Last updated on May 11th, 2020 at 12:21 pm
Even though stretch marks on skin are not considered as a painful skin disorder, for sure it does not look good and hence it may have some negative psychological effects on an individual having stretch mark. Stretch marks are most commonly caused because of body expansion like during pregnancy or breast feeding. There are many ways to get rid of stretch marks, including pharmaceutical creams and lotions. But if you are looking for natural remedies for stretch mark removal and treatment, then I have got you covered. Today, in this post, I am sharing the list of 11 best and most effective home remedies for stretch mark removal and treatment, which are cost effective, easy to apply and have no side effects.
Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae in the medical community is a very common skin problem with about 88% of people affected by stretch marks. Stretch marks are not considered as a harmful or painful skin disorder, but it definitely looks ugly when exposed. And this may affect and hinder the confidence level of individuals who shy away from wearing clothes which can expose the areas having stretch marks.
But hiding stretch marks is not the right solution and hence you have to deal with it and get rid of it. The stretch marks are usually very stubborn, and unless you take required steps, they are going to keep bothering you.
As far as taking steps for removal and treatment of stretch marks are concerned, you may like to try some of the best and most effective home remedies for stretch marks treatment and remedies that I am sharing here.
In fact, you already have some natural ingredients in your kitchen that can actually help you deal with these ugly scars. I have myself tried some of these ingredients in the form of remedies and it has worked for me.
The stretch marks are common to both men and women of all ages. They are mainly said to occur due to the hormonal changes like for example during pregnancy or puberty, hormone replacement therapy, stress, drastic weight loss or weight gain, hereditary factors etc.
Basically, when the skin stretches, the collagen of the skin becomes weak and it leads to the formation of these fine lines under the skin’s topmost layer. In the initial stages, the color of the mark is usually purple or pink or red, and it is different in texture than the surrounding skin.
With time, they take the shape of thin silver lines on the skin’s surface known as stretch marks. With time, most of these stretch marks fade and they become almost translucent or shiny.
These ugly scars are very common in the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, breasts, lower back, hips, buttocks etc.
If you seriously want to remove and treat scar mark, then you can use natural remedies that helps reduce the scars permanently (or at least, lighten them to a good extent) and will also not let them reappear.
Best home remedies to remove stretch mark naturally
If you ask me, I personally like to use natural home remedies for normal skin, hair and health disorders for I know it is safe, has no side effects and of course it is cost-effective.
And if we talk about the natural home remedies for stretch mark removal and treatment, then there are many and I sharing 12 of them for you to try and choose from. These stretch mark remedies are not listed in any specific order and so, you can try whichever you think is easy to apply.
Listed below are the best stretch mark remedies that is believed to be very effective in treating and removing stretch marks naturally.
Sugar remedy for stretch mark
You must have heard about microdermabrasion as one of the most effective and clinically proven methods to get rid of stretch marks. And now you can actually try a homeopathic version of it using sugar. Well, yes, sugar is a great exfoliating agent which helps remove the dead skin cells and promotes the formation of new skin. It also leads to better blood circulation which further helps in speeding up the healing process of the stretch marks.
To get the maximum benefits in removing stretch mark, you may like to use almond oil or coconut oil and lemon juice in the sugar remedy.
Mix adequate amounts of raw sugar along with some almond oil or coconut oil and lemon juice. Once, they are properly mixed, scrub it on the areas of your skin which has stretch marks.
Continue scrubbing for about 8 to 10 minutes and then wash off your skin gently and moisturize it. Preferably use lukewarm water while washing your skin.
You can actually use the sugar scrub remedy daily one or two times to get maximum benefits in removing stretch marks off your skin.
Aloe vera remedy for stretch marks
Any natural home remedy for skin disorder will remain incomplete without using aloe vera. After all, aloe vera is considered as a wonder ingredient for many skin and hair issues and treating and removing stretch marks is not different.
Aloe vera is the perfect soothing and moisturizing agent for skin that helps accelerate the healing process.
Moreover, the presence of compounds like gibberellin and glucomannan in aloe vera helps in the synthesis of collagen and lightens the stretch marks. Aloe vera has antioxidant properties, thanks to the various Vitamins, enzymes and minerals present in it which further is very much helpful in fast healing of the scars.
Take some pure Aloe Vera gel and apply it all over your stretch marks every day after taking shower. This will help you a lot. Alternatively, for quicker results, you can actually mix the Aloe gel with oils from Vitamin E and Vitamin A capsules and then massage the mixture on your skin gently. After 15 minutes, you can wash your skin using lukewarm water and with this remedy you will be able to get rid of stretch mark much effectively.
Cocoa butter remedy for stretch mark
Cocoa butter remedy is also very effective against stretch marks and hence it’s worth trying. Cocoa butter hydrates the skin and makes it soft and moist and it also penetrates deep inside the skin and helps to repair and replenish the affected skin. Also, it possesses anti-wrinkling and anti-aging properties which can be very beneficial in getting rid of the stretch marks.
In addition, massaging the skin with cocoa butter also helps in better circulation which also aids in healing and in lightening the scars.
The cocoa butter remedy is very simple and effective. You just have to massage the affected skin very gently with cocoa butter every night. If you are regular with it and use it diligently, then you may see significant improvements in stretch mark condition.
However, if you want more effective improvements, then you can yourself make a great stretch mark removal cream in your home using cocoa butter. To make that natural stretch removal cream, you need a few other ingredients like Vitamin E oil, apricot oil, grated beeswax, kernel oil and wheat germ oil.
At first, mix all of these ingredients in adequate amounts with cocoa butter. Then heat the mixture until your beeswax has completely melted. After that, put the mixture in an airtight container and then store it in the refrigerator.
You can massage the mixture very gently on your affected skin and allow it to stay for some time. It is best if you use it twice daily, in the morning and before going to bed at night to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized.
Coconut oil to remove stretch marks
Stretch marks are scarring from skin damage and coconut oil can actually help you heal the appearance of your skin fast. In fact, studies are already a proof that coconut oil has got healing properties and it is going to be very effective against stretch marks as well.
When you apply coconut oil on affected skin, it improves the flow of your blood and also produces collagen fibers, which are very essential in treating stretch marks. In addition, coconut oil is also very effective in retaining the suppleness and the elasticity of your skin.
Take some virgin coconut oil and apply on your stretch marks every night before going to bed. Allow it to stay nightlong and then rinse your skin with water the next morning. Regular massage of coconut oil will help you lighten the appearance of your stretch marks quickly.
Coffee remedy for stretch marks
Did you know that you can actually use coffee as a remedy to treat and remove stretch marks? Well, yes. The reason why it is so effective in removing stretch mark is that the caffeine present in coffee as per studies has very high biological activity and has the ability to penetrate deep inside your skin.
It also possesses antioxidant properties and is also very efficient in stimulating the degradation of fats under your skin. When you scrub coffee on your skin, it leads to the increase in the flow of blood in that area which also contributes in lightening and healing the stretch marks.
Take some water and mix some coffee grounds in it. You may add a little bit of Aloe vera gel in it as that will help in moisturizing the skin well. After that, very gently, scrub the mixture all over your stretch marks. Continue for about 4-5 minutes and then rinse your skin using water. And, yes, don’t forget to properly moisturize your skin after rinsing to avoid skin dryness.
Lemon juice remedy for stretch marks
All of us are aware of the fact that lemon juice is acidic in nature and hence it is considered as a natural bleaching agent and hence it can be very effective in skin lightening. You can actually use lemon juice to slowly lighten the stretch marks and then getting rid of it completely after multiple applications.
Simply extract the juices out of a lemon and then apply the juice on affected skin in circular motions. Let it stay on your skin for about 10-15 minutes and then wash it off using normal water. Do not forget to apply a moisturizer after applying this remedy.
If you have dry skin, then it is advisable that you mix some cucumber juice along with the lemon juice. Cucumber will further benefit in lightening the marks as well as it’ll keep your skin moisturized and prevent it from drying.
Potato juice remedy for stretch mark
Potato juice is great in lightening the dark circles and other blemishes and spots in your skin, thanks to the presence of starch and other skin lightening enzymes present in it. It is a great bleaching agent and can also help you in reducing and lightening the stretch marks, so you can keep it as an option for you.
