Stretch marks are small scars produced by growth spurts during puberty, during pregnancy, after sudden weight gain, or in conjunction with rapid muscle growth. Some people embrace stretch marks, calling them “tiger stripes” or “stripes of honor.” Others, however, would prefer to get rid of them. If you’d like to minimize the appearance of stretch marks, try some of these natural remedies!
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is made inside the body, but it’s not always targeted to the right areas. That’s why there are topical versions to help with skincare issues such as stretch mark reduction. For maximum results, gently massage it into the “problem” areas of the skin every day. Be patient because you may not see results for several weeks.
Almond & Coconut Oils
If you have new stretch marks that seemingly appeared out of nowhere, try applying almond oil or coconut oil. These two natural products are great at reducing the appearance of stretch marks by promoting skin rejuvenation and reducing dryness.
Black Tea
It may sound odd, but black tea can help you rid your skin of stretch marks as it contains vitamin B12, which can help eliminate free radicals known for damaging the skin. Boil a couple of tablespoons of black tea, then dissolve a sprinkle of salt inside. Once cooled, rub the liquid over the intended areas.
Potato Juice
You may know that holding slivers of potatoes underneath your eyes can lighten unwanted dark circles. Well, potato juice is also great at lightening stretch marks as it contains catecholase, a natural skin-bleaching agent. Just rub a thick slice along the specific area for a few minutes each day.
Sugar Scrub
Microdermabrasion can effectively treat stretch marks, but the process requires a trained healthcare professional. Therefore, the closest, most natural way of doing microdermabrasion for stretch marks is through sugar scrubs, which act as natural exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin’s surface. Be sure not to use this mix on thin areas of skin, like your face.
To make a sugar scrub, follow these steps:
- Combine ½ cup of sugar with almond or coconut oil. You’ll know the mix is done when it looks like wet beach sand.
- Gently rub mixture onto stretch marks.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times per week while in the shower or bath.
- Rinse sugar scrub off with warm water.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for naturally soothing and moisturizing skin and alleviating burns and wounds. That’s why some experts recommend it for reducing the appearance of stretch marks. You can get aloe vera directly from the plant or purchase an over the counter product.