Reducing stretch marks...natural oils that work

First of all.... What the heck are they?!?!

Stretch marks are visible scars that are formed (internally first) when the skin cannot endure the over-stretching and the elastin (which helps the skin stretch) and collagen fibers (which provide strength) reach a certain capacity. As a result, tiny tears begin to show up on the top layer of the skin.

They can occur on both men and women and typically appear after rapid weight gain or loss, muscle building, pregnancy, adolescence, and/or when other hormonal (internal) changes happen to the body.

While stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, they usually appear in locations where the body stores more fat..... stomach area, breasts, arms, thighs, hips, and butt.

During the 7 months of prepping for my competition, I lost over 30lbs!

Yes, the results were nice, but I also started to notice I was getting stretch marks around my lower back & sides, arms and chest area.

So, me being the “Google Queen” that I am... Immediately started doing some research on products and/or remedies that could help reduce or get rid of them.

And in doing so, found 2 natural oils I call my “Miracle Workers”..... b/c I promise (I don’t swear) my stretch marks started disappearing ...

No lie!!!

~ Coconut oil and Castor oil mixed together ~

AMAZING benefits.... I still use it 2x a day, in the morning and at night!

Not only did they help with my stretch marks, but the overall health of my skin...

I started to notice my skin evening out and a brighter glow.... 

No Lie!!!

So that led me to do a little more research on the benefits of both oils and I found out.....

“Coconut Oil is extracted from the nut of the Coconut Palm tree. When the oil is derived from fresh coconut, without going through any chemical processing or bleaching, it is called Virgin Coconut Oil.

An important fatty acid in Virgin Coconut Oil known as lauric acid has been found to have anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities that can be used both externally and internally.

Studies have also shown that Coconut Oil may help with hair problems, skin infections, stress, imbalanced cholesterol levels, weakened immune system, digestive problems, kidney problems, cardiovascular diseases, low blood pressure, diabetes, muscular strain, and rheumatoid arthritis. Enhance thyroid production, as well as fights fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, tapeworms, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, lice and other infections and parasites.

It is also known to help with the absorption of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in the body which enhances physical performance, endurance and boosts energy levels”

“Castor Oil is a very pale yellow liquid that is extracted from castor seeds (Ricinus Communis). It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant oil which has been used for centuries for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. It is believed that most of castor oil's benefits are derived from its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids.

Castor Oil has been used both internally and externally for thousands of years due to its many wonderful health benefits. Since it can strengthen the immune system, castor oil is considered a great remedy to treat the following major illnesses and ailments:

~Multiple Sclerosis
~Parkinson's Disease
~Cerebral Palsy
~Hair loss
~Pain from Arthritis and Rheumatism

It has also been found to help with many everyday problems such as:

~Yeast Infections
~Constipation
~Gastrointestinal Problems
~Menstrual Disorders
~Migraines
~Acne
~Sunburn
~Athlete's Foot
~Ringworm
~Skin Abrasions
~Inflammation

Along with the oils..... I also believe exercising, the food I was eating and the amount of water I was drinking played a huge part.

Vitamins and minerals are the key!

You want to eat fruits and vegetables with vitamin A~ which is essential for repair of skin tissue.

Foods rich in vitamin B such as: eggs, bananas, and rice.

Foods rich in Niacin~ a B vitamin that enables the skin to keep moisture such as: poultry, fish, beef, nuts and seeds.

Foods rich in vitamin C~ play a big role in collagen production.

Foods rich in vitamin E such as: blueberries, avocados, mangoes, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and certain oils, all are believed to strengthen the skin’s elasticity.

I was eating foods high in protein, antioxidants and vitamin A, C & E such as: egg whites, chicken, fish, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, brown rice, & flax oil, and drinking a gallon (or more) of water a day!

As the saying goes…. You are what you eat!!!

Water plays a huge part b/c internal moisturizing is just as important as any oil or cream you apply externally.

Liquids such as coffee, tea and/or caffeinated sodas all act as a diuretic which releases moisture from the body.

You have to hydrate the body and skin!