By Suzanne Collins
What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch mark occurs on the body due to the overstretching of the skin, a common problem for people who experience rapid physical changes due to weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy or puberty.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
👉Puberty:
👉Pregnancy:
👉Rapid Weight Loss or Weight Gain:
👉Genetics:
👉Corticosteroid Use:
👉Body Building:
Symptoms of Stretch Marks
Generally stretch marks can be seen at the places where more fat is deposited. Here are some signs, which will help you to identify the development of stretch marks.
👉The skin looks flattened and thin before the stretch marks develop.
👉Red, pink or purple lines will appear on the skin.
👉Stretch marks feel soft when you touch them.
👉In the initial stage, the lines are wrinkly and raised a bit.
👉They appear like scars.
Types of Stretch Marks:
👉Red Stretch Marks:
👉White or Silvery Stretch Marks:
Home Remedies for Stretch Marks
✅Dietary Remedies:
Water: Drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily is very good for the skin. Restoring the elasticity hydration helps to keep the skin supple and soft. This will contribute to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Vitamin C: While water keeps the skin hydrated, right foods will help nourish the skin. Foods like berries, raw cabbage, citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, melons, peas, peppers, broccoli, pineapple, spinach, tomatoes and turnips etc., offers you the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps our bodies to fight the toxins or free radicals. With adequate Vitamin C intake, the skin scars heal faster.
Vitamin E: is also an antioxidant that fights free radicals while deeply nourishing the skin. Foods like almonds, raw seeds like pumpkin and sesame, Swiss chards, hazelnut, pine nut, spinach, avocado, broccoli, parsley, papaya, olives etc., are rich sources of Vitamin E. So consume these foods daily to get rid of stretch marks.
Gelatin: Gelatin contains collagen. Collagen is also present in your skin and it is responsible for providing elasticity to your skin. Bone broth (chicken, lamb or beef) is an excellent natural source of gelatine in your diet.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids also promote elasticity in the skin. Foods like flax seed, chia seeds, salmon, sardines, cod liver, walnuts, soybean, beef, tofu, shrimps, Brussel sprouts, and cauliflower can go a long way in keeping the stretch marks at bay.
Topical Home Remedies:
The topical home remedies for stretch marks include the application of oils, fruits and many other herbal products to treat the issue. The ingredients and the application process of the home remedies for stretch marks are given below.
✅Oils for Stretch Marks
The oil massage is nourishing for the skin and a well-tested method to remove stretch marks. The oil massage is quite soothing and easy to apply. Let’s look in detail about how to get rid of stretch marks using oil massage.
✅Vitamin E Oil:
Vitamin E oil, cocoa and shea butter, all put together is a magical remedy for stretch marks. All the 3 ingredients have an excellent quality that allows them to penetrate deep into the skin as well as healing and repairing the scars and wounds caused due to stretching of the skin. You can make your own cocoa-shea butter at home to fade stretch marks fast.
Ingredients
Cocoa butter- 2 tsp
Shea butter- 2tsp
Vitamin E oil- 1 tsp
How to Apply
Take 2 tsp each of cocoa butter and shea butter in a small microwave-safe bowl.
Heat it for 20 seconds in the microwave.
When the butter starts melting, add 1 tsp of Vitamin E oil to it.
Store the melted butter in a container.
The butter will cool down to a solid state, but it will melt and be absorbed by your skin whenever you apply it.
Apply this cream on your stretch mark prone areas at least twice every day to get rid of stretch marks
✅Moroccan Argan Oil:
Moroccan argan oil is tremendously beneficial for the skin and is considered as one of the best stretch mark removal home remedies. It helps in stopping the breaking and tearing of collagen and elastin in the skin. You can use this oil to get rid of red stretch marks faster. Moroccan argan oil contains phytosterols that can help fade the scars.
Ingredients
Moroccan argan oil- 2 tbsp
How to Apply
Take 2 tbsp of Moroccan argan oil in your palms and gently massage it over your stretch marks.
You can apply the oil at least twice a day for best results.
✅Olive Oil:
Olive oil deeply nourishes the skin and has healing properties that can repair the scars deeply.
Ingredients
Olive oil- 2 tbsp
Warm water- 1 cup
Washcloth- 1
How to Apply
Take 2 tbsp of olive oil and heat it for 20 seconds in the microwave oven.
Apply the warm olive oil on your stretch marks and gently massage for 2 minutes.
Now, soak the washcloth in 1 cup of warm water and remove the excess water from it.
Wipe the oil away with a warm washcloth.
Apply this remedy twice a day to reduce the stretch marks.
✅Castor Oil:
Castor OilCastor oil offers another wonderful oil treatment for scars and stretch marks. It works best with some heat.
Ingredients
Castor oil- 2 tbsp
Hot water bag- 1 (filled with warm water)
How to Apply
Take 2 tbsp of castor oil and heat it in the microwave oven for 20 seconds.
Now, apply the warm castor oil to your stretch marks and massage gently in a circular motion.
Make use of a heating pad or hot water bag to apply heat and help the oil penetrate deep into the skin and fade the stretch marks fast.
✅Almond Oil:
Almond OilAlmond oil is a rich source of Vitamin E. It helps in the restoration and repairing of elastin and collagen in the skin.
Ingredients
Almond oil- 1 tsp
How to Apply
Take 1 tsp of almond oil and gently massage it on the stretch marks till the oil gets completely absorbed by the skin.
Apply the almond oil on the stretch marks daily at least two times to get rid of it.
✅Coconut Oil:
Coconut OilCoconut oil for stretch marks is a tried and tested remedy. Coconut oil has antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. They can soothe and heal the itchy red stretch marks.
Method 1: Coconut Oil with Lavender Oil
Ingredients
Coconut oil- 1 tbsp
Lavender oil- 1 tsp
Tea tree oil- 2 to3 drops
How to Apply
Take 1 tbsp of coconut oil in a small bowl.
Add 1 tsp lavender oil and 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to it.
Mix all the oils well and apply it daily on your stretch mark prone areas for better results.
You can add a few drops of chamomile oil to fade the stretch marks fast.
Method 2: Coconut Oil with Grape Juice
Grape is a natural skin lightener and also helps to remove stretch marks. Coconut oil increases the elasticity of the skin.
Ingredients
Grape juice – 1 tbsp
Coconut oil – 3 tbsp
How to Apply
Take 1 tbsp of grape juice and add 3 tbsp of coconut oil to it.
Mix them well and massage it on your stretch marks.
Repeat this twice in a day for a month to get rid of stretch marks using coconut oil.
Juices for Stretch Mark
Application of the juice of different vegetable and fruits can reduce stretch marks. The juices help to fade the stretch marks fast and improve the elasticity of your skin. Read on to know how to get rid of stretch marks using juices.
✅Lemon Juice:
Lemon JuiceLemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can lighten the scars and stretch marks. The Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Vitamin C in the lemon juice will exfoliate the dead skin cells, allowing the moisture to penetrate deep inside.
Method 1: Direct Application of Lemon Juice
Ingredients
Lemon- 1
Knife- 1
How to Apply
Take a lemon, cut it into halves with the help of a knife and rub the half-cut lemon on your stretch marks gently.
Leave it for 10 minutes and then wipe it clean.
Apply the lemon juice daily to reduce the stretch marks.
Method 2: Lemon Juice with Honey
Ingredients
Lemon- ½ piece
Honey- 1 tsp
How to Apply
Lemon juice with honey is also a good remedy for stretch marks.
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon and mix it with 1 tsp of honey.
Leave this mixture on your stretch marks for 10 minutes and then wipe it clean.
Repeat this procedure every day to get rid of stretch marks.
Method 3: Lemon and Glycerine
Glycerine is very helpful to your skin in many ways as it works as a cleanser and also as a toner. It also works well on stretch marks when it is mixed with lemon juice, which is a good source of citric acid. The combination of both the ingredients effectively moisturizes your skin along with removing the stretch marks.
