Stretch marks are deep scars from stretching of the skin. They occur due to pregnancy, teenage growth, and rapid weight gain or weight loss.
You can remove them quickly with treatments such as lase, but home remedies can help in fading them fast.
Also known as striae, the stretch marks can be a nuisance as they are very visible, and appear in the form of pale stripes running across the skin surface.
Although the stretch marks are quite common in pregnant women, they may also appear in people who are building muscles, or people undergoing hormonal changes.
How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Fast
According to Mayo Clinic, genetics has a lot to do with susceptibility to stretch marks. For instance, if your mother suffered from stretch marks when she was pregnant, there is a likelihood that you will also get them as well.
However, there is some good news as the marks will fade away on their own but there may be cases where they require your intervention. According to the latest clinical studies, it is possible for a person to prevent stretch marks from taking place and to reduce their appearance once they have taken shape.
Below, we are going to look at methods you can use at home to get rid of the stretch marks naturally and fast.
1. Use cocoa butter
Cocoa butter has many benefits for the skin. It is rich in antioxidants that are known to help fight free radicals that cause dark patches, dullness and general aging signs. Cocoa butter is also widely used as an effective natural remedy for stretch marks due to its deep moisturizing effect.
According to Dr. Axe, applying cocoa butter to your skin will help improve the skin’s elasticity and tone. Collagen production and retention will also improve due to the increased hydration. Here’s how to use cocoa butter to get rid of stretch marks fast.
Ingredients
- A half cup cocoa butter
- One teaspoon of wheat germ oil
- Two teaspoons of grated beeswax
- One teaspoon of apricot kernel
- One teaspoon vitamin E oil
Directions
- Take all the above ingredients and combine them together
- Heat the resulting mixture until you see the beeswax start to melt
- Take the heated mixture and store it in an airtight corner in your fridge
- Apply to the area with the stretch marks three times each day to hydrate your skin
2. Using coconut oil
Coconut oil is rich in saturated fats, capric acid and vitamin E. Vitamin E is very important for the growth of healthy skin cells as well as repair where there are scars such as those of stretch marks. Coconut oil is also good for your skin and your overall health because it contains antiviral and antimicrobial properties.
“Stretch marks occur as the skin’s elasticity changes, most frequently after weight gain/loss or pregnancy. Using coconut oil can help reduce the marks that are left behind, helping them fade more quickly…” [Dr. Axe]
Therefore, one reason why you should try this oil for stretch marks is because it comes with very intense moisturizing properties. Your skin gets to absorb the oil very fast. It will remain elastic and smooth. Here’s how to use coconut oil to reduce the appearance of stretch marks from weight gain and pregnancy.
- Take a generous amount of the oil and rub it on your belly
- Make sure to use it two to three times each day
“If you have already acquired those unsightly stretch marks, you can slather warm extra virgin coconut oil on those marks before going to bed to reduce their appearance.” [New Health Advisor]
Expectant mothers should not be wary of using the coconut oil with their stretch marks, as it is completely safe for their babies.Additionally, the properties contained in this oil will help in soothing and moisturize your skin for the entire duration of your pregnancy.
3. Egg whites remedy for stretch marks
Eggs are a great source of protein. Although stretch marks fade on their own with time, nourishing your skin with protein and keeping it hydrated can make the stretch marks disappear faster. When it comes to home remedies you can use to get rid of stretch marks, you should consider using the egg whites as they contain proteins and amino acids.
Directions
- Take two eggs and separate the whites from the yolk
- Whip the whites gently using a folk
- Use water to clean the infected area before applying a thick layer of the egg whites
- Give the egg whites enough time to dry completely before rinsing using cold water
- Once clean, apply some olive oil to preserve the skin moisture
- Repeat the steps each day for a minimum of two weeks
4. Exfoliation to remove stretch marks naturally
Though exfoliation does not completely remove the stretch marks, it does help in reducing their unsightly appearance. This method is most effective when used together with a good stretch mark removal cream. Exfoliation removes debris and dead skin cells, allowing the cream to penetrate and work on eliminating stretch mark scars effectively. To exfoliate, you will need the following:
- Exfoliating scrub
- Skin firming lotion
Before you can begin the exfoliation process, you should begin by first preparing the skin using a damp towel placed over the affected area. Here’s how to exfoliate stretch marks and get rid of them fast.
