Stretch marks are skin imperfections caused by the skin’s connective tissues stretching. Stretch marks can be caused by the collagen in the middle layer of the skin stretching too fast.
How can you get stretch marks?
The main reason for stretch marks is pregnancy. Obesity is the second most common reason for stretch marks.
These are just a few of the reasons why stretch marks form. Other times it’s by high levels of steroid hormones in the body. Sometimes genetics can play a part in stretch marks.
Is it possible for stretch marks to disappear?
You can remove stretch marks that are still in the early stages.
It is not possible to remove stretch marks that are too old. However, you can reduce their appearance by regular treatments.
You can use topical creams, laser treatments, and home remedies to get rid of stretch marks.
Top 12 home remedies to stretch marks
1. Olive oil
How to use: Apply a tablespoonful of olive oil on your skin. It can be massaged for between 2-5 minutes. After that, wash it off in 2 hours.
Frequency: Two to three times per week
Why it works: It contains antioxidants and essential vitamins that repair and heal your skin.
2- Almond oil
How to use: Apply a tablespoonful of almond oil on your skin. It can be massaged for five minutes, then rinse off after two hours, or leave it to rest overnight.
Frequency: Two to three times per week
Why it works: It penetrates your skin to heal it. Vitamin E is also found in it to maintain healthy skin.
3- Castor oil
How to use: Apply a tablespoon of castor oil on your skin. It should be massaged for five minutes. After about 2 hours, wash it off with warm water.
Frequency: Three times a week.
It works because it contains ricinoleic acids, which deeply moisturizes the skin and heals stretch marks.
4- Bio-oil
How to: Apply a few drops of bio-oil onto your palms then rub gently on your skin. Allow it to sit for at least one minute before you begin a 3-minute massage.
Frequency: Daily
Why: This is the best method to remove stretch marks. It will deeply moisturize your skin, and repair any stretch marks.
5-Shea butter
How to use: Apply and massage a little shea butter on your skin for about a minute.
Frequency: Daily
It works because it will nourish and repair your skin.
6- Aloe vera
How to: Apply aloe vera gel to your skin, and let it sit overnight.
Frequency: 4 times a week
Why it works: It contains properties such as gibberellin and glucomannan that regulate collagen production.
7. Vitamin E oil
How to: Apply a little vitamin E oil to your skin, and let it sit overnight.
Frequency: Daily
Why It Works: This is the best treatment for stretch marks. It contains antioxidants that will heal and maintain your skin’s health.
8. Egg whites
How to: Apply 1-2 egg whites on your skin. After 30 minutes, wash it off with cold water.
Frequency: Thrice a week
It works because egg whites contain amino acids and protein that can heal stretch marks.
9. Lemon juice
How to: Mix three teaspoons lemon juice and two teaspoons water in a small bowl. Apply it to your skin. After 20 minutes, wash it off.
Frequency: Thrice per week
Why It Works: This is a great product for removing stretch marks. Vitamin C in it helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
10. Potato juice
How to: Peel a potato and squeeze its juice out, then gently rub it on your skin. After an hour, wash it off.
Frequency: Thrice per week.
Why it works: It contains vitamin B complex, essential fatty acids, and minerals that keep your skin healthy.
11. Cocoa butter
How to use: Apply a little cocoa butter to your skin. Let it sit for a while after you’ve massaged your skin with it.
Frequency: 3-4 times per week
Why It works: This cream is the best for treating stretch marks. It will moisturize your skin, and help to heal stretch marks.
12. Sugar scrub
How to: Mix 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon honey. Use this mixture to scrub your skin and then wash it off.
Frequency: This can be used four times per week.
It works because sugar granules can remove dead skin cells and reveal new skin. Honey will help keep your skin healthy as well as moisturize it.