You just have to grate a small potato and extract the juice out of it. Then apply on your stretch marks on a regular basis and see the improvements for yourself.
Turmeric to remove stretch marks
Turmeric has been in use since ages in treating several skin related issues and as far as its medicinal properties are concerned, you can definitely use it to get rid of stretch marks. It is another wonder ingredient possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin lightening properties, all of which can actually help you treat and remove stretch marks naturally.
In the turmeric remedy, I will suggest you to use yogurt as well as it will enhance the good effects. All you need to do here is to mix it with yogurt and form a fine paste. Then apply on your affected skin evenly and allow it to stay for about 10-15 minutes. Wash your skin after that using warm water and then moisturize the area. For quick and very significant improvements, it is best if you use it two times regularly.
Shea butter remedy for stretch mark
Shea butter is a great moisturizing agent which nourishes and soothes the skin very well. It also possesses antioxidant properties that help to heal damaged skin. Shea butter is also a great anti-inflammatory agent which helps soothe any swelling in the skin. In short, it provides your skin with complete care and hence Shea butter remedy can be really effective in treating and removing stretch marks.
Shea butter remedy is extremely easy to apply. Just take some Shea butter and using your palms massage the affected skin. Then let it stay so that it can get naturally absorbed by your skin. Make sure to use it regularly in order to get fast benefits in lightening the stretch marks.
Black tea to reduce stretch marks
One of the simplest but very effective home remedies for stretch marks is definitely black tea. You may not be aware of the skin benefits of black tea, but the presence of several antioxidants along with various minerals actually helps in reducing cell damage and also helps in fighting the problem of skin pigmentation. And, if you use black tea regularly, it can help fade your stretch marks as well.
In a container full of warm water, add some black tea powder and let it dissolve. Then add some salt in it and boil it for about 2 minutes. After that, allow it to cool for about half an hour and then apply it all over the stretch marks. Repeat the process 2-3 times daily and after a month, you will notice very significant results as far as your stretch marks are concerned.
Bonus remedy for stretch marks
Vicks VapoRub is one of the most used market products in India, mostly used to get rid of cold. But you will be amazed to know that vicks vaporub can be used as a remedy to remove stretch marks.
Vicks VapoRub consists of turpentine oil, eucalyptus oil and cedar leaf oil. It also has petrolatum and camphor in it. All of these make Vicks VapoRub a great moisturizing agent which when you apply on your skin, it makes your skin really smooth and soft.
There are no proper scientific reasons as to why it is useful against stretch marks but if reports are to be believed then women have notice about 60-80% improvements in stretch marks removing after using the Vicks VapoRub remedy.
Take some Vicks VapoRub and apply it evenly on your stretch marks. Massage gently for about 2 minutes and then if possible, cover the area using cling wraps. Do this overnight so that it can work on your affected skin nightlong. Repeat the remedy every night to get rid of stretch marks.
Over to you
Stretch marks are very common and are not at all harmful. But, we live in a look conscious world and today’s generation is overtly conscious about looks and beauty. In such a situation, having ugly stretch marks on the body can actually lower the self-esteem of the individual who may even avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops to avoid stretch marks getting exposed. But, running away from the problem is not a solution and you got to face it and deal with it and get rid of it.
And the good thing about the stretch marks is that even if you are not able to get rid of it completely, you can actually lighten the marks to a good extent.
There are several clinical treatments available that can help you deal with the stretch marks.
But thankfully, there are natural and cost effective home remedies available that can be used to treat and remove stretch marks easily. I have already discussed about 10 such remedies that you may like to try.
The ingredients used in these remedies are easily available and most of the time you may have them in your kitchen. The ingredients are not costly and they are skin friendly, so you can try these remedies confidently.
Besides using the home remedies for stretch marks, you should drink enough water to keep your skin properly hydrated. At times, the skin loses its elasticity when dehydrated, so just drink enough water.
Also eating balanced and nutritious diet including skin friendly food will help you maintain healthy skin for long, so eat well.
That’s it for now.
If you have used any of these remedies or ingredients to get rid of stretch mark or to deal with any other skin issues, then please hare your experience by commenting below.
Take good care of yourself.