Ingredients
Glycerine – 1 to 2 drops
Lemon – ½ piece
How to Apply
Take 2 drops of glycerine on the half-cut lemon piece.
Rub it on your stretch marks gently.
Do this 2 times in a day.
Repeat this remedy daily to get rid of stretch marks fast.
✅Potato Juice:
PotatoPotato is a rich source of vitamins like Vitamin C, B complex and minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. It also contains phytochemicals, like polyphenols and carotenoids.
Ingredients
Potato- 1
How to Apply
Take a potato, cut it into half and rub the half-cut potato on your stretch marks gently.
Leave it for 10 minutes and then wipe your skin clean.
With regular use of this remedy, your stretch marks will fade gradually
✅Cucumber Juice:
CucumberCucumber also works wonders in healing and lightening the appearance of stretch marks.
Ingredients
Cucumber- 1
How to Apply
Cut the cucumber into thick slices and rub the slices on the stretch marks.
Let the juice get absorbed by your skin.
Leave the juice on the skin for 10 minutes and then wipe it clean.
Use this remedy regularly to get rid of stretch marks fast.
✅Tomato Juice:
Hot Tomato SoupTomato juice also works effectively to lighten the scars.
Ingredients
Tomato- 1
How to Apply
You can slice a tomato and rub the slices directly and gently on your skin.
Leave the juice on your skin for 10 minutes and then wipe it clean.
Follow this process daily to get rid of stretch marks.
✅Aloe Vera
Aloe VeraAloe vera is an excellent source of plant collagen, which work wonders in healing and repairing the skin deeply.
Method 1: Direct Application of Aloe Vera
Ingredients
Aloe vera leaf- 1
How to Apply
Take an aloe leaf and break it.
Now de-thorn it and remove the green outer skin of it.
Scrap and collect the sticky gooey gel of the leaf in a container.
You can apply this fresh aloe vera gel to your stretch mark prone areas.
Leave the gel until it dries.
Wash it off with water.
Repeat the remedy twice a day until to get rid of stretch marks on breasts, thighs, hips, etc.
Method 2: Aloe Vera Gel with Olive Oil
Ingredients
Aloe vera gel- ¼ cup
Olive oil- ½ cup
Vitamin E- 6 capsules
Vitamin A- 4 capsules
How to Apply
Mix 1/2 cup of olive oil with a 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel.
Take 6 Vitamin E capsules and 4 Vitamin A capsules.
Cut them open and empty them into the olive oil and aloe vera mix.
Mix all the ingredients well together and store it in a container and refrigerate.
You can apply this gel and gently massage it on your skin daily to get rid of stretch marks.
Method 3: Aloe-Coffee Mix
Don’t discard the ground coffee from your coffee maker. Use it as a remedy for your stretch marks. When you apply ground coffee to your skin, the caffeine stimulates the blood flow and circulation. It also promotes cell regeneration.
Ingredients
Grounded coffee- 2 tsp
Aloe vera gel- 1 tsp
How to Apply
Take 2 tsp of ground coffee.
Add 1 tsp of fresh aloe vera gel to it and mix well to make a fine paste.
Apply the paste on your stretch marks and rub gently.
Now allow the paste to remain on your skin for 20 minutes and then clean it with water.
Use this remedy every day to get rid of stretch marks
Method 4: Aloe Vera and Sandalwood
Both aloe vera and sandalwood are the herbs, which are already proved in curing many skin diseases. If you mix both of them, they will give excellent results. Both of them will help you to get rid of stretch marks on breasts, stomach and wherever they are.
Ingredients
Aloe vera extract – ½ cup
Sandalwood powder – ½ cup
How to Apply
Take ½ cup of aloe vera extract and add ½ cup sandalwood powder to it.
Mix them well to make a paste and apply it on your stretch marks.
Do massage for 20 minutes and wash off.
Repeat this daily once till your stretch marks vanish completely. .
✅Egg Whites
egg whiteEgg white treatment is one the best remedies for stretch marks. The egg white is a rich source of collagen, Vitamin A and proteins. It contains almost 40 different proteins. It repairs and heals the scars and marks magically.
Method 1: Application of Egg White
Ingredients
Egg white- ½ cup
Cotton pad- 1
How to Apply
Simply beat a ½ cup of egg white with a beater until it becomes fluffy.
Apply it to your stretch marks using a cotton pad.
Leave it on your skin for 15 minutes and then wash it with water.
Pat dry the affected areas.
Use it twice a week to reduce the stretch marks.
Method 2: Egg White and Olive Oil
Ingredients
Egg white- 1
Olive oil- ½ cup
How to Apply
Using a hand blender, blend 2 egg whites until they become white and fluffy.
Using a spatula, fold in half a cup of olive oil gently and mix well.
Apply this mixture to your stretch marks and massage gently.
Leave the mixture on your skin for 10 minutes and then wash the area thoroughly.
Do it regularly to fade the stretch marks fast.
✅Apricot Mask
Apricot ScrubApricots are rich sources of Vitamin C, which enables them to heal the damaged skin from deep inside. Apricot oil also helps in maintaining the elasticity of the skin and reduces the appearance of stretch marks.
Ingredients
Apricots- 2
How to Apply
Take 2 apricots, deseed them and remove the skin.
Grind the flesh into a fine paste.
Apply the paste to your skin and leave it for 15 minutes and then wash clean.
Repeat this home remedy daily for best results.
✅Sugar
Sugar is an excellent exfoliating agent and works as a good scrub. The sugar exfoliates the dead skin; almond oil nourishes the skin; and lemon juice lightens the appearance of stretch marks.
Ingredients
Sugar- 1 tsp
Almond oil- 1 tsp
Lemon juice- 2 to3 drops
How to Apply
Mix 1tsp of sugar with 1 tsp of almond oil along with 2-3 drops of lemon juice to make a wonderful body scrub.
Apply the scrub on the stretch marks and rub the area gently for 2 minutes.
Leave it for 10 minutes and then wipe off using a wet washcloth.
You can try the sugar scrub with other oils too.
Use this scrub daily before your shower to get rid of stretch marks.
✅Alfalfa
Alfalfa leaves have 8 essential amino acids in them and they work well on your skin. These leaves are a good source of proteins and Vitamins E, K, and amino acids, which help in nourishing the skin.
Vitamin E helps in neutralizing the oxidant effect of free radicals as they damage the collagen and it is the reason for wrinkles. Vitamin K regulates blood clotting and bone mineralization.
Alfalfa sprout is very helpful in weight loss and also it is an excellent remedy for stretch marks.
Ingredients
Alfalfa leaves – 1 cup
Chamomile oil – 2 tbsp
How to Apply
Take 1 cup of alfalfa leaves and dry them in order to make a powder.
Use a mortar and pestle to make a fine powder.
Add 2 tbsp of chamomile oil to the alfalfa powder.
Mix it well to make a paste.
Massage your stretch marks with this paste.
Do this 2 to 3 times in a day.
Repeat this daily for 6 to 8 weeks to observe improvement.
✅Black Tea Massage
Black tea is rich in Vitamin B, C, and E, and this tea is a good source of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Not only black tea helps in the removal of stretch marks but also it has many other benefits.
Ingredients
Black tea powder – 2 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Water – 1 cup
How to Apply
Take a cup of water and boil it.
Add 2 tbsp of black tea powder and 1 tsp of salt to the water.
Let the water boil for 2 minutes.
Now cool it and apply it on the stretch marks on breasts and wherever you have.
Repeat this process every day until the stretch marks disappear totally. .
✅White Sandal Wood
White sandalwood gives you a cooling effect and that prevent stretch marks. Sandalwood has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients
Sandalwood powder – 1 tbsp
Water/Rose Water – 1 ½ tsp
How to Apply
Take 1 tbsp of sandalwood powder into a cup.
Add 1 ½ tsp of water or rose water to it.
Mix them well in order to make a paste.
Apply it on your stretch marks.
Do this daily till to reduce the stretch marks.
Note: You can also use milk cream, aloe vera or almond oil as the alternative for water.
✅Basil Leaves
Basil LeavesBasil is a wonderful herb that has proved it to cure many skin diseases as it has purifying qualities, hence reduces weight and stretch marks.
Ingredients
Basil leaves – ¼ cup
Water – ½ cup
How to Apply
Take ¼ cup of basil leaves and add water to it.
Grind the basil leaves to make a paste and apply it on your stretch marks.
Follow this method daily to get rid of stretch marks fast.
✅Avocado
Avocado works as an excellent medicine to cure stretch marks. It penetrates into the skin well and restores the essential oils of the body.
Ingredients
Avocado – 1
How to Apply
Take out the pulp of the avocado and mash it to get a paste like texture.
Now apply it on the stretch marks.
Follow this home remedy at least twice in a week to get rid of stretch marks fast.
✅Coconut Milk
Coconut MilkCoconut is one of the most effective home remedies for stretch marks. Coconut milk makes your skin soft and stretchable. It contains vitamins, minerals and water to hydrate your skin.
Ingredients
Coconut milk – 1 cup
Corn flour – 4 tbsp
How to Apply
Take a cup of coconut milk and add 4 tbsp of corn flour to it.
Mix well to make a paste.
Apply a thick layer of this paste on your stretch marks.
Leave it for 25 to 30 minutes and wash off.
Follow this home remedy this thrice a week to reduce stretch marks on the breast or wherever they are present.
Repeat this method till you get rid of stretch marks.
✅Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s mantle is an herb, which helps you to reduce stretch marks on the breasts, stomach and on other parts of your body. It inhibits the breakdown of elasticity and connectivity of the skin.
Ingredients
Lady’s mantle extract – 1 tbsp
Any skin lotion – 10 oz
How to Apply
Take 1 tbsp of lady’s mantle extract and add 10 oz of your skin lotion to it.
Mix well both the ingredients to form a paste.
Now massage your stretch marks with this paste.
Follow this process twice in a day.
Repeat this method until you get rid of stretch marks completely.
✅Baking Soda
Baking SodaBaking soda is a natural exfoliant and it removes the dead skin cells so that your stretch marks will be removed easily.
Ingredients
Baking soda – 1 tsp
Body wash – 1
How to Apply
Take a washcloth and squeeze a little amount body wash on it. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to it.
Fold the cloth and rub it with your hands to mix the baking soda with body wash.
Now scrub your stretch marks with it.
Do this daily before taking the shower.
Repeat this till your stretch marks vanish completely.
✅Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider VinegarApple cider vinegar contains acetic and malic acid in it and it breaks the scar tissues to reduce the stretch marks.
Ingredients
Apple cider vinegar – 1 cup
Moisturizer – 1
Spray bottle – 1
How to Apply
Fill the spray bottle with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar.
Spray it on your stretch marks everyday night before sleeping.
Wash it off next day morning while taking a bath.
Apply a moisturizer after taking a shower as vinegar makes your skin dry.
Repeat this daily to get rid of stretch marks completely.
✅Rosewater and Glycerine Pack
Rosewater is a good skin toner and glycerine helps to remove your stretch marks fast. Add both of them to get rid of stretch marks.
Ingredients
Rose water – 2 tsp
Glycerine – 1 tsp
How to Apply
Take 2 tsp of rose water and add 1 tsp of glycerine to it.
Mix them well and massage it on your stretch marks till it gets absorbed completely.
Repeat this process daily twice for the removal of the stretch marks.
✅Milk and Banana Pack
Milk contains Vitamin A, D, thiamine, riboflavin, Niacin as well as other nutrients in small amounts. Milk can also help you to lose weight. The calcium present in the milk helps to cut down the fat and results in weight loss. Milk is also used to remove the stretch marks easily. Banana has many health benefits and also helps you to reduce stretch marks.
Ingredients
Creamy milk – 3 tbsp
Ripe banana – 1
How to Apply
Take a ripe banana and mash it.
Add 3 tbsp of creamy milk to it.
Mix them well to form a paste and apply it on your stretch marks.
Leave it till it gets dry and then wash off.
Follow this process daily once to get fast results.
✅Yogurt and Honey Pack
Yogurt contains lactic acid in it and it helps you to lighten your skin by stimulating the collagen. Honey keeps your skin moist and supple.
Ingredients
Greek yogurt – 1 cup
Honey – 1 tbsp
How to Apply
Take a cup of natural yogurt and add 1 tbsp of honey to it.
Mix them well to form a paste, and apply the paste on your stretch marks.
Leave it on your skin for 25 to 30 minutes and then clean it with water.
Repeat this daily to fade stretch marks fast.
✅DIY Tiger Salve for Stretch Marks
DIY Tiger Salve nourishes your skin and helps you to remove all the stretch marks on your breast, stomach and also on other parts of your body. Preparing this is very easy.
Ingredients
Shea butter – ¼ cup
Coconut oil – ¼ cup
Almond oil or apricot kernel or olive oil – 3 tbsp
Calendula flowers – 2
Dried ginger root – ¼ tsp
How to Apply
Take almond or apricot kernel in a double boiler over a small pan of water.
Add calendula flowers and dried ginger to it.
Now bring it to a simmer and wait for half an hour to heat.
Strain the herbs using cheesecloth or a metal strainer.
Now, add shea butter and coconut oil to it.
Heat them in order to melt.
Store it in a small glass jar later.
Use this according to your need to remove stretch marks.
Repeat this daily to get rid of stretch marks fast.
✅Physical Exercises to Get Rid of Stretch Marks
If you are still wondering about how to get rid of stretch marks quickly, then exercise is the best way to do so. To remove ugly stretch marks, you must have to do some physical exercises like sit-ups, swimming as they will tone your underlying muscles and helps you to get rid of stretch marks.
✅Exercise for Stretch Marks on Stomach
First lie down flat on your back.
Bend your knees by keeping the feet flat on the floor.
Keep your hands on the sides of your head.
Now, try to lift your upper body a bit from the floor by contracting your abs.
Perform this exercise to get rid of stretch marks quickly.
✅Exercise for Stretch Marks on Thighs
First sit straight on a chair.
Now put both the hands down to your sides by holding the chair.
Swing your legs now in up and down motion.
This exercise will help you to firm your thighs.
Do this exercise daily morning to remove your stretch marks fast.
✅Exercise for Stretch Marks on Hips and Buttocks
First lie down flat on your back.
Relax for 5 minutes.
Lift one leg in 90 degree angle.
Remain in the same position till you feel a pull on your buttocks.
Repeat the same for a second leg.
Slowly increase the speed so that you can feel the strain on the buttocks, hips, and thighs.
Repeat this exercise daily to fade your stretch marks.
✅Exercise for Stretch Marks on Bottom
First lie down facing the floor.
Now put your arms on the sides.
Lift one leg up and then down again.
Repeat the same with the other leg also.
Raise your leg up to 4 to 6 inches from the floor.
Do this exercise daily to get rid of stretch marks.
More Tips to Get Rid of Stretch Marks
Along with the above-said remedies, if you also follow these tips, it will be easy to fade your stretch marks. To do exercises is also compulsory. Go through these simple tips to get rid of stretch marks fast.
What to Do
Take the foods, which are rich in proteins, zinc and Vitamin C like the green salad, milk, fish, nuts and citrus fruits. They will help you to remove stretch marks fast.
Practice yoga and the above said exercises.
Drink more water as it important to hydrate your skin always.
You can use retinoic acid cream to reduce stretch marks.
It is better to use egg oil starting from the first trimester of your pregnancy to prevent stretch marks.
You can also use bio oil to fade stretch marks.
Always moisturize your skin.
It is necessary to consult a doctor before taking any medicine, which contains retinoic acid like Renova, Tazorac, Differin etc.
What Not to Do If you are pregnant,
don’t use any creams as they contain many chemicals.
Never scratch the affected area.
Don’t drink tea, coffee or similar beverages, which leads to dehydration.
Try these remedies to get rid of stretch marks and let us know about the most helpful remedy to remove the stretch marks fast .
Credits: Suzanne Collins
HLF🌀
