5 Best Natural Treatments For Stretch Marks

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks, medically known as striae, are narrow streaks or lines that appear on the surface of the skin. They are a common skin concern and can affect individuals of all genders, ages, and body types. Stretch marks typically occur when the skin undergoes rapid stretching or changes in size, leading to the stretching and thinning of the middle layer of skin called the dermis.

Symptoms of stretch marks?

Stretch marks typically manifest as noticeable streaks or lines on the surface of the skin. The appearance of stretch marks can vary depending on factors such as skin tone, age, and the stage of development. Here are some common symptoms and characteristics of stretch marks:

• Color: Initially, stretch marks may appear as reddish, pink, or purplish lines on the skin. This discoloration is due to the underlying blood vessels showing through the stretched skin.
• Texture: Stretch marks often have a different texture compared to the surrounding skin. They may feel slightly raised or depressed and have a different texture or smoothness.
• Width and length: Stretch marks can vary in width and length, ranging from thin lines to broader streaks. Their size can depend on the extent of skin stretching and the underlying cause.
• Location: Stretch marks tend to develop in areas where the skin is subject to significant stretching. Common areas include the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. However, they can occur on other parts of the body as well.
• Gradual fading: Over time, stretch marks often fade in color, transitioning from their initial reddish or purplish hue to a lighter shade. They may eventually appear as white or silvery lines on the skin.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Common causes of stretch marks include pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, puberty, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions. These marks often appear in areas where there is high tension on the skin, such as the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Initially, they may appear as red, pink, or purple lines, but over time, they tend to fade and become white or silver in color.

Treatment of stretch marks

1. How to remove old stretch marks?

Although it's important to note that completely removing old stretch marks can be challenging, there are various treatments and natural remedies that can help reduce their appearance.

Results can vary depending on factors like the age and severity of the stretch marks, as well as individual skin characteristics. Here are some options you can consider:

1. Topical creams and oils: Look for creams or oils containing ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or almond oil. These substances may help improve the texture and color of stretch marks over time. Regularly massaging the affected area with these products can also promote blood circulation and collagen production.
2. Laser therapy: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser therapy and pulsed dye laser therapy, can stimulate the growth of new skin cells and collagen production. This can help reduce the appearance of old stretch marks. However, multiple sessions may be required, and results can vary.
3. Microdermabrasion: This procedure involves exfoliating the outer layer of skin using a specialized device. By removing the top layer of skin, microdermabrasion can help improve the appearance of stretch marks. However, it may take several sessions to see noticeable results.
4. Chemical peels: A chemical peel involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, which causes it to exfoliate and peel off. This process can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, it's important to consult with a dermatologist before considering this option.
5. Natural remedies: Some natural remedies, such as aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and cocoa butter, may help improve the appearance of stretch marks. While these remedies may not completely remove stretch marks, they can moisturize the skin and make the marks less noticeable over time.

2. How to remove stretch marks permanently?

So this method was on another forum and it WORKED FOR MY SISTER. So I wanted to share this with my SCT family. I have nasty stretch marks on my tummy and hopefully, this method will rid my poor body of stretch marks. :marshmallow:

So my regime is based on the skin biology method for scar remodeling

The overall idea is that a stretch mark is, in essence, a scar and that by using certain types of products, you can “lift” the scar out of the skin over time.

The basics of the regime are

1) Use an acidic exfoliating product on affected areas

2) Apply a retinoid or copper peptide product to encourage new collagen growth

For part one…

My favorite lotion is the Donell Glycolic acid lotion. I like this one because it is very strong but low irritating and the formula absorbs well into the skin. Acidic lotions tend to be kinda sticky and this one can be a little tacky but just let it dry completely and you shouldn’t have any problems. The lotion is creamy but a little thin so you don’t need to use much.

Other options include lotions by glytone, amlactin, lachydrin ( both of the latter use lactic acid), and if you can still find it, MD Forte body and hand lotion. The skin biology acid products are not strong enough in my opinion, well at least for me, so I prefer to buy something else.

For part two…..

A good starter product is the skin biology tri-reduction cream with retinol. Other options are also Afirm retinol products, the 2x is good, skinceuticals retinol, and philosophy retinol ( comes in a tube). If you want, you can also ask for a prescription retinol product from your dermatologist.

I prefer to apply my retinol products at night after I shower and do the lotion in the daytime in the summer. I do this because retinol can increase photosensitivity and I use the retinol on my arms as well in certain spots. In the winter and fall, I switch the schedule. Start off alternating these products 3-4 times a week and increase as your skin adjusts to doing both every day. I have pretty resistant skin so I jumped into doing both right away LOL.

As you get into this program, your skin will start to feel a little raw sometimes. If you ever get to the point where your irritation is too much, reduce usage. I also like to use soothing bath products, with Alba shower gel being a product I like as well as some of the Aveeno washes. I also like to rub myself down in oil, rosa mosqueta, grapeseed, or coconut, once a week and let it steam in while I shower once a week. I then just wash it off and apply a rich lotion. I am not completely consistent with this but I do do it once a week if my skin is irritated. Don’t play with any products with a lot of essential oils at this time either so you don’t risk further irritation.

