How To Remove Stretch Marks

Written by Kinnari Ashar30th May 2022
How To Remove Stretch Marks

So, you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed and see celebrities flaunting their beautiful bodies. You start wondering if you could ever achieve those body goals. And perhaps, start thinking about your stretch marks and how you don’t like them (which is what probably brings you here). But here’s your daily reminder—stretch marks are normal and you don’t need to beat yourself over them! If you’ve been trying to look for remedies on how to remove stretch marks and haven’t found anything conclusive, you’re at the right place! 

While there’s no magical treatment out there to help you get rid of stretch marks, there are some home remedies that you can try out. Check out these tips on how to treat stretch marks at home. 

But before we begin, let’s understand what stretch marks are and what causes them. 

What are stretch marks? 

Stretch marks develop when your skin quickly stretches or shrinks leading to marks that usually appear as bands of lines. Stretch marks are common—they’re most likely to appear during or after pregnancy, or after rapid weight changes. The marks can appear anywhere, but they are most commonly seen on the stomach, thighs, upper arms, breasts, and buttocks. 

Your skin may feel slightly ridged or indented when you touch them. They may also feel itchy in the initial stages.  

In most cases, stretch marks are permanent. However, they may fade over a period of time. 

Causes of stretch marks  

Pregnant woman applying moisturizer on belly, preventing pregnancy stretch marks Pregnant woman applying moisturizer on belly, preventing pregnancy stretch marks pregnancy stretch marks stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

1. Pregnancy 

Women get stretch marks during pregnancy as they gain weight rapidly. Typically, they appear on the tummy, thighs and breasts as the baby grows. 

2. Puberty 

A sudden growth spurt occurs during puberty, causing adolescents to typically gain weight. Stretch marks appear on hips, thighs and breasts due to the sudden stretching of the skin. 

3. Weight gain 

Stretch marks appear with sudden weight gain or loss. With rapid weight changes, the skin gets stretched over a certain area causing the dermis to break down and leave a mark. 

4. Corticosteroids 

Stretch marks can also be caused by lotions, creams, and pills containing corticosteroids or topical steroids that are applied on the skin. In some cases, these formulations affect the skin’s elasticity, thus causing stretch marks.  

5. Genetics 

You're more likely to get stretch marks if your parents have them. 

6. Health conditions 

There are a number of health conditions that cause stretch marks, including Cushing's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos and Marfan's syndrome. For instance, in Cushing’s syndrome, the body produces excessive amounts of cortisol resulting in these marks. Or in the case of Marfan’s syndrome, a faulty gene causes the body's skin and connective tissues to become brittle, resulting in stretch marks. 

7. Body building 

Stretch marks are very common among bodybuilders. They happen when the skin stretches due to muscles growing too fast or when steroids are used for the same purpose.  

Are stretch marks permanent? 

If you’re wondering how to remove stretch marks permanently, here’s the catch — stretch marks are practically impossible to get rid of entirely! But worry not! Thankfully, there are some amazing home remedies that you can try to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and rebuild the collagen in your skin. 

How to get rid of stretch marks  

So, can you get rid of stretch marks at home? Well, not entirely, but they can certainly lighten with time. Here's how to treat stretch marks at home with these simple remedies. 

Close up of woman hands holding aloe vera slices. Woman hands holding aloe vera slices. Skincare treatments aloe vera stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

1. Aloe vera 

Aloe vera is known to be a powerful antioxidant. You can use it to get rid of stretch marks naturally. To get effective results, remove the outer layer of the aloe vera leaf. Scrape the gel out from the inside. Massage the gel on the affected area and let it stay on your skin for about 20-40 minutes. Rinse the skin with water.  

You can also mix coconut oil with aloe vera and use them together. Mix together two tablespoons of virgin coconut oil and freshly-extracted aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture daily on your stretch marks to get best results. 

2. Potato juice 

Potatoes are rich in starch and several other pigmentation-lightening enzymes, which is why they are often used to treat conditions like dark circles, blemishes, and spots on the skin. Potato juice, when applied regularly, effectively helps lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. 

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3. Cocoa butter 

Cocoa butter helps reduce stretch marks and prevent stretch marks—making it a go-to for women during pregnancy. Ideally, the product should be massaged into the skin at bedtime on a daily basis for best results. 

4. Almond and coconut oil 

Both almond oil and coconut oil are effective in reducing stretch marks. Take both the oils in equal quantities and massage on your skin. To get the desired results, use daily. 

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5. Apricot 

An apricot mask will go a long way in helping you get rid of stretch marks. To start, take two to three apricots and remove the seeds. Grind this into a smooth paste. Directly apply the paste on the stretch marks. Wash off after 15-20 minutes using warm water. Do this every day for a month for the best results. 

As an alternative to the above treatment, you can also use pure apricot oil. Prepare a mixture of apricot oil and lemon juice and apply it to the affected areas. 

6. Hyaluronic acid 
 

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful ingredient that moisturises and heals the skin. It is often used in the form of lotions, creams, and serums. It is particularly known to improve the elasticity of skin—effectively helping in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.   

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7. Castor oil 

Dry skin can make stretch marks look more pronounced which is why it’s important to moisturise and nourish the skin. When massaged on the skin, castor oil can help heal marks and smooth them out. Like with everything else, make sure you’re consistent.  

8. Cucumber and lemon juice 

Lemon juice reduces scars, whereas cucumber juice leaves your skin feeling cool and fresh. Mix lemon and cucumber juice together, apply the mixture to the affected areas and leave on for about 30 minutes. Wash off with warm water. 

9. Centella 

K-beauty products often contain Centella Asiatica, a popular herb also known as cica. Cica creams contain centella oil, which is used to treat scars and calm and repair sensitive skin. This herb is also known to promote collagen production and reduce inflammation. Cica creams may help prevent stretch marks and improve existing ones.  

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10. Sunscreen 

Stretch marks cannot be prevented by sunscreen alone, but it improves the skin's health and appearance overall. 

Exposure to the sun may accentuate existing scars and marks. Furthermore, it increases the chances of developing skin cancer significantly. Wear sunscreen whenever you are outside. 

Furthermore, exposure to the sun can cause the skin's collagen fibers to break down, which may lead to stretch marks. 

Stretch marks are not something to run away from. Feeling confident in your skin is the way to go. However, if you still wish to get rid of stretch marks, you can do so naturally by following these natural home remedies. 

FAQs

1. Is it possible to remove stretch marks? 

While it is not possible to entirely remove stretch marks, you can treat them naturally with home remedies. This will help the marks to fade away gradually. 

2. Are stretch marks permanent? 

There is no absolute cure to remove stretch marks permanently. However, you can use the home remedies mentioned above to reduce their appearance. 

3. Will stretch marks fade naturally? 

Yes, stretch marks can fade naturally if you are consistent with a good skincare routine.  

Kinnari Ashar

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