Home Remedies For Stretch Marks
Moisturization is key to improving skin elasticity. Studies have found that keeping the skin moisturized using oils and emollients can help prevent stretch marks (2), (3). The remedies discussed below can help keep the skin moisturized, thus preventing and fading stretch marks. Note: There is no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of any of the remedies for stretch marks. As these remedies are based on anecdotal evidence, not everyone may achieve the same results. Hence, it is best to consult a doctor before opting for any of these methods.
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is traditionally used as a skin moisturizer (4). It may help to keep your skin moisturized and prevent stretch marks. 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil 2 times every day.
2. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter has a moisturizing effect on the skin, although one study found that it had no significant impact on reducing stretch marks. Several formulas of ointments for stretch marks containing shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E showed conflicting results. While they proved to be useful in some cases, they did not show any improvement in the others (2).
½ cup of cocoa butter ¼ cup shea butter 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil 1 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil
2 times every day.
3. 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. 1-2 tablespoons of castor oil (cold-pressed) Every day before going to bed.
4. Shea Butter
Shea butter is a natural emollient (2). Hence, it can keep your skin moisturized. This moisturizing effect may help improve the appearance of stretch marks over time. You can use shea butter in combination with cocoa butter or by itself. ½ cup of shea butter Every day before going to bed.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has moisturizing properties and promotes collagen development (4). This property of aloe vera may help to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil
2 times every day.
6. Vick VapoRub
As per anecdotal evidence from beauty bloggers who have tried this remedy, Vicks VapoRub can help fade stretch marks. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that Vicks VapoRub works for stretch marks. Avoid use if you have sensitive or broken skin.
Vicks VapoRub Cling wrap
Once every day until you see results.
7. 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.
½ cup diluted apple cider vinegar Spray bottle
Every day before going to bed.
8. Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and can keep the skin moisturized and soften it. However, studies have found it ineffective in reducing stretch marks (2). But you can use olive oil to keep your skin moisturized and improve skin health. 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil Every day before going to bed.
9. Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps to stabilize the skin barrier and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It also helps to keep the skin soft (2). 4-5 vitamin E capsules Once every day.
10. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is often touted as a popular remedy to fade stretch marks. Anecdotal evidence claims that it may help fade scars as it appears to have a bleaching effect on them. However, there is no scientific proof supporting the efficacy of lemon juice for stretch marks. Note: Avoid exposing your skin to the sun after applying lemon juice. Also, do not try this remedy if you have sensitive skin.
1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons of water (to dilute it)
2 times a day.
11. 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.
1-2 tablespoons of witch hazel ½ cup distilled water Spray bottle
2 times a day.
12. Vaseline
Petroleum jelly is occlusive. This means that it prevents moisture loss when applied to the skin (5). This can help in maintaining the hydration levels of your skin. Vaseline petroleum jelly Once every day.
13. Coffee Scrub
The granular texture of coffee grounds has an exfoliating effect on the skin. It is believed that exfoliation may make the skin smooth and fade scars. However, there is no scientific proof that scrubbing might help treat stretch marks.
1-2 tablespoons of coffee grounds 1-2 teaspoons of shea butter
Once daily.
14. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular home remedy and is mostly used for its exfoliating effects. It is believed to fade stretch marks by exfoliating the dead skin cells on the surface. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Additionally, some believe using baking soda on the skin can damage the skin as it is abrasive. Consult your dermatologist for more clarity in this regard.
½ teaspoon of baking soda Juice of half a lemon Cling wrap
2 times a week. Note: If you develop skin irritation, stop using this remedy, and consult a dermatologist.
15. Baby Oil
Baby oil is nothing but mineral oil. A study states that mineral oil helps improve skin softness by reducing water loss (6). Any baby oil Every day before going to bed.
16. Breast Milk
Anecdotal evidence suggests that women who tried applying breast milk on their stretch marks during the postnatal period found it to be effective in fading them. 2-3 tablespoons of breast milk 1-2 times daily.
17. Almond Oil
Almond oil contains vitamins D and E. It helps to maintain the elasticity of the skin by keeping it moisturized (2). 1-2 tablespoons of almond oil 1-2 times every day.
18. Sugar Scrub
Exfoliation is not enough to fade stretch marks and there is no proof that scrubbing the stretch marks can help fade your scars. However, since scrubbing is a way of exfoliating and stimulating the skin to shed dead cells and promote the development of new ones, you may try it out.