- Wet your palms and scrub the exfoliating product into the area that has been affected by the stretch marks
- Gently rub it in a circular motion
- Ensure you make about forty circles in the area that is affected
- Rinse off your scrub
- Reapply it in the same manner
- Rinse the skin and gently pat it until dry
- Apply a cream or lotion that contains a collagen ingredient
Repeat the exfoliation process each day, remembering to apply skin cream in the area that is affected
5. Essential oils for stretch mark removal
Essential oils are some of the most effective home remedies when it comes to dealing with skin acne or stretch marks.
They come in many forms and include jasmine, mandarin, and neroli. The oils are favored when it comes to getting rid of stretch marks naturally as they contain regenerative properties, which help slow down the skin aging process, and in the process improves its flexibility, while at the same time helping hydrate it.
Since they are highly concentrated, it is recommended that you mix them with cream or carrier oil before applying them to your body.
6. Exercise after weight gain
It is recommended that you regularly do exercises at homes such as swimming, sit-ups, and abdominal crunches. The exercises help in toning your muscles, and in the process, helps get rid of the ugly stretch marks. The following are exercises that will be beneficial in removing stretch marks:
- To get rid of stretch marks on buttocks and hips naturally: lie on your back flat, and relax for a few minutes. One you are relaxed, proceed to lift one leg and create a ninety-degree angle. You should continue lifting your leg until you feel a lift on your left buttock. Do the same for the other leg
- To get rid of stretch marks on your bottom: you will be required to lie down and face the floor gently. Place both arms on the sides, and lift your left leg up and down. Do the same for the right leg.
To achieve the best results, you should practice twenty lifts for each exercise at least three times a week.
7. Use lemon juice
The use of lemon juice is another simple way to lessen the appearance of stretch marks on your body. The juice is naturally acidic and this helps in eliminating stretch marks
Directions
- Take some lemon juice and gently rub it onto the stretch marks in circular motions
- Give the lemon juice enough time to soak into the skin
- Rinse it off using some warm water
8. Petroleum Jelly
Vaseline, or petroleum jelly will not make your stretch marks go away, but it does help in healing the skin as the stretch marks start to fade away.
So, how does petroleum jelly help get rid of stretch marks fast? The jelly will help your skin by locking in moisture—the moisture is needed to maintain the elasticity of your skin. When your skin is too dry, it means that the cells are unable to draw in moisture, and this means that they start losing their strength, before eventually losing their structure.
9. Potato Juice
The juice from the potatoes contains a vitamin that helps in growing and restoring dead skin cells. Potato juice contains a tremendous amount of minerals and vitamins, which helps in skin restoration and growth.
One known effective method of fixing stretch marks is by providing the body with lots of vitamins and minerals. Here’s how to use potato juice to get rid of stretch marks fast and naturally.
Directions
- Pick a potato and cut it into small pieces
- Take the pieces and rub them all over the areas that have stretch marks for a few minutes
When rubbing the potatoes into affected areas, you must make sure that the starch from these potatoes has covered the entire area that is affected. Leave the starch from the potato in place for a while before washing it using lukewarm water
10. Aloe Vera Remedy
The Aloe Vera home remedy is one of the best when it comes to dealing with skin problems. It contains soothing and healing properties that can easily be used to get rid of unwanted stretch marks.
When it comes to aloe Vera, the one property that stands out is its regeneration properties. The properties help in regenerating skin tissues, stimulating elastin and collagen which helps in slowing down the ageing process, and in reducing the scars or wrinkles that come with the ageing process. Here’s how to get rid of stretch marks using alove vera home remedy.
Directions
- Directly apply the gel to the area that is affected
- Leave it there for fifteen minutes
- Rinse using some lukewarm water
11. Vitamin E Oil
The oil is one of the best and most effective ways of dealing with stretch marks on your body. It helps in eliminating stretch marks by creating firmer and more elastic skin tone. It works by boosting the body’s natural regeneration process
The vitamins have a moisturizing effect, which helps in hydrating the cells, and thus helps in ensuring that the stretch marks disappear.
