Stretch marks, those visible lines on the skin, occur when a person gains weight quickly or when the body changes shape. The two most common instances when stretch marks occur are during puberty and pregnancy. You can usually find these off-color streaks on the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. With time, stretch marks fade and appear almost white in color.
Because stretch marks are a type of scarring, it isn’t possible to completely get rid of them. However, there are many ways you can improve their appearance. The good news is, most remedies are natural and you can find the ingredients right in your kitchen.
Aloe Vera
Pure aloe vera naturally softens skin and has healing properties that make it an effective treatment for skin problems. You can apply aloe vera onto the stretch marks and leave it there for 15 minutes, then gently rinse off. Do this daily for maximum results.
Lemon Juice
This natural bleaching agent will reduce the appearance of stretch marks thanks to its acidic and exfoliating properties. Lemon juice works in two ways by reducing thickness in skin and lightening scars. Similar to aloe vera, apply fresh lemon juice to your stretch marks. Allow it to soak for roughly ten minutes before rinsing it off.
Castor Oil
Here’s a natural remedy you’re likely very familiar with: castor oil. Prized for its hair thickening and skin moisturizing capabilities, castor oil has become a staple in many beauty regimens. You can use castor oil for a number of skin conditions, including wrinkles, age spots and even stretch marks. Just apply a small amount to the stretch mark in circular motions and leave it for 15-20 minutes. For faster results, apply a heating pad.
Coconut Oil
Thanks to its healing properties, coconut oil has been touted for treating various skin conditions. If you apply coconut oil to your stretch marks on a daily basis, you may see its appearance slowly fade away.
Sugar Scrub
Sugar may not be an ingredient you want to put into your body, but it’s certainly one of the better remedies for treating stretch marks. This microdermabrasion treatment is clinically proven to make stretch marks fade away. Use a homemade sugar scrub that consists of 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 tablespoon cane sugar and 1/2 tablespoon oil. This acts as an exfoliate, so you should only use it 1-2 times a week due to the large sugar crystals.
Other Treatments for Stretch Marks
Natural homemade remedies are the simplest and most affordable way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but let’s assume you want faster, more effective results. Dermatologists often recommend the use of a fractional laser, which is well known for getting rid of dark spots.
Microneedling with radio frequency is also a very popular option to improve stretch by up to 60%.
Finally, there’s prescription retinoid, which stimulates new collagen production. You should see a significant improvement within months, but this method is not advised for pregnant women.