Ayurvedic Remedies to Reduce Pregnancy Stretch Marks Naturally

Prevention is better than cure. With the onset of pregnancy, in areas where there is a high possibility of stretch marks, if the woman applies sesame oil 10 minutes before bathing, then stretching marks will not appear on the skin. Sesame oil improves skin quality. For better results, the following oils can be used for application on the upper abdomen, both sides of the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and breast areas -

• Mix sesame oil + almond oil in equal quantities. This will prevent stretch marks as well as improve skin tone.
• Mix 100 ml sesame oil + 5 grams turmeric. Heat it on low flame for 2 minutes. Now stop heating it. Now keep this mixture in an airtight container. It is very useful for people with skin problems.
• Mix 100 ml Sesame Oil + 10 ml Kunkumadi Tailam. Very good for improving skin complexion and curing skin diseases.
• Nalpamaradi Oil – A readymade oil available in the market for skin diseases. Very good for preventing stretch marks.
• Jojoba Oil is very useful for good skin health.

The following formulations below are useful for prevention and treatment purposes of stretching. As these are safe for external application during pregnancy. However, consult your doctors before using them.

(Read more – Stretch Marks on Breasts)

• Prepare a thin decoction with Khedira (Acacia catechu) and use it for bathing daily. 
• Mix 10 grams of neem, 10 grams of manjistha (rubia cordifolia) and 10 grams of tulsi (holy basil) with 1 liter of oil and boil it till the oil reduces to 500 ml. Now strain this mixture. This liquid is used for irrigation on the breast and abdomen. Or add 25 grams of the mixture to it while taking a tub bath.

In case of severe itching, a mixture of finely powdered sandalwood, neem and khedira (acacia catechu) is applied on these lesions. You can prepare a thick paste by adding a small amount of water to this mixture. Any one of the following medicinal pastes can be applied on the stretch mark area:

• Fine paste of sandalwood and ushera (vetiver).
• Oil prepared from the leaves of karvera (nerium indicum) and karanja (pongamia pinnata).
• Fine paste of stem bark of Shrisha (Albizia lebbeck), flowers of Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa), Sarshapa (Brassica juncea) and Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

• The diet should be sweet and light in nature. All Vata pacifying measures are encouraged. Regular application/ massage of medicated oils like Neem oil, Karanja oil or plain sesame oil is found to be beneficial.
• Fat and salt free or low intake is recommended. Frequent sipping of small quantities of lukewarm water is advised.
• Vitamin E rich foods - Sunflower seeds, almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, spinach, taro root, flaxseed oil, soybeans, pistachios, broccoli, carrots, chard, mustard and turnips, mangoes, nuts, papaya, pumpkin, red peppers etc.

(Read more - How To Take Care During Pregnancy)

Do not scratch the stretched area repeatedly. This worsens the stretch marks and may cause wounds that may leave white scars. Overall, if you apply a very thin layer of the above oil combinations then you can prevent the occurrence of stretch marks. If you already have these marks then some oral external application of herbal remedies can help you get rid of them. Avoid self-medication and consult your doctor.

(Read more - Diet during the first month of pregnancy)

Ayurvedic remedies can be very effective for removing stretch marks after pregnancy. Regular use of coconut oil, almond oil, and aloe vera gel moisturizes the skin and lightens stretch marks. Triphala and turmeric paste is also considered beneficial in Ayurveda, which regenerates skin cells and reduces blemishes. Apart from this, a mixture of Kumkumadi oil and honey is helpful in improving skin complexion and reducing marks. Along with these natural remedies, a balanced diet and hydration are also important so that the skin remains healthy and elastic. Regular massage and scrubbing can also improve the appearance of stretch marks.