12. Sugar Scrub
Sugar scrub is made from natural white sugar, which is one of the best natural remedies available. The sugar helps in exfoliating the skin.
When you make a homemade sugar scrub, you are not only able to clean the skin, but you also get to regenerate it. Apart from regeneration, sugar scrubs also help with cellulite and fighting the stretch marks present on your skin. Sugar scrub can be prepared at home using very affordable resources.
- Preparation
- 250 grams of salt
- 100-150 ml of palm oil
- 250 grams of sugar
In case you do not have sufficient palm oil, you can always substitute it using olive oil, or any other vegetable oil that you can find.
When choosing your salt, make sure that you only use sea salt. It is the recommended type of salt for preparing sugar scrub as it comes enriched with microelements and iodine, which when placed on the skin highly contributes to the renewal process. Here are directions on how to use sugar scrub to get rid of stretch marks from pregnancy.
Directions
- Take a tablespoon of natural white sugar and mix it with almond oil
- Add some lemon juice
- Blend it well before applying in all the areas that have stretch marks
- Take the blend and gently rub it onto the skin for a few minutes each day before taking your shower
- Repeat all the steps for one month
Sugar scrub should be used on a daily basis, at least every night when taking your bath. Spend some time spreading the sugar scrub all over the troubled areas of your skin.
It is vital to spend a minimum of three minutes applying the sugar scrub in circular motions all over your skin. Once applied, rinse the surface using warm water. When the procedure is complete, take some moisturizing cream or lotion on to the entire area that is affected.
When you use the sugar scrub on a daily basis as recommended, you will find that the cellulite and stretch marks on the skin surface become less noticeable within four weeks.
Regular and consistent use will lead to the complete removal of the stretch marks and the cellulite using affordable tools available in your house.
Other ways
You can also get rid of stretch marks using laser treatments and microdermabrasion. Some of these treatments are fast and have relatively permanent results for existing scars. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatments have shown to have positive and permanent results on removing stretch marks.
If you are looking to get rid of stretch marks overnight, then laser is your best bet. The only problem is that it is expensive and may be done over several appointments.
1. Laser for permanent stretch mark removal
Stretch marks are technically very challenging to remove, but not impossible to remove with a laser. The lines are a form of scar in the areas, which have lost collagen within the deeper dermis layer
When you use a laser, you are basically encouraging collagen remodeling, which makes the stretch marks less visible. However, the marks will not disappear completely.
When dealing with newer stretch marks, it is recommended that you use the Pulse Dye laser, which helps in removing marks that are still red or purple in color. The dye laser provides a great improvement in the color and after a few treatments, it can help fade the stretch marks.
2. Microdermabrasion
This is a simple procedure performed to remove all the dead skin cells from the skins top layer. When done correctly, it can lead to hyperpigmentation improvement as well as the texture of the skin over time.
Stretch marks play a vital role in the formation of stretch marks as well as in their removal. Apart from helping with the peeling effect, microdermabrasion also helps in jumpstarting the production of collagen in your skin surface.
In return, this helps in elasticity, which also helps the skin contract the stretch marks on your skin, leading into the formation of much thinner scars.
For best results, you should consider combining this procedure with other treatment methods like radio frequency sessions, cocoa creams as well as dieting. The procedure is mainly used to refresh the skin and provide it with a new glow.
Alternatives to Microdermabrasion
Contrary to what many people believe, the stretching of the skin does not bring about stretch marks. In many cases, they are brought about by pregnancy, intense physical activity, and rapid weight loss. If the above options do not work for you, consider talking with your dermatologist so as to learn of the options available to you.
Popular options include:
- Topical creams
- A deep chemical peel
- Radio frequency that has been combined with pulsed laser
- Surgically removing all the areas that are affected
Do not wait for stretch marks to become a bother. It is always best to try to prevent them before they start forming on your skin. Immediately you become pregnant, start practicing the prevention methods to guarantee that the stretch marks will not become a part of your life.
