Stretch marks, a type of scar known as striae, typically affect the abdomen, hips, thighs, and arms. They can also affect the buttocks, breasts, and other areas. The scars occur when the skin stretches rapidly due to growth or weight changes, such as during pregnancy.
Though striae are unsightly, they aren’t dangerous. However, stretch mark treatments generally come with side effects, and some are invasive. Fortunately, conventional treatments aren’t your only option; there are natural ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Here are 13 simple remedies for getting rid of stretch marks naturally…
Aloe Vera Gel
The gel from the aloe vera plant leaves contains glucomannan and gibberellin, which fade stretch marks. It also contains beneficial vitamins, minerals, and enzymes with antioxidant properties.
To reap aloe vera’s skin benefits, cut open a leaf from the plant, extract the gel, and apply it to your stretch marks. Apply twice a day for several weeks, massaging in the gel for one to two minutes.
Shea Butter
Raw shea butter, a fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, is another good stretch mark fighter. This is because it is rich in vitamins A and E and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Regular application of shea butter repairs damaged cells and keeps the skin healthy. Just massage it into the affected areas a few times a day. Over time, your stretch marks should become less noticeable.
Cocoa Butter
Widely used in the beauty, toiletries, and pharmaceutical industries, cocoa butter is known for being effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks, thanks to its antioxidants and high fatty acid content.
Cocoa butter is great to use during pregnancy and can be safely applied to the hips, breasts, stomach, and thighs. Apply to your skin twice a day, massaging the butter spherically until fully absorbed.
Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
Extra virgin olive oil is packed with nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants that benefit the skin and can help to remedy stretch marks and skin problems. Natural oil has anti-inflammatory properties, as well.
How to use olive oil for stretch marks:
1) In the mornings, warm some oil slightly and massage it onto your problem areas for a few minutes.
2) Leave it on.
3) Repeat the process in the evenings before bed.
Lemon Juice
Lemons aren’t only good for cooking; they have many applications, such as getting rid of stretch marks on the skin. The natural acidity of lemon juice is said to act on striae scars, reducing their prominence.
For this remedy, you need two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Apply the juice to the stretch marks in a circular motion and leave for 10 minutes. Then, rinse with warm water and apply a moisturizer.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is an ingredient in many skincare products. Why? Because it hydrates and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that nourish the skin and promote the healing of scars and stretch marks.
A simple way to get rid of stretch marks is to apply vitamin E oil directly to affected skin areas. The oil can easily be extracted from capsules that can be purchased in stores and online. Apply three times daily.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub contains eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil, cedar leaf oil, camphor, and petrolatum. These components work together to moisturize skin and reduce the visibility of stretch marks.
If you have VapoRub and cling wrap at home, massage the Rub into your stretch marks for a minute or two before covering the area with cling wrap. Leave overnight. Do this every night until the marks fade.
Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate is a common kitchen staple but can also be used on the skin for stretch mark reduction. It works because it exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin layers. This lightens stretch marks.
Baking soda can be combined with body wash in the shower. All you need is a teaspoon of each, mixed together in a washcloth. Move away from the shower spray, scrub gently using the cloth, and then rinse off.
Coffee Scrub
Yup, coffee combats stretch marks. When applied to the skin, the caffeine stimulates blood flow, which helps with cell regeneration. The coffee’s rough texture exfoliates and removes dead skin cells.
Mix coffee grounds with water to make a paste. Scrub this well over the area you are targeting in a gentle, circular motion for five minutes (do this once daily). Rinse with warm water and moisturize.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid and acetic acid. These two compounds work to repair cells in and around stretch marks. They serve as lightening agents that make unsightly marks less noticeable.
The apple cider vinegar remedy for stretch marks is one of the simplest and easiest. It involves pouring a cup of ACV into a spray bottle and spritzing it on your stretch marks every night before bed. Let it air-dry.
Turmeric
Turmeric is well known for its benefits to the body, one of which is the reduction of stretch marks. The fragrant spice is bursting with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties.
Get rid of stretch marks using turmeric by mixing the spice (1 tsp) with yogurt or fresh cream (1 tsp) and applying the paste where needed twice a day. Let it dry for 15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
Argan Oil
If you haven’t heard of argan oil, know this: It’s great for hair and skin. It has antioxidant properties and is rich in vitamin E. This makes it an excellent healer/nourisher that diminishes scars and stretch marks.
Organic argan oil can be purchased online and in stores. It is easy to apply. Just massage a little into your stretch marks for a minute and allow them to dry. Apply twice daily over several weeks to get results.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid, a chemical compound commonly used in skincare products, increases skin collagen. This adds elasticity and improves overall skin health, softening the look of stretch marks and scars.
The chemical is available in liquid form. Apply it to the affected area and let it dry, repeating this before bed daily.
Caution: Avoid sun exposure after applications, as your skin may burn easily.
