10 Home Remedies to Naturally Reduce Stretch Marks

Sweet Almond and Coconut Oils

Nut oils, such as sweet almond and coconut oils, are nourishing moisturizers which penetrate into the skin and provide an occlusive skin barrier.^[5] As mentioned above, sweet almond oil together with aloe vera has been shown to have an effect on the itching of stretch marks.^[1] Therefore, applying them individually or together may especially benefit fresh stretch marks.

That’s why many effective stretch mark treatments contain these ingredients!

Sugar

You surely have this one in your kitchen: Sugar can be used as a natural body scrub for exfoliation and microdermabrasion. These remove dead skin cells and increase circulation, thereby improving the appearance of your skin. Finishing off this exfoliation with a good moisturizer provide the sparkling finish.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin important for the growth of all body tissues, including hair and skin. It also supports the production of oil (sebum) and maintains the skin’s moisture.
The best way to get enough vitamin A is by eating a healthy, balanced diet. Vitamin A is present in many foods where it comes in two main forms: ^[6,7]

• Preformed vitamin A (retinol) is present in animal products such as fatty fish, organ meat, eggs, and dairy products
• Pro-vitamin A (carotenes) is present in dark green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, turnip greens, zucchini, and peppers or as carotenoid, the orange pigment of fruits and vegetables such as oranges, papayas, mangos, carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.

The most common vitamin A supplement is beta-carotene, which is transformed into retinol by the body upon demand.^[8] Retinol supplements should not be consumed without your doctor’s advice, especially when pregnant, as too much of it can be harmful.^[6]

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body where it is involved in many processes, including hydration, wound healing and tissue repair.^[9,10] It has a unique ability to retain water, has anti-oxidative properties, and is a stimulant for collagen production.^[10,11] It can be absorbed by eating egg whites or from supplements in the form of capsules or extracts. It can also be applied to your skin in scar treatments or cosmetic products.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree and contains the antioxidants vitamins A and E, and fatty acids. It can be taken orally or topically, and its positive effect on skin elasticity when applied directly to the skin was shown in a study in 2016.^[12]

Lemon juice

Lemon juice naturally contains Vitamin C, an antioxidant and skin brightener which helps improve skin tone.^[13,14] Applied alone or mixed with cucumber juice, it makes a refreshing and soothing skin mask.

Rosehip oil

Rosehip oil is rich in the antioxidants vitamins A and C. Vitamin C is also a natural skin brightener which helps improve skin tone. For this reason, rosehip oil is a common ingredient of moisturizers. Rosehip oil has been shown to reduce the severity of fresh stretch marks.^[15]

Centella asiatica or Gotu Kola

Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, has a long tradition in Asian folk medicine, and its medicinal properties are also recognized in scientific-oriented medicine. Due to its anti-inflammatory and collagen stimulating properties, it is effective in treating small wounds, burns, psoriasis, and scleroderma.^[16] It has been shown to contribute to a positive effect on skin elasticity and strength,^[16] as well as on the appearance of stretch marks.^[15]

Egg white

Egg whites are rich in amino acids and proteins which support skin hydration.^[17] Applying egg white to your skin can, therefore, help reduce the appearance of stretch marks by tightening and plumping the skin. Whisk two egg whites and apply the foam to the stretch marks. Let the foam dry and rinse it off. This treatment is best followed by moisturizing with an oil or cream.

References