Cellulite and stretch marks are a problem for every woman nowadays. Approximately 75-80% of women develop them either during pregnancy. Or during puberty during rapid weight gain or loss. So let's look at some quick facts about how and why stretch marks and cellulite develop. Find out how to remove stretch marks at home?
( Also read: Body lotion against stretch marks on the skin).
How does a scrub for stretch marks work?
Stretch marks (striae) are formed from tears in the elastic layers of the skin. Most often they appear during sudden weight gain (or weight loss). Skin that has lost its elasticity is especially susceptible to the appearance of stretch marks, which often happens due to poor blood circulation, lack of nutrition, and hydration.
Regular intensive peeling of the skin with scrub mixtures, both purchased and “our own production,” can restore firmness and turgor elasticity. Of course, it will not completely get rid of already formed scars, but it will significantly smooth them out in appearance and prevent further formation.
This effect occurs due to the effect of the scrub “microgranles” on the skin:
- gently but intensively cleanses the epidermis of keratinized scales;
- increases blood circulation in the skin, which promotes better nutrition and hydration;
- cell renewal increases the formation of elastin and collagen fibers in the epidermis;
- as a result of accelerated regeneration processes, scars from stretch marks become less noticeable.
Scrubbing properties
Homemade scrubs have a considerable number of invaluable benefits that not only eliminate cosmetic defects, but also significantly improve skin health:
- Cleansing the upper layers of the epidermis from dead skin cells.
- Gives a more natural tone to stretch marks.
- Stimulating collagen production in the area of stretch marks.
- Active renewal of the dermis.
- Increased skin tone, improved blood flow.
- Saturation of the skin with oxygen and active substances, in particular antioxidants, which will accelerate the healing of stretch marks.
- Protecting the skin from the negative influence of the external environment, giving it a soft and velvety effect.
Some types of scrubs help burn excess fat in problem areas. With frequent use, the first results can be seen after a few weeks.
How to prepare and use a scrub for stretch marks at home
Homemade scrubs for stretch marks are prepared using coffee grounds, salt and sugar. To effectively prepare and use a scrub at home, follow these rules:
- The scrub is used after washing. The skin must first be cleansed of dirt and sebum, thoroughly warmed, and moisturized.
- Hands with the composition massage the skin tissue. Places with stretch marks and orange peel are given a thorough massage. The skin should experience warmth and a rush of blood.
- The mass of homemade scrub is slightly warmed before use (the optimal temperature is slightly warmer than the body).
- The exposure time of the scrub is individual (depending on the reaction of the skin), from a couple of minutes to a full massage of 7-10 minutes.
- The mixture is washed off with warm water.
- It is recommended not to wash off the oily film formed from using a homemade oil-based scrub for stretch marks with soap. If necessary, clean skin is additionally wiped with a cloth or paper napkin.
After the cleansing procedure, it is recommended to moisturize the body with cream.
Tomatoes combined with sugar
Tomatoes also contain other beneficial substances:
- Sugar of natural origin;
- Organic acids;
- Vitamins belonging to group B;
- Lycopene;
- Carotene;
- Healthy dietary fiber;
- Minerals;
- Carbohydrates;
- Proteins;
- Vitamin A.
The vegetable is endowed with antioxidant properties. It helps slow down the aging process due to its high lycopene content. The organic acids contained in the vegetable take part in the regulation of the acid-base balance and reduce the risk of cancer.
Products made from tomatoes help improve the condition of the nervous system and normalize metabolism. They have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and diuretic effects. Scrub against stretch marks with tomato helps increase the strength of capillaries.
The preparation process is extremely simple:
- The tomato is cut in half.
- Vegetable pieces are soaked in sugar.
The resulting mass should be applied to the body for 20 minutes. It is washed off with enough warm water.
Top 8 popular homemade scrub recipes for stretch marks
Homemade scrub mixtures are made from natural ingredients. Therefore, they are many times more effective than finished cosmetic products.
Coffee and oils - against stretch marks
For 50 g of any vegetable oil, take an equal amount of coffee grounds. When mixed, a thick butter-coffee mixture is obtained. If desired, add a spoonful of sugar or sea salt to the classic recipe.
Coffee with pepper - down with stretch marks and cellulite
Mix equal parts coffee, honey, and a little oil base. Add ground red or black pepper to the cleansing mixture (no more than 0.5 teaspoon per 100 g). Pepper enhances the heating of skin tissue, eliminating stretch marks and cellulite.
"Salty Sugar"
A homemade scrub made from sugar and salt is effective for stretch marks. They are mixed in equal parts. Sour cream, vegetable oil or honey are added as a base. The consistency should be a creamy mixture that is easy to rub over the skin.
"Lemon coffee"
Lemon juice tones and brightens the skin, which helps smooth out stretch marks and make them less noticeable. To prepare a citrus scrub, add a little olive oil and 20-40 g of natural lemon juice to 50 g of coffee.
Instant coffee scrub
In the absence of natural grounds, coffee scrub for stretch marks is prepared from instant coffee powder or granules. Salt and instant coffee mixed in equal parts are added to 100 g of sour cream to form a thick cream scrub.
But such a mixture is less useful than when using natural ground beans, since in the production of a powder product, coffee loses a significant part of its beneficial nutrients.
Exfoliant mask “Honey Coffee”
Another name for scrub mixtures is exfoliant. The “Honey Coffee” mask will not only nourish the skin, but will also thoroughly cleanse away dead scales.
To prepare a honey-coffee exfoliant, mix honey and coffee grounds in equal parts. A small amount of sour cream or butter is added to the mixture. To get the effect of a mask, keep the composition on the skin for at least 10 minutes.
"Coffee clay"
Cosmetic clay stimulates the regeneration of epidermal cells and will be an effective “partner” in the fight against body skin imperfections. The peeling mixture is prepared by mixing equal amounts of clay and coffee grounds.
The resulting abrasive is brought to the consistency of sour cream with warm boiled water. If desired, add a little oil base to the “Coffee clay” (olive, flax, almond or wheat germ oils are excellent).
Honey and coffee wrap
Wrapping is a procedure of thermal influence on the deep layers of the skin. A mixture of olive oil, honey, coffee grounds, mixed in equal parts, is applied to problem areas of clean, dry skin. The body is wrapped on top with several layers of cling film.
It is necessary to prepare a place in the house to rest during the wrapping procedure. The chair or bed is covered with oilcloth, so as not to stain it with the composition of the mixture, with a clean sheet.
You will need a blanket to cover it so as not to freeze, since the composition must be kept on the body for 15-30 minutes. Then the film is removed, the honey-coffee scrub is washed off with massage movements, and the skin is moisturized.
To better warm up the deep layers of the skin, add a pinch of dried ginger or mustard powder to the peeling mixture for wrapping.
Purpose of the product
Coffee scrubs are recommended for use in cases of excess weight, cellulite, stretch marks, wrinkles, aging and aging skin, and clogged pores.
The main component of these products is caffeine. This natural substance has a beneficial effect on the skin in the following areas:
- Toning.
- Protection from external influences (in particular, from ultraviolet radiation).
- Cleanses pores from impurities and fat.
- Exfoliation of the stratum corneum (peeling).
- Stimulating blood circulation in order to speed up metabolism and break down the subcutaneous fat layer (anti-cellulite effect).
- Removal of excess fluid from cells. Elimination of fluid leads to an increase in the elasticity of the skin and a decrease in body volume in the buttocks and thighs.
- Smoothing effect (elimination of wrinkles, folds and stretch marks).
- Improvement of the overall appearance of the skin (smoothness, color, softness).
- Rejuvenating effect. Provided thanks to the natural antioxidants contained in caffeine.
- Strengthening the walls of blood vessels. Systematic use of the scrub helps strengthen blood vessels to prevent varicose veins.
To get proper results from using a coffee scrub, you must use only natural coffee. Soluble powders do not have the desired effect. Also, it is recommended to take only fine and medium grind coffee, since large particles can have a traumatic effect on the skin.
It is important to include substances that have a softening effect in the composition of the product, since caffeine itself has a drying effect. You can add oils, honey, yogurt, kefir, clay, etc. to caffeine.
For whom homemade scrubs for stretch marks are contraindicated?
Before using the homemade composition for stretch marks for the first time, a skin test is required. All-natural components can cause an allergic reaction, which will manifest itself as a rash, skin irritation, headache or deterioration in health.
Therefore, a pre-prepared body scrub for stretch marks is used on a small area and the reaction is monitored. If no negative symptoms occur, the composition can be used.
Homemade scrubs for stretch marks are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Where to buy and how much it costs
The product can be purchased at any cosmetic store or pharmacy - searching for it will not make it difficult for the buyer. Alternatively, you can order it online from the online store. The advantage of this method is the ability to read the characteristics of the models and reviews of people who have already experienced them. You can also find out which company is better by the product rating. The catalogs contain information about new products and promotions, by participating in which you can purchase a product cheaper than in a store. The cost of cellulite scrubs is very varied - you can purchase a high-quality model at a low price, and if opportunities allow, you can also purchase exclusive luxury cosmetics from a higher price category.
A full range of measures to get rid of stretch marks
A scrub for stretch marks and cellulite is only part of the necessary complex for restoring healthy skin. To restore elasticity and firmness to body tissues, the following procedures are used:
- Daily contrast douches in the morning.
- Massage of problem areas. Self-massage with your hands or using cosmetic cups is effective. It is necessary to carry out 10-15 procedures lasting from 5 to 20 minutes.
- Moisturizing and nourishing the skin with care products (creams, gels, body milk).
- In combination with regular use of a scrub, a set of procedures will prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin and significantly smooth out existing scars.
In the fight against stretch marks, peeling of problem areas plays an important role. Body scrub restores blood circulation, promotes rapid cell regeneration, scar healing, and skin rejuvenation.
Constantly using a scrub is necessary not only to get rid of stretch marks, but also for the normal functioning of the skin, maintaining its beauty and healthy, blooming appearance.
Question
Women tend to doubt everything and always. There is even an opinion that thanks to their doubts about simple truths, numerous discoveries occur.
But let's get back to our recipes. Despite the fact that scrubs are recognized by almost all cosmetologists as a fairly effective remedy, young ladies still have questions about their effectiveness.
Is it possible to scrub stretch marks?
Not only is it possible, but it is also necessary.
The strength of such treatments depends entirely on your skin type. If you naturally have delicate skin, then a light, gentle massage is suitable for you.
Some women can use a massage brush. But it is important not to overdo it.
After scrubbing, the skin should not be injured. Excessive zeal can be indicated by scratches on the epidermis. Alas, stretch marks will not disappear, and injured skin will remind you of itself for a long time.
Contraindications
The use of a scrub is not recommended if you have the following problems:
- Phlebeurysm.
- Thrombophlebitis.
- The presence of open wounds on the skin.
- Dermatological problems (rash, eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc.).
- Problems with the cardiovascular system. This limitation is due to the fact that coffee increases blood pressure even when used externally.
- Urological problems (cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis, etc.).
- Oncological diseases.
- Allergy.
