appearance of stretch marks and other scars. To use it, you have to crush a potato and use the potato and its juice. Apply the mixture to your skin using a cotton ball. Let it stay there for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
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