One of the biggest worries for expectant mothers is the possibility of stretch marks on their bodies. These marks develop rather quickly and remain for a very long time. Post-delivery, most women begin their search for a permanent solution to get rid of stretch marks. And it is not just expectant mothers who should be worried about stretch marks. In fact, everyone is susceptible to it.
What are stretch marks?
The skin is a very elastic and flexible organ. It can easily adapt to minor stretches and pulls without leaving any visible sign of stretch. This is because it contains Collagen, a protein, which makes our skin elastic and gives it stretchiness. Stretch marks are usually caused when our skin is stretched beyond its holding point.
Why do stretch marks appear?
For some reason, if our skin is stretched beyond a limit and that too quickly, then the collagen is unable to bring back the skin to its original status, hence causing stretch marks. They begin as a thin red or purple coloured line; which sometimes have a slightly different texture than the adjoining skin. Over time their colour fades but the stretch marks do not fully disappear. Eventually, these marks look like scars that are lighter in colour and also a bit shiny in appearance.
Prominent causes of stretch marks are:
- Rapid physical growth especially during puberty.
- The rapid growth of the belly during pregnancy
- Rapid weight gain or loss.
- Rapid muscle growth due to an intense weight training program
- In all the above cases, our skin is unable to return to its original state thus leaving behind stretch marks.
Can stretch marks be removed?
Currently, there is no proven remedy to remove stretch marks. However, there are remedies available to reduce their visible impact. There is medical as well as natural remedies that one can try to reduce their distinctness from the adjoining skin.
Is castor oil better for managing stretch marks?
Extracted from the seeds of the Castor plant, Castor oil is considered to be an excellent skin moisturiser besides being an emulsifier, anticaking agent, conditioner and cleanser. It is rich in mono-saturated fats (good fats) which help it to maintain the skin’s moisture and texture. Simply apply cold-pressed extra-virgin Castor oil every day to the stretch marks and gently massage it. Over time you would find that the marks slowly fading and the skin reverting to its original colour.
Unfortunately, this is a time-consuming affair and results may vary from person to person. Precautions to be taken with castor oil Castor seeds contain a toxic chemical called Ricin. But fortunately, when the seeds are cold- pressed to extract their oil, Ricin is eliminated. Hence, it is always recommended that only cold-pressed castor oil be used to get rid of stretch marks. Unlike in the hot-pressed method used in commercial oil extraction, the cold-pressed method eliminated Ricin but retains other beneficial compounds!
Camia Castor Oil is one of the best available solutions to get rid of stretch marks the natural way. These oils are USDA-certified organic, cold-pressed and procured from sustainable sources through fair trade practices. They are also free from silicone, hexane, parabens, sulphates and phthalates.
So, if you already have stretch marks or fear that you may develop them anytime soon, undoubtedly your best bet is Camia organic cold pressed Castor Oil.
