Stretch mark prevention or treatment is a common claim made by lotions, ointments, and other items. Products comprised of glycolic acid, vitamin E, and cocoa butter, for instance, aren’t dangerous.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Stretch marks, also known as striae, appear when your skin rapidly changes shape as a result of weight gain or growth. But they aren’t any symptoms that anything is wrong with your health because anyone can get stretch marks regardless of gender.
The two stages of life when they occur most frequently are pregnancy and puberty. A stretch mark initially appears as a thin red or purple line with a distinct texture to the surrounding skin. Most stretch marks will disappear naturally with time.
According to research, there isn’t yet a magic substance that will permanently remove stretch marks. However, some natural remedies may be able to lessen the visibility of stretch marks and hasten their fading.
Home remedies for stretch marks
1. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a potent moisturizer and skin-healing agent. It is frequently included in serums, creams, and lotions.
Stretch marks cause subtle changes to your skin, which are also apparent. Skin becomes less elastic as a result of these changes, in part because collagen isn’t reinforcing the skin as usual.
A 2014 study found that hyaluronic acid may have an impact on skin suppleness. Recent research from 2017 indicates that hyaluronic acid may help stretch marks look less noticeable, but more studies are required to confirm this. Apply a hyaluronic acid product to the affected area every day to test it out.
2. Aloe Vera
The use of aloe vera as a natural skin remedy is ancient. To calm and hydrate skin, a direct application of the aloe vera plant’s internal jelly is recommended.
According to 2018 research, aloe vera promotes the skin’s ability to recover from burns and wounds. Stretch marks are a type of scarring caused by damaged skin, so aloe’s skin-repairing abilities might aid in preventing or fading them.
Aloe vera as a stretch mark remedy has little clinical support, but pure aloe vera can soothe and repair skin so it might be worth a try.
Every day after you take a shower, use pure aloe vera from a plant or an over-the-counter lotion for your stretch marks.
3. Sugar
Sugar is a well-liked exfoliant. You will feel smoother after using the tiny crystals to gently remove dead skin.
One of the few treatments for stretch marks that has been scientifically confirmed to work is a dermatologist’s application of microdermabrasion. So it would be wise to attempt this home treatment for exfoliation. The ingredients might already be in your kitchen.
How to create a sugar scrub
- 1/2 cup of sugar should be combined with a softening agent, such as coconut or almond oil. Little by little, combine the oil with the sugar. When it resembles wet beach sand, your scrub is done. Up to 1/2 cup of oil may be required in total.
- Rub the mixture gently over the area of your body that has stretch marks.
- Practice in the shower or bath two or three times each week. Use warm water to rinse.
As needed, prepare the scrub in small quantities. For a certain period, you can keep the sugar scrub in a sealed container, but if it starts to look or smell weird, start over with a fresh batch.
4. Cocoa butter
There are some proven advantages to virgin coconut oil for the skin. It may aid in maintaining the barrier defenses of your skin.
In 2018, research found that coconut oil helped various skin infections and dry skin. Additionally, virgin coconut oil accelerated the healing of skin wounds in a 2010 study. There’s not a lot of evidence to promote the use of coconut oil for stretch marks. Research on other plant oils (olive oil, almond oil, and cocoa butter) hasn’t shown any improvement from their use.
That said, it’s possible that the action of gently massaging oil onto your skin could prevent stretch marks, 2015 research suggests. A gentle daily massage of your stretch marks with coconut oil might help, and it’s not likely to cause harm.
Of course, if you’re allergic to coconut, you’ll want to avoid this ingredient.
Keep in mind that any skin care treatment can occasionally cause allergies or sensitivities. This includes home remedies and natural approaches. So, if you notice a reaction, stop using the ingredient.
5. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is known as a retinoid and is usually found in skin care products. It can give skin a smoother, younger appearance. Many over-the-counter (OTC) topical cosmetic products contain them.
The retinol prescription strength of tretinoin was the subject of research in 2015. In an earlier study from 1996, researchers discovered that tretinoin helped stretch marks appear smaller and less severe.
The effectiveness of tretinoin for stretch marks has, however, only recently been the subject of a few large-scale investigations. To fully understand all of its effects on stretch marks.
If you use vitamin A products, it’s best to follow directions carefully because they occasionally cause skin irritation. Retinoids should not be used if you are pregnant, lactating, or trying to get pregnant because there are known dangers associated with using them during pregnancy.
6. Centella
Centella supports collagen formation and inflammation reduction. According to research published in 2015, lotions containing Centella may help avoid stretch marks during pregnancy and enhance their appearance. More proof is still required, the researchers stressed.
A common plant used in Korean beauty (K-beauty) products is Centella Asiatica. Products containing Centella, also referred to as cica creams, are occasionally used to cure scars or to soothe and restore sensitive skin. In the US, cica creams are becoming more and more popular, but they can be expensive.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that stretch marks are average. Many people experience the changes that might lead to stretch marks, such as growth spurts, weight shifts, and pregnancy. Although there isn’t a home remedy that works for everyone, topical lotions can hydrate your skin and speed the healing process. More research is required to determine which medical procedures and natural remedies benefit different people.
It’s advisable to see your doctor before using any therapy on stretch marks that resulted from pregnancy to confirm that it’s safe to do so. Even if you don’t address stretch marks, the majority of them will disappear with time. Stretch marks are rarely as noticeable as when they first developed.
