10 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks Naturally

According to reported population studies, stretch marks affect 50% to 90% of the world’s population. Many women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Actually, 43% of pregnant women develop their stretch marks before the 24th week of gestation.

Studies have not been able to show directly why stretch marks affect some and not others, but those studies have strongly indicated that family history and genetics, as well as stress and hormonal changes play an important role.

Stretch Marks Explained

Stretch marks are really fine scars that appear under the top layer (the epidermis) of the skin. Connective tissue is found in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin), and when that connective tissue is “stretched,” due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin, stretch marks begin to form. As skin is stretched, collagen is weakened. Collagen is the main structural protein of connective tissue. You might say that it works as the “glue” that holds the connective tissue together. Of course that’s a simplistic explanation, but you can see that when collagen is weakened and its normal production cycle is interrupted or damaged, problems like stretch marks will occur.

The Most Frequent Causes for Stretch Marks

While pregnancy is probably the most frequent cause of stretch marks, studies have revealed several other major causes:

• Extraordinary weight gain
• Adrenal gland disorders, such as Cushing’s Syndrome (a stress and cortisol related disorder)
• Genetic disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue)
• Hormonal disorders
• Hormonal changes during puberty
• Heredity
• Muscle building
• Chemical medications, including lotions, pills, steroids and corticosteroid creams.

Home Remedies For Stretch Marks

The following is a list of tried and true home remedies that have been used for years to help fade your stretch marks:

1. Sugar

It may sound ridiculous, but sugar is one of the best home remedies for getting rid of stretch marks. Sugar is good to use to exfoliate your skin.

1. Thoroughly mix a tablespoon of sugar with a few drops of almond oil and lemon juice.
2. Rub the mixture on the stretch marks for 10 minutes every day before you take a shower.

In about a month’s time you will notice that the stretch marks have begun to fade.

2. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice, being naturally acidic, is very helpful in reducing stretch marks and will even reduce scarring. The lemon juice can also be mixed with equal parts of cucumber juice or 1-2 drops of glycerin.

1. Squeeze several fresh lemons (and add the cucumber juice or glycerin if using).
2. Rub the lemon juice onto the stretch marks in a circular motion.
3. After at least 10 minutes, rinse the area with warm water.
4. Repeat the process 2 times a day.

3. Egg Whites

Egg whites contain amino acids and proteins which are beneficial when treating stretch marks.

1. Separate the whites of 2 eggs.
2. Whip the whites until they are firm and fluffy.
3. Using a basting brush or makeup brush, apply a thick layer of egg white to the stretch marks.
4. Allow the egg whites to dry completely and then rinse off with cold water.
5. Once you have thoroughly dried the area, moisturize with olive oil.
6. For positive results, repeat the process for at least 2 weeks.

4. Potato Juice

Because potatoes are rich in minerals and vitamins, potato juice helps with the restoration and growth of healthy skin cells.

1. Cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices.
2. Rub the potato slice over the stretch marks for a few minutes everyday.
3. Let the juice dry thoroughly and then wash the area with lukewarm water.

5. Olive Oil

From ancient times, olive oil has been known for its internal and external healing properties. When using it to heal stretch marks, I would advise using extra virgin olive oil. That way you can be sure you are getting the purest form of olive oil without any chemicals.

1. Heat the olive oil slightly.
2. Massage the warm olive oil into the affected skin. The massaging will improve blood circulation as it helps to reduce the stretch marks.
3. Leave the oil on your skin for a good half an hour so that the nutrients in the oil will be completely absorbed.
4. If you wish, the olive oil can be mixed with vinegar and water to be used as a night cream.

6. Castor Oil

Castor oil has long been known as a healing treatment for skin moles, dark spots, wrinkles, pimples and fine lines, so it is no wonder that it is also a great option for treating stretch marks. See more: How to Get Rid of Armpit Rash Fast

1. Apply the castor oil directly onto the stretch marks.
2. Massage into the skin for 15 minutes.
3. When you are finished massaging, wrap the area with a thin cotton cloth.
4. Apply heat for 30 minutes with a heating pad or a hot water bottle.
5. For best results, repeat the process daily for 1 month.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is not just a great homeopathic remedy for burns, it is also great for stretch marks and a host of other skin problems. It is known for its healing and soothing properties.

1. When treating stretch marks, apply Aloe Vera directly on the stretch marks.
2. Wait a few minutes and then clean with lukewarm water.

Another option to just plain Aloe Vera is to make a mixture ointment to apply directly to the stretch marks.

1. Mix ¼ of a cup of Aloe Vera gel, the oil from 10 vitamin E capsules and the oil from 5 vitamin A capsules.
2. Rub the ointment onto the stretch marks until the ointment is thoroughly absorbed.
3. Repeat the process daily.

8. Lady’s Mantle

Known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, Lady’s mantle has traditionally been use for wound healing and inflammation. However, in a 1986 French study, researchers found that lady mantle can help inhibit the breakdown of the skin’s elastic and connective tissues, supporting its use for treating stretch marks.

1. To treat stretch marks, place the dried leaves in 1 litre of boiling water.
2. Leave the leaves to infuse for 10 minutes.
3. Soak a cloth into the mixture and apply the warm cloth to the affected skin area 3 times daily.
4. Repeat the process daily.

9. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is another old and famous skin remedy. It has always been good for addressing wrinkles and aging of the skin. It is also, not surprisingly, good for reducing stretch marks.

1. Massage the stretch marks with cocoa butter at least 2 times a day.
2. Repeat the process for 2 months. You will notice the reduced scarring.

This is another treatment that you can make as a mixture.

1. Mix ½ cup of cocoa butter, 1 Tablespoon of wheat germ oil, 1 teaspoon of tea kernel oil, 2 teaspoons of grated beeswax and 2 teaspoons of vitamin E oil.
2. Heat the mixture until the beeswax melts.
3. Apply it to the stretch marks 2-3 times a day.
4. Store the mixture in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

10. Lavender Oil, Almond Oil, And Chamomile Oil

Each of these oils is very vitamin-rich and is often used by herbalists to treat stretch marks.

1. Before applying the oils, apply a warm cloth onto the stretch marks for 10 minutes. This helps to open up the skin pores for better absorbency. Immersing yourself into a hot bath have also the same effects.
2. Mix 2 teaspoons of almond oil, ½ a teaspoon of lavender oil and ½ a teaspoon of chamomile oil together and stir them well.
3. Massage the mixture directly onto the stretch marks.