Cocoa Butter for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, which are medically referred to as striae, are areas of the skin that appear like lines, bands, or stripes. These occur due to the rapid stretching of the upper layer of the skin within a short time.

This could be due to rapid weight gain or weight loss. Usually, these marks disappear (not completely) on their own with time. However, the healing process is slow and most people prefer some kind of quick treatment to improve the appearance of the skin.

In recent times, the fat derived from cocoa beans has been promoted as a natural skin care product for improving the texture of the skin and getting rid of stretch marks. Cocoa butter is not only an inexpensive option for reducing the marks, but it is also a natural formulation.

Thus, as people are becoming concerned about applying strong chemicals on the skin and their long-term side effects, many of them are turning towards more natural options like cocoa butter, as the side effects are minimal, even if it is applied for a long period.

The cream is thought to be effective for reducing any type of stretch mark, which can develop due to rapid weight loss, sudden weight gain, and/or pregnancy. It contains high amounts of antioxidants, which are responsible for fighting against the adverse effects of free radicals on the skin.

The butter neutralizes the damaging effects of free radicals on skin cells, thereby preventing the signs of premature aging such as stretch marks and wrinkles. In addition, it is rich in beneficial vitamins and minerals, which are useful for improving the skin color and texture. Thus, it aids in reducing striae and other skin problems.

Not all of the creams that are available in the market might be safe and effective. Hence, in order to select the best, one needs to gather information about the various brands and search for the one that has many satisfied customers.

Some of the tips and advantages for using such creams to reduce the ugly marks are:

• Take the cream in your palm and massage it over the affected area for about 5 - 10 minutes.
• With proper massaging, it penetrates deep into the skin, which results in faster healing of the marks.

• Being a good moisturizer and lubricant, it aids in increasing the skin elasticity, which is an essential factor for improving skin health.
• For existing striae, apply it along with other skin healing ingredients, such as olive oil and creams that are rich in vitamin E and vitamin A.
• To get better results, apply it over the affected area several times a day.

Lastly, remember to check the label of the cream for other ingredients. Instead of taking a risk by selecting any unknown beauty product, it is best to take an expert's advice. Hence, if you are not sure about which product to use, you can always consult a qualified dermatologist.

Disclaimer: This  story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.