A common problem for both men and women, stretch marks are stubborn and tend to have an effect on people’s confidence. Whether it’s due to pregnancy or sudden weight gain, this is one beauty woe that can be commonly seen on the waist, thighs, lower backs, hips, breasts, arms, and buttocks.
Stretch marks are permanent, but they can become less apparent with proper care and treatment. You can try a few easy home remedies for stretch marks to fade stretch marks and reduce their appearance
After child birth, it is normal to have stretch marks in your abdominal area due to sudden weight loss. They certainly can be annoying but the good news is that you don’t have to live with them forever. While there are many chemical creams and other treatments to reduce them, nothing beats natural remedies with no side effects.
They usually appear and are more prominent on thighs, forearms, waist, funnily (and frustratingly) enough, the parts worthy for in some skin show in summers. Stretch marks can really bring you down and keep you from wearing sleeveless and short dresses, which you don’t want. If you are fed up of the unsightly scars and are looking for some quick remedies to remove stretch marks, we have just the solution for you!
Nowadays, people mostly end up resorting to various beauty treatments to get rid of stretch marks. Now, if you have stretch marks, you probably wish they’d go away there are a number of natural remedies that you can follow.
In order to steer clear of the harmful side-effects, one can bring to use some effective home remedies. There are various natural products that can help reduce stretch marks and lighten them if not make them disappear completely. However, it requires a regular skin care programme and strict discipline.
Chances are that you would like to reduce your stretch marks, despite them being praised as “tiger stripes” or “stripes of honor”. Although there are no proven treatments to completely remove them, there are several natural remedies that can help you reduce their appearance.
Here are some extremely effective home remedies that can minimize the appearance of stretch marks and help them to lighten quickly.
Home Remedies for Stretch Marks
Argan oil
Vitamin E enriched Argan oil increases the elasticity of the skin and rubbing it on the stretch marks might heal the broken tissues gradually making the marks fade.
Aloe Vera For Stretch Marks
Aloe vera acts as a natural healing agent. You can use this to treat your stretch marks. To use this remedy, you need to remove the outer layer of the aloe vera leaf and take out the sticky gel from the inside of the leaf.
Massage the gel on the skin and let it stay for 20-40 minutes. After this wash off with water.
You can even use coconut oil and aloe vera gel together to remove stretch marks. First, take a bowl and add two tablespoons of virgin coconut oil.
Next, add freshly extracted aloe vera gel and mix well. Now, apply a small amount of mixture on the stretch marks. For best results, you can apply it daily.
Cocoa Butter
The use of cocoa butter helps reduce stretch marks and I have seen that if used during and after pregnancy it makes the stretch marks disappear completely. The best time to use cocoa butter is at night, so massage it well into the skin and over a period of time you will find the stretch marks reducing and fading away.
Vitamin A
Retinoids have been known to remove stretch marks and give you youthful skin. Vitamin A, retinol, helps repair the skin cells and makes the skin softer and younger-looking, and that is the reason why it is widely used in many skin care creams and lotions. Intake or use of Vitamin A can help make the skin firmer and fade away the stretch marks.
How to get rid of stretch marks permanently, you ask? Consume Vitamin A orally or extract the vitamin A oil from the capsule and apply it on the affected areas every night before hitting the sack. Also, you can include Vitamin A rich foods in your meal to heal the skin quicker such as milk, eggs, green leafy vegetables, tomato etc.
Take Vitamin C
Vitamin C is really helpful, when it comes to treating stretch marks, as it helps to boost collagen. Collagen plays an important role in keeping the skin tight and elastic. Fruits that are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, should be consumed regularly.
Egg White
Egg white is very good for skin as it is rich in amino acids and protein. It will not only lighten the stretch marks but will also cause skin tightening.
Topical Retinoids
More research is needed to conclusively determine the effect of retinoids on stretch marks. But a 1996 study did find that tretinoin significantly improved the appearance of early, active stretch marks after two months of application.
Over-the-counter retinoids are associated with a few common side effects. If you decide to try a topical treatment at home, follow these steps:
Apply it every other night at first, until your skin’s tolerance develops.
