Natural remedies to fade stretch marks

Many women acquire stretch marks during and after pregnancy, or after rapidly gaining or losing weight. That said, stretch marks can affect people of all ages, whether male or female, teenagers or adults.

A stretch mark appears as a thin line with a different texture from the surrounding skin at first. Luckily, the majority of stretch marks will fade away on their own, with time. Even so, stretch marks are a beauty woe that plagues many. That explains why the Internet is full of “miracle” elixirs that promise to permanently get rid of stretch marks.

According to research, however, there is no secret substance that can cure stretch marks – at least not yet. However, some home cures can help them appear less noticeable and vanish more quickly. Here are some natural home remedies to try:

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has a long history of being used either topically or ingested for its healing properties. Its clear, bitter-tasting jelly can be applied straight to the skin to soothe and hydrate it. According to a 2018 study, aloe vera aids in the healing of burns and lesions on the skin. Stretch marks are a type of scarring caused by damaged skin, and aloe’s skin-repairing capabilities may aid in their prevention or disappearance. While there is not much clinical evidence that aloe vera can help with stretch marks, it helps soften and repair skin, so it is worth a shot. After you shower, apply pure aloe vera from a plant or an OTC product on your stretch marks.

Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil contains a number of well-known skin advantages. It hydrates the skin and helps maintain its protective barrier. Research has shown over and over that coconut oil is helpful for people with dry skin and some skin diseases. You will be happy to know the simple, easily-available coconut oil can also help you prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Simply massage virgin coconut oil into your skin after a shower. If you are pregnant, apply coconut oil on your belly and all over your body at least twice a day, immediately after showering.

Sugar Mask

Sugar, a simple ingredient that is found in almost every kitchen can help you prevent and fade the appearance of stretch marks. An excellent exfoliator, sugar is often used in microdermabrasion to slough off dead skin cells. To make a powerful sugar mask to fade stretch marks, mix half a cup of sugar with some almond or coconut oil. Mix the oil in slowly until you have what looks like wet beach sand. Gently rub the sugar and oil mixture over the part of your body where the stretch marks have formed. Leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Repeat two or three times a week for best results.

Egg Whites

Egg whites can help to rebuild stretched-out skin because of their amino acids and proteins. Using a fork, whisk two egg whites together. Apply the foamy whites to your skin, wait a few minutes for them to dry, and then rinse off. Apply a layer of moisturiser or olive oil on top. For best results, repeat this technique every day – or multiple times each week.

Baking Soda and Lemon

Baking soda is a natural exfoliator that comes in handy to prevent and fade stretch mark scars. On the other hand, lemon has bleaching capabilities that brighten the skin and eliminate dead skin cells, hence removing stretch marks. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda and half a lemon’s fresh juice and apply the mixture to the affected area. Cover the area with cling wrap and leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing. Repeat this once or twice a week for best results.

Potato Juice

Simple potato juice may be all you need to give ‘miracle’ stretch mark creams a run for their money. Potatoes are full of skin-lightening enzymes that assist in reducing the appearance of scars and imperfections on the skin. Potatoes also act as a whitening agent, allowing scars to heal and skin to glow. To use a potato on stretch mark scars, shred it finely and squeeze off the juice. After that, combine the juice and grated pulp and apply it to the stretch marks. Allow 30 minutes for drying before washing with cold water.

Olive Oil

Unassuming olive oil is another skincare marvel that may also help you combat the formation of stretch marks. Full of vitamins and antioxidants, regular application of olive oil not only moisturises your skin, but may also help fade unsightly stretch marks over time. Rub olive oil into your skin after a shower in the evening. Leave it on overnight or wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes with lukewarm water. Warming the olive oil before using it can also help to increase blood circulation.