1 tablespoon of granulated sugar 1-2 teaspoons of almond or coconut oil
Once daily.
19. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is beneficial for wound healing and improving skin infection (7). However, there is no research to determine whether it can reduce stretch marks or not.
2-3 drops of tea tree oil 1-2 tablespoon of any carrier oil (use almond, coconut or olive)
Note: Use tea tree oil only if you are not allergic to it. Do a patch test to determine if it suits your skin. Once daily.
20. Argan Oil
Applying argan oil improves skin elasticity and hydration levels (8). This helps to keep your skin healthy and may fade stretch marks gradually. 1-2 tablespoons of cold-pressed argan oil Once every day.
21. 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.
½ teaspoon of turmeric powder 1-2 tablespoon of coconut oil
Once every day.
22. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is not an oil but a wax ester. It keeps the skin soft by moisturizing it (10). You may try using it to keep your scars moisturized and fade them naturally. 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil Once every day.
23. Rosehip Seed Oil
Applying rosehip seed oil protects your skin from inflammation and reduces oxidative stress (11). These properties may help keep your skin healthy and fade stretch marks. Rosehip seed oil Once daily.
24. Cucumber and Lemon Juice
Cucumber juice has a cooling effect when applied to the skin. Lemon is said to have a bleaching effect, which is why it is used in traditional remedies to brighten the skin.
Juice of half a cucumber A tablespoon of diluted lemon juice
Once every day.
25. Apricot Oil
Apricot oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids (12). It helps to keep the skin moisturized and soft. This may eventually help in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. 1-2 tablespoons of apricot oil Once every day.
26. Emu Oil
Emu oil has moisturizing properties (13). It can also penetrate the stratum corneum (topmost layer of the skin) easily. Rat studies show that emu oil can reduce inflammation and promote collagen synthesis (14). Hence, it may help moisturize your skin and minimize the appearance of stretch marks. As it may cause skin irritation, do a patch test. ½ teaspoon of refined emu oil Once every day.
27. Aspirin
This is another popular remedy that has no scientific proof. Anecdotal evidence claims that aspirin can fade stubborn stretch marks.
2-3 aspirin tablets (no softgels) 1 tablespoon of warm water
Once daily. Note: Do a patch test to check for sensitivity.
28. Egg White
Egg white is another popular home remedy that lacks scientific backing. It is thought to make the stretch marks less noticeable with time. The whites of two eggs 2 times a day.
29. Potato Juice
Potato juice is widely used in home remedies and DIY masks to lighten the skin tone. Hence, it may help lighten the stretch marks and reduce their appearance. 1 potato 1-2 times every day. If you want to try other treatment options, you can consult a dermatologist. The dermatologist may suggest options, such as:
Microdermabrasion (15) Microneedling (16) Microneedling RF Laser Therapy (17) Tretinoin and other topical creams (18) Chemical peeling Platelet-rich plasma therapy
You get stretch marks when your skin is overstretched. Several risk factors may overstretch your skin.
Who Is At Risk Of Developing Stretch Marks?
Factors that make you vulnerable to stretch marks are:
Pregnancy: When you are pregnant, and as the fetus develops, the skin stretches to make space for the baby. Rapid weight loss or gain: When you lose or gain weight quickly, you may develop stretch marks. Bodybuilding: When you are trying to build your muscles, they expand, which may stretch the skin and cause stretch marks. Corticosteroids: Using corticosteroids can affect the elasticity of the skin and cause stretch marks. Breast Augmentation: This type of surgery expands your breasts and stretches the skin. Adrenal Gland Disorders: If you have adrenal gland disorders, such as Cushing’s Syndrome, Marfan’s syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, you may develop stretch marks.
Is it possible to get rid of stretch marks completely? No. While their appearance may improve with the right treatment, they will not go away completely. How long do stretch marks take to fade? Stretch marks may take between six to twelve months after pregnancy to fade. However, going through medical procedures like laser therapy or microdermabrasion may improve their appearance. You can consult your dermatologist for further information. What skin type is more prone to stretch marks? Dry skin may be prone to developing stretch marks due to a lack of moisturization and low elasticity. Drinking plenty of water and using moisturizing lotions will keep your skin hydrated and reduce the risk of developing stretch marks.
