3 Easy Ways to Use Turmeric for Stretch Marks

Quick Answer: How to Use Turmeric for Stretch Marks

Turmeric may treat stretch marks when combined with coconut oil or lemon juice. It may be used with curd, buttermilk, or malai for unsightly pregnancy stretch marks. Turmeric with lemon juice and saffron or sandalwood powder and gooseberry juice or 5-6 tablets of soluble vitamin C may lighten stretch marks. However, it may be necessary to do a patch test to avoid allergic reactions.

Striae or stretch marks are indented streaks that are red, pink or purple in color and appear on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, upper arms and breasts.

They slowly turn to gray or white over time and fade away (not fully though).

The appearance varies depends on the type of skin, where they occur and how long they have been there. Stretch marks are a common occurrence on the abdomen of pregnant women during the latter months.

There are various treatments that can fade away stretch marks but they will not completely be removed.

As the term suggests, stretch marks are caused due to stretched skin and an increase in the hormone cortisone which the adrenal glands produce. Cortisone makes the elastic skin fibers lose their strength.

Apart from pregnancy, overweight people, uses of corticosteroid medications and some diseases can cause stretch marks.

They are harmless and do not need to be treated unless for cosmetic purposes.

Turmeric Benefits for Stretch Marks

There are different treatments available to improve the appearance of stretch marks like OTC creams, herbal remedies, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion.

I have personally tried using OTC creams of various kinds, they do remove these marks but only temporarily, they come back again as they were.

I changed several brands, but no use. Some of these treatments are expensive. Instead, using alternative medicine like certain oils, herbal creams and vitamins can improve the condition and not cost too much. Turmeric is one of them.

If you are new to turmeric, read a quick into here.

If you are a regular reader on my portal or know about turmeric, curcumin is a chemical compound found in turmeric, it is also one of the most useful and health-promoting active ingredients in turmeric.

This is said to make sure the cell membranes function well and are able to resist infections. It is able to act on the proteins in the membranes directly and therefore change their physical properties.

Being an antioxidant, curcumin is able to help the body fight free radicals that cause infections. Hence, turmeric can be used for a variety of medical conditions – both externally and internally.

Turmeric for Pregnancy Stretch Marks

This is one of the most common reasons for stretch marks. If you have received stretch marks due to pregnancy, then soon after pregnancy, try to lose weight and use some creams to reduce the appearance of these marks.

Turmeric has many medicinal uses and has been used for beauty treatment by women in many Asian countries. What is more, it is inexpensive, easily available and can be used to treat stretch marks.

Simply crush dried turmeric root into chunks, mix with water and apply the paste on stretch marks several times till the marks disappear.

Here are some other herbal remedies using turmeric. I would like to mention that I have not used all of them personally.

But there seems to be absolutely no harm in trying as they are fully herbal and made of absolutely safe ingredients.

Turmeric + Lemon juice for Stretch Marks

Turmeric combined with lemon or cucumber juice is very good for any pigmentation. Just apply on the affected areas and leave for 15 minutes before washing off.

With regular use, the skin will regain its true color.

For unsightly pregnancy stretch marks, you can combine turmeric and curd, buttermilk or malai (Cream), and rub this paste on your stomach and waist. Wait for a few minutes and wash off.

For unsightly pregnancy stretch marks, you can combine turmeric and curd, buttermilk or malai (Cream) and rub this paste on your stomach and waist. Wait for a few minutes and wash off.

Turmeric + coconut oil for Stretch Marks

No direct scientific studies are linking the combination of coconut oil and turmeric to a reduction in stretch marks.

The benefits listed are based on the properties of turmeric and coconut oil and experience.

A review showed that coconut oil might speed healing time, increase collagen synthesis, brightens and moisturize the skin.

Turmeric has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and wound healing properties.

In addition, curcumin may enhance the synthesis of collagen. These properties of turmeric and coconut oil may help heal stretch marks.

Turmeric powder combined with coconut oil is also a good remedy for pregnancy stretch marks.

½ teaspoon of turmeric powder may be mixed with one tablespoon of coconut oil, applied to the affected area, let it stay for 1 hour, and then washed with normal water.

You can also improve your skin’s elasticity by regularly rubbing creams made with natural extracts like apricot, lemon, and turmeric.

Starting treatment for stretch marks when they initially appear will reduce their vividness.

Turmeric + lemon juice + saffron for Stretch Marks

Turmeric, saffron and lemon juice can be combined to lighten stretch marks and maintain healthy cell membranes.

Other ways to use turmeric for pregnancy stretch marks is to crush 5-6 tablets of vitamin C (soluble variety), mix in few drops of water and add turmeric powder (one pinch) and apply on stretch marks.

Sandalwood powder, gooseberry juice, and turmeric powder can also be made into a paste and applied on any type of scar.

This used over time will lighten the scars.

While most of these remedies using turmeric address pregnancy stretch marks, they can be used for stretch marks which appear due to other reasons also.

It is important that stretch marks are not allowed to grow old. Treating them at once can make them fade quickly. I did this mistake of waiting too long before doing anything about them.

Thus whatever treatment I take now, the effect seems to be temporary. You should not do the same mistake.

How to use Turmeric and Honey for Stretch Marks

Honey is a natural product rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

The topical application of honey may help in wound healing due to its bactericidal, antioxidant properties, and increased collagen synthesis.

The topical application of turmeric has a profound wound healing capacity due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition, it may have effective moisturizing properties.

Therefore, turmeric and honey together may help with lightening and healing stretch marks by nourishing the skin and healing wounds.

Apply a paste of turmeric and honey over the affected area. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Turmeric Oil for Stretch Marks?

Turmeric oil is extracted from the rhizome of the turmeric plant and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it may help moisturize the skin and promote elasticity.

Turmeric oil may also be used for healing stretch marks. It is very easy to use.

However, it may have to be diluted with a carrier oil, including coconut oil. 2 tablespoons of coconut oil may be mixed with a teaspoon of turmeric oil.

Massage turmeric-carrier oil for 2-3 minutes on the affected area half an hour before bath and then wash it off. Use regularly to remove stretch marks.

Turmeric Dosage

Dosage does not apply in case of stretch marks as one has to apply turmeric on these marks directly. But taking turmeric is anyways good for your health.

The best way to take turmeric is as a spice and part of the diet. Around 3-4 gms of turmeric powder, a day is fine.

If you cannot take the powder and want to take supplements, ensure they are made by a reputed manufacturer since some herbal supplements contain chemical preservatives.

Here is my detail article on turmeric dosage based on which form you take it.

Also, do not forget to add black pepper in diet while taking turmeric. This enhances the absorption of turmeric in the body and gives the best results.

Precautions

It is safe to use turmeric in food and externally as a paste on stretch marks during pregnancy. Otherwise pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised not to use turmeric supplements during this time.

It could cause a menstrual period and uterine contractions that could harm the pregnancy.

It could cause a menstrual period and uterine contractions that could harm the pregnancy.

On the practical side, turmeric stains skin and clothes.

Always use old clothes when using turmeric paste.  To get rid of the yellowish tinge on the skin, you can dip cotton balls in a mild facial toner and rub them on the affected areas.

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