Research-backed
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There are many changes that a woman’s body goes through after giving birth to a child. One of the most common and visible change is the appearance of stretch marks in various parts of the body. The stomach, breasts, thighs, and hips are generally the most likely to be affected areas.
Applying a good moisturizer during the time of pregnancy can surely minimize the appearance of stretch marks after childbirth. This is an effective way to protect the skin, but you cannot prevent the marks completely. A woman’s skin stretches a lot during her term and it loses its elasticity, giving rise to some or many stretch marks.
Although they are not painful, they can sometimes be unsightly. But do not worry, ladies, there is a natural way of getting rid of them! Just include a few food items in your everyday diet and you too can tackle these rigid marks.
Read on for some home remedies to reduce stretch marks!
1. Oranges
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This juicy delight is rich in vitamin C, which helps in maintaining the skin elasticity and slows down aging (1). It also repairs the skin, thereby making marks fade. Plus, eating an orange can surely elevate your mood! That zingy taste in your mouth will brighten your day.
2. Milk
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Milk is one of the common home remedies recommended to new moms for stretch marks. It has calcium, protein, and vitamin E, which together enhance the production of collagen, which is responsible for tightening the skin.
3. Dates
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Dates are a good source of iron, which helps in increasing the hemoglobin in the blood and also increases the blood flow to the skin cells (2). Eating these little dark delights will tighten your skin and also reduce the marks naturally.
4. Sweet Potato
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Packed with potassium, magnesium, and iron, sweet potatoes make a great remedy for fighting the stretch marks. They also happen to be rich in beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in our body – a nutrient that is excellent for the skin (3).
5. Egg
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These oval wonders are rich in various proteins and fatty acids. All of which help you maintain the moisture in your skin cells, and also tighten the pores, thus maintaining the smoothness and tightness of the skin.
Boil it, scramble it or make an omelet – they make a good and sumptuous breakfast!
6. Avocado
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Avocados are rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. It helps in the creation of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for the firmness of the skin (4).
You can eat this buttery fruit as it is or can add a pinch of salt to enhance its taste. A dash of lemon juice on it will definitely wake those sleeping taste buds.
7. Water
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There’s nothing like good old water. Probably the easiest home remedy for healthy skin is water. This simple yet effective way hydrates your skin and improves blood circulation.
Besides, it can help if you are breastfeeding your child. Water helps increase the milk flow evenly to the breasts.
While your moisturizer takes care of your skin externally, these home remedies will repair it from the inside. These seven foods are easily available almost everywhere and are easy on the pocket too. They are not only good for the skin but also very healthy for a lactating mother. Another advantage of these foods is that either they can be consumed as they are or some, like eggs, need minimum cooking.
Please remember that your skin has gone through a lot of changes and it will take time to repair as well. So, give these home remedies a little time and bid those stretch marks adieu!
