Stretch marks can be embarrassing and painful at times. The sooner you start at treating them, the easier it is to get rid of them. Stretch marks are mainly found in the abdominal wall, but can also occur over the thighs, upper arms, buttocks and breasts. Aloe Vera is a well known plant that has been in usage for a very, very long time, dating back to first being mentioned as a medical plant in Roman History and Ayurveda. Aloe vera is effective with stretch marks, compared to other commercial products or homemade recipes. Here is how you can use it for treating stretch marks or making it less prominent:
ALOE VERA WRAP
Apply a generous amount of fresh aloe vera gel to the stretch marks and gently massage the area in circular motions for 5 to 10 minutes. Wrap the area with a thin, cotton cloth. Using a hot water bottle or a heating pad, apply some heat to the affected area for at least a half an hour. Repeat this process daily for a minimum of one month to notice positive results.
OVERNIGHT TREATMENT
Make a mixture with one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel, oil from 10 vitamin E capsules and at tbsp of coconut oil. Rub this mixture onto the skin until fully absorbed before bedtime. Repeat this every night until see visible results.
ALOE VERA COFFEE MASK
You need Aloe vera gel or juice, coffee grounds, warm towel or cloth, water and olive oil. Mix a sufficient amount of ground coffee and fresh aloe vera gel into a paste. Apply this aloe vera-coffee paste on stretch marks and spread it evenly. Massage it gently for 3 – 5 minutes and let it sit for about 15 – 20 minutes. Use a warm towel or cloth to wipe it off. Finally rinse with water and apply olive oil after pat drying.
HOMEMADE ALOE MOISTURIZER
This homemade moisturizer helps in lightening the existing stretch marks. You only need 3 ingredients- Aloe vera gel, olive oil and wheat oil. Simply stir equal quantities of aloe vera gel, olive oil and wheat oil in a small bowl. Pour this in an airtight container. Leave overnight and apply this on the stretch marks.
ALOE VERA AND LEMON MASK
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and helps exfoliate skin too. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 2 tablespoon of Aloe vera gel and apply it on stretch marks. Leave it for drying and then wash with normal water. Wipe the area dry and apply a moisturizer generously.
MASSAGE OIL
You will need ½ cup aloe vera pulp, 4 teaspoons almond oil, 1 tablespoon jojoba oil and 3 teaspoons honey. To make the massage oil you firstly need to whip the aloe vera gel so that there are no lumps. When done, add the honey, jojoba oil and almond oil and continue stirring until the whole mixture becomes a compact gel-oil. Use it to massage your concerned area for 15 minutes and wash it off after 10 minutes.