If your skin feels irritated, apply it less often; if your skin is not irritated, apply it every night.
Wear sunscreen every day.
If your skin begins to peel or turns red, the retinoid may not be suitable for your skin.
Sweet Almond and Coconut Oils
Nut oils, such as sweet almond and coconut oils, are nourishing moisturizers which penetrate into the skin and provide an occlusive skin barrier.[5] As mentioned above, sweet almond oil together with aloe vera has been shown to have an effect on the itching of stretch marks.[1] Therefore, applying them individually or together may especially benefit fresh stretch marks.
That’s why many effective stretch mark treatments, such as Mederma® Quick Dry Oil, contain these ingredients!
Castor Oil
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid and other ingredients that have a skin-conditioning (emollient) effect (3). This may help improve the appearance of stretch marks.
You Will Need
1-2 tablespoons of castor oil (cold-pressed)
What You Have To Do
- Massage the castor oil onto the affected area.
- Leave it on overnight and wash off the next day.
How Often You Need To Do This
Every day before going to bed.
Cucumber and Lemon Juice
The natural acidity in lemon juice works as a regulator on the skin and brings it to heal properly, and cucumber leaves a cool effect on it. Apply a mixture of both lime and cucumber juice in equal parts and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Potato juice
Potatoes contain starch and other skin lighting enzymes which is why they are often used to lighten dark circles, spots and blemishes from the skin. It bleaches the skin and effectively reduces the visibility of stretch marks when applied regularly.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural exfoliant. It removes the dead skin cells and thus removes stretch marks whereas lemon has bleaching properties that lighten the skin. The mixture of baking soda and lemon juice is an effective and quick way to remove stretch marks.
To make a pack, all you need is one tablespoon of baking soda, fresh juice of half a lemon and cling wrap. Mix both the ingredients well and apply them on stretch marks.
After applying it to the stretch marks, cover it with the cling wrap and then rinse it off after 20 minutes.
Apricot Mask and Oil
Apricots have great exfoliating tendencies, which make them very effective when it comes to healing stretch marks. Take 2-3 apricots, cut them and take out the seeds. Crush the fruit into a paste and apply this mask on the stretch mark affected areas and leave it on for 15 minutes. Using warm water, wash it off and then repeat the process every day for a month to see results. Pure apricot oil has skin rejuvenating properties and therefore helps in reducing stretch marks. Massage onto the skin with some lemon juice for effective results.
Sugar
Sugar is an excellent ingredient for homeopathic microdermabrasion. Since microdermabrasion is one of the most effective and dermatologist approved methods to lighten the stretch marks, you can employ a homemade sugar scrub to deal with the pesky stretch marks at home.
Exfoliating the areas with a natural scrub made of sugar help regulate the blood flow in the area and also speed up the healing capacity of the skin. Mix 1 tablespoon of sugar and few drops of Vitamin E oil or any essential oil to make a paste, and exfoliate with it in a circular motion for a few minutes before rinsing.
Apply Olive Oil
Certainly, olive oil is one of the best and easily available products that can be used to remove stretch marks. Olive oil is rich in vitamin E, and this skin-nourishing agent helps to fade away the scars easily.
Also, if you have developed stretch marks post-pregnancy, we do have some ways to tackle the problem!
Hyaluronic Acid
Maybe it’s good genes, maybe it’s… hyaluronic acid!
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that gives skin that plump, hydrated, youthful look. It’s also believed to stimulate the production of collagen.
Collagen is a protein that, among other things, supports your skin’s structure and elasticity. But your body produces less and less collagen over time, and research has shown that lower levels of this protein can result in the formation of wrinkles and — you guessed it — stretch marks.
Some studies have shown that collagen supplements may improve hydration and elasticity. But there isn’t definitive proof that increasing your collagen intake will lessen or prevent stretch marks.
If you don’t want to commit to collagen capsules or powder, you can try boosting your levels by eating more chicken or egg whites.
For a topical solution, buy a hyaluronic acid cream (though hyaluronic acid is also available in pill form).
Argan Oil
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree and contains the antioxidants vitamins A and E, and fatty acids. It can be taken orally or topically, and its positive effect on skin elasticity when applied directly to the skin was shown in a study in 2016.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This remedy has no scientific backing. ACV is a popular home remedy, and anecdotal evidence states that it can help improve a lot of skin issues, including stretch marks.
You Will Need
- ½ cup diluted apple cider vinegar
- Spray bottle
What You Have To Do
- Pour the diluted ACV in a spray bottle.
- Spray it on the affected area before going to bed.
- Let it dry. Leave it overnight.
How Often You Need To Do This
Every day before going to bed.
Nourishing Skin Mask
Over my 20 years of experience in beauty, I have seen the incredible effect of the following nourishing mask in reducing stretch marks
2 egg yolks, beaten
Juice of one lemon
2tsp oatmeal
2tsp almond paste
Enough milk to mix to a smooth paste
Method: Mix all the ingredients well and apply on the marks and let it dry completely. Wash off with cold water while scrubbing gently. This should be done on alternate days.
Tea Tree Oil
You know tea tree oil as a remedy to get rid of acne and heal acne scars, but it can do more than that. It can help remove any type of skin scarring, including stretch marks, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Also, regular use of tea tree oil prevents the occurrence of stubborn marks.
Treat your skin with tea tree oil to make your stretch marks less visible over time. Another simple home-made treatment to get rid of stretch marks is to mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a half teaspoon of olive oil and massage the oil gently all over the stretch marks. You can also add some coconut oil or vitamin E oil into it. Leave it on all night and wash off the next day.
Rosehip Oil
Rose bushes aren’t just pretty. When their blooms die on the plant, they leave behind tiny edible fruits. These fruits, called rose hips, can be used to create tea or oil.
Since rose hips contain vitamins A and C, there’s anecdotal evidence that they may help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. But there’s little scientific evidence to support that claim, aside from a 2013 study.
The trial showed that rosehip oil was more effective than a placebo at reducing the severity of new stretch marks on pregnant women with existing stretch marks.
Try applying rosehip oil as a moisturizer or directly onto your stretch marks.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is used as an astringent and is a traditional remedy to soothe the skin. It is also touted to reduce the prominence of post-pregnancy stretch marks. However, there is no research to support this statement.
You Will Need
- 1-2 tablespoons of witch hazel
- ½ cup distilled water
- Spray bottle
What You Have To Do
- Dilute the witch hazel with distilled water.
- Pour it into a spray bottle.
- Spray it on the affected area and let it dry.
- Wash it off after 15 minutes and moisturize the area.
How Often You Need To Do This
2 times a day.
Glycolic Acid
You might be oblivious to this skincare ingredient but let us tell you that it does a stellar job at making the stretch marks disappear for good. Not a very popular but an effective method to remove stretch marks is to apply glycolic acid on them. It is natural fruit acid known as AHA, which moisturises the skin and boosts collagen, thus treating the stretch marks and making them less visible. For women who have pigmented stretch marks, like red or purple, this can help you big time.
It is safe for pregnant women and is easily available in the market. Apply a small amount of glycolic acid over the stretch marks at night before going to bed and wash it in the morning. Avoid going out in sun with this acid on your skin, since when exposed to sunlight, it can cause sunburn and thus is suitable to be applied in the night time.
Vaseline
Petroleum jelly is occlusive. This means that it prevents moisture loss when applied to the skin. This can help in maintaining the hydration levels of your skin.
You Will Need
Vaseline petroleum jelly
What You Have To Do
- Take a dollop of the petroleum jelly (depending on the area you are applying it to).
- Massage it onto the affected area and leave it on overnight.
How Often You Need To Do This
Once every day.
Turmeric
Turmeric has therapeutic effects, whether it is taken orally or applied topically (9). However, there is no scientific evidence that it helps fade stretch marks. You may use it with any emollient for added skin benefits.
You Will Need
- ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1-2 tablespoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix the turmeric powder in coconut oil.
- Massage it onto your stretch marks (be careful as it might stain your clothes).
- Let it stay for at least half an hour.
- Wash off with water.
How Often You Need To Do This
Once every day.
