“Your body is not ruined. You are a tigress who has earned her stripes.”

Stretch marks are the most natural thing in the world, and nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, I find them absolutely beautiful as they are proof that you've brought life into this world. And even if they aren't a result of pregnancy, they tell a story of who you are, and what you've endured. They are your victory marks, and you should embrace them. 

Don't pay heed to those who like to criticize or point fingers while you live your life, so comfortable in your body, without a care in the world. Don't stop living your life on your own terms, enjoying it to the fullest, just because it makes some people uncomfortable. 

Don't let them make you insecure, because stretch marks are completely normal to have. In fact, almost everyone gets them at some point in their lives and there is nothing much you can do about it. 

However, taking a few preventive measures to avoid getting them won't hurt. If it makes you more comfortable and more confident, taking a few steps to minimize their appearance is completely fine. 

So if you want to find out more about stretch marks and how you can avoid them, read on to find out!

So Why Do We Get Stretch Marks?

Our skin is quite elastic and develops each day, forming new layers and providing for our body, but if for any reason it starts growing at a faster rate it results in stretched skin which leaves different kinds of marks on your body commonly known as stretch marks. There are many reasons that can cause stretch marks to form, a few of which are:

• Puberty
• Pregnancy
• Weight gain
• Muscle development

Are There Different Types Of Stretch Marks?

Most people get confused when they first notice different colored lines on their bodies. So to make it easy for your stretch marks come in different colors: pink, red, purple, and white. 

At the end of the day, we should just remember that stretch marks are nothing to be worried about, they are a result of your body’s natural growth and development.

However, it’s completely okay if you want to reduce their appearance. The red and pink ones are the freshest so they are easy to reduce and get rid of. While the white ones are older ones and are quite difficult to remove and are mostly done by undergoing a laser surgery.

Ways To Avoid Stretch Marks

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been proven to be a great natural remedy, especially to treat cellulite. With nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, it helps to reduce inflammation and restores the pH level of your skin.

Ways to Use:

• You can incorporate a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in your favorite drink to avoid any future stretch marks.
•  Mix the vinegar in a one-to-one ratio with water and apply directly on your pre-existing stretch marks to reduce their appearance.

Sugar Scrub

Exfoliating and moisturizing your body is the key to preventing stretch marks and what better way to do that than to use a homemade DIY sugar scrub.  Sugar has been proven great for exfoliating and softening the deep layers of the skin while avocado oil moisturizes and promotes collagen production making this duo perfect for avoiding any future stretch marks.

Ingredients:

1 cup of brown sugar 

3 tablespoons of avocado oil 

Directions:

1. Mix both of the ingredients in a bowl until it forms a sandy texture.
2.  Rub it in your skin for 5-8 minutes.
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
4. Rinse off with warm water.

Natural Butters

No, we are not talking about the butter we use to spread on our toast. We are talking about organic and natural butters like shea and cocoa butter. They are great for restoring moisture and hydrating your skin. They help your skin to naturally prevent any stretch marks and fade out any that already exist.

Directions:

1. Take a generous amount of butter and massage it into your skin
2. Use gentle circular motions to increase circulation.
3. Do it every once a week to prevent stretch marks.

Body Massage

Massage is something you don't know you need until you get it. Taking you to a state of absolute bliss, you don't want it to stop. Like ever. Getting a massage increases blood circulation in your entire body, stimulates collagen production and provides nutrients where they are needed the most. Using the Leovard Oil Fusion for your massage is the best thing you could do. With its concoction of flaxseed, green tea, grapeseed, and sweet almond oil, it hydrates and heals your skin within its deep layers, making it perfect for replenishing your body and avoiding stretch marks.

Taking Vitamins

The most important steps to avoid stretch marks is to promote the synthesis of collagen in your body and keeping the skin hydrated. For that, vitamins are literally your best friends. Especially vitamins A and E. These two vitamins work together to naturally restore the collagen fibers in your skin making your skin look flawless (not that stretch marks are a flaw of any sort!)

You can take pills or incorporate vitamin A and E-rich foods which are mostly nuts including sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts. These are not only great for your skin but also your overall health.

Diet

Incorporating foods that are rich in omega 3 and fatty acids, which may include fish, chia seeds, hemp seeds, egg yolks, avocado, and walnuts, help your skin to reach its natural capacity to heal itself much quicker than usual. This not only helps your skin to reduce its pre-existing stretch marks but also prevents the ones which are trying to sneak in.

Take Away

The so-called “perfect” image of women painted by artists and sculptors is not really perfect. Or real. Because real is everything but. It is having messy hair, marks, scars, and acne. It is being “flawed”, and still being absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. 

So why are you still hung up on what someone said about something so natural like your stretch marks? Looking at yourself in the mirror each morning, pointing out all your “flaws”? 

Because you need to remember that your flaws and imperfections are what really make you unique. Perfectly unique.

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