Progress…..

As you progress, you will have to keep challenging your skin. To do this, you can alter either part one or part two, or both. For part one, you can increase the level of acid you are using by using a different lotion or cream, introducing chemical peel products, or manually using a physical scrub. For the scrubs, I like sugar scrubs because they usually come in formulas I like better but it is up to you. With the scrub, stand in your shower with dry or slightly damp skin. Take small amounts of scrub in your hands and work through your body in small tight circular motions, concentrating on the areas where your marks are. Once a week, do your entire body neck to toe. Then shower as usual. Don’t press your luck and apply an acidic lotion afterward, just use something with regenerative properties or go ahead with your retinol product. With chemical peels, you can experiment with different levels and types of acid. My only caution here is to start slow, even if you think you can take more. Skin that has been chemically treated for months is going to respond differently and you won’t know how different that will be until you do it. Don’t risk permanent damage jumping to an extreme. You can scar yourself and slow down your overall progress.

Changing part two…..

The same rules apply here in terms of increasing potency. A firm makes a 3x retinol you can jump two and the SkinCeuticals comes in two strengths I believe. Also, this is where you definitely need the skin-biology products because they have the best copper peptide products on the market hands down. These products are very strong and after working through two types of retinol, it will be time to dabble with the copper. Skinbiology makes varying strengths in this as well. The website has more detailed information on how to use the copper products so check that out.

Well….that’s it, Ladies. The program works, just stay with it and take pictures if you need to. I have always been prone to get stretch marks and this is the only thing that has ever helped me. I wish I would have discovered it sooner.

SOURCE

3. How to remove stretch marks naturally after delivery?

While it's important to keep in mind that completely removing stretch marks is challenging, there are some natural remedies you can try to improve their appearance. Here are a few suggestions:

1.  Moisturize with natural oils: Applying natural oils like Olive oil,  almond oil, coconut oil, or argan oil to your stretch marks can help moisturize the skin and potentially reduce their appearance. Massage the oil gently into the affected area in circular motions. Regular moisturization can improve skin elasticity and texture over time.
2.  Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties and can be effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Apply pure aloe vera gel to the affected area and massage it gently. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. Regular use may help fade the stretch marks.
3.  Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated and improves its elasticity. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to maintain optimal hydration. Hydrated skin is less prone to developing stretch marks and may help existing ones fade.
4.  Eat a nutritious diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can promote skin health and potentially minimize the appearance of stretch marks. Include foods that are high in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and silica. These nutrients can support collagen production and skin elasticity.
5.  Gentle exfoliation: Regularly exfoliating your skin can help improve blood circulation and promote the growth of new skin cells. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a homemade scrub made with natural ingredients like sugar and olive oil. Gently massage the scrub onto the affected area for a few minutes before rinsing off.
6. Time and patience: It's important to remember that reducing the appearance of stretch marks takes time and patience. Consistency with these natural remedies is key. While the results may vary for each individual, with regular care, you may notice a gradual improvement in the appearance of your stretch marks over time.
7. Lemon juice: Lemon juice contains natural acids that can help lighten the appearance of stretch marks. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and gently rub it onto the affected area. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Remember to moisturize afterward, as lemon juice can be drying to the skin.

If you're looking for more targeted or immediate results, it's advisable to consult with a dermatologist or a healthcare professional. They can provide you with additional treatment options or suggest specialized creams or procedures that may help address stretch marks effectively.

4. The best treatment for stretch marks

When it comes to the best treatment for stretch marks, it's important to understand that complete removal can be challenging. However, there are several treatment options available that can help improve the appearance of stretch marks. The effectiveness of these treatments may vary depending on factors such as the age and severity of the stretch marks, as well as individual skin characteristics. Here are a few popular treatment options to consider:

• Topical creams and lotions: There are various creams and lotions available that claim to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Look for products containing ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or peptides. These substances may help stimulate collagen production and improve the texture and color of stretch marks over time. Consistent and long-term use is usually necessary to see results.
• Laser therapy: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser therapy and pulsed dye laser therapy, have shown promising results in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. These treatments work by promoting the growth of new collagen and targeting the pigment in the stretch marks. Multiple sessions may be required, and results can vary depending on the individual.
• Microdermabrasion: This procedure involves exfoliating the outer layer of skin using a specialized device. By removing the top layer of skin, microdermabrasion can help improve the texture and appearance of stretch marks. Multiple sessions are usually needed to achieve noticeable results.
• Microneedling: Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using a device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates collagen and elastin production, which can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Several sessions are typically required for optimal results.
• Chemical peels: Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the top layer of the skin. This process can help improve the appearance of stretch marks. It's important to note that chemical peels should only be performed by a trained professional, as the concentration and type of chemical used need to be carefully chosen based on your skin type and the severity of the stretch marks.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. The remedies and treatments mentioned are based on commonly available knowledge and should not be considered as a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional or dermatologist. Results may vary for each individual, and it is important to understand that complete removal of stretch marks may not be possible. The effectiveness of any treatment or remedy mentioned in this article cannot be guaranteed. Prior to trying any new treatment or supplement, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance.