Stretch marks (striae) occur when your skin changes its structure because of growth or weight. Marks like this don’t mean that anything is wrong with your health. 

Any individual can have stretch marks no matter what gender they may have. Puberty and pregnancy are the standard times where any person could get them. 

Stretch mark appear first as a thin purple or red line of a different texture than the skin around it. But, it becomes less noticeable and less light in color when they start fading. Most research would tell people that there is no solution for these marks. Still, home medications can help you reduce their appearance and make them disappear more quickly. 

In general, there’s no need to worry about these marks as they fade through time if you have newer stretch marks because most of these marks will likely respond to the latest treatment. 

What are these possible solutions? Let’s see the best natural remedies for stretch mark. 

Hyaluronic acid

This powerful ingredient aids your marks with a moisturized and skin healing technique. People would often use it as lotions, serums, and creams. These modifications make your skin less elastic because the collagen is not doing the usual job of reinforcing your skin.

The truth is, there’s research from last 2017 that recommends hyaluronic acid for improving the appearance of stretch marks. Though, more research should still get done to be sure. To test how it works, apply a product with hyaluronic acid to the affected area each day. 

Vitamin A

Skincare products refer to Vitamin A as a retinoid. This ingredient can make your skin smoother, youthful, and glowing. You can find retinoids in many over-the-counter cosmetic creