Stretch marks: How to minimize them

 Stretch marks, also call striae, are a direct result in the tearing of the dermis. I know us ladies get them as our skin stretches during pregnancy. About 75-90% of women get them anywhere from the six month to full term. However, we are not alone. Men and women alike get them during puberty, weight loss/gain, and muscle growth. When you first get them, they are a purple color and will show up anywhere where there is an excess of fat deposits. Most likely the stomach, arms, legs, and breasts. You will notice that they turn into a silver color when they begin to fade out. Many people say that getting stretch marks depends on your genetics. If that were so, I wouldn't have any. Fact is, keeping your skin hydrated and watching your weight gain has a lot to do with it. I had no stretch marks until the last week of my first pregnancy. The result was a look as though some one took a rake to my abdomen. I was embarrassed to do anything that showed my stomach for years. After my third child, I had enough.

When you go out to purchase the ingredients for the mixture, remember to buy all natural ingredients. You will also want to buy a loofah, the one that is initially coarse, but after wetting becomes soft.These are the ingredients.

1. Shea Butter-Evens skin tone, rich in vitamin A, E, and F, restores elasticity, hydrates, softens and protects.
2. Olive oil-Soften and smooths skin, maintains elasticity, restores skin.
3. Lavender oil-antiseptic, & anti fungal
4. Peppermint oil-nourishes dull skin (DO NOT USE PEPPERMINT OIL WHILE PREGNANT!)

When picking out the Shea butter, use the one that is almost 100% pure Shea. Any EVOO will work for the olive oil and the lavender and peppermint should have droppers. Mix them together as follows:

• 3 tbsp of shea butter
• 5 tbsp of olive oil
• 5 drops of lavender oil
• 5 drops of peppermint

When you shower, use the loofah to help exfoliate in the areas you have stretch marks. Once you get out apply the mixture all over or just spot treat. Use it once or twice a day. I would start twice a day at first. Once you see them begin to diminish, you can continue with just once a day.

 I have three children, and it showed. I walked around for 9 years searching high and low for something to take away these stretch marks. I tried everything, everything promised to completely disappear these marks, and they lied. So I did some research, and tried it on myself. Once you get stretch marks, they will never completely go away. Well, unless you want to pay thousands of dollars on some medical procedure. However the mixture I put together has made a difference. After about 4 weeks, I noticed my scars were lighter. After about two months, they are not only lighter, but smoother and less noticeable. I still use if everyday and I love the smell. I am not exactly bikini ready yet, but I'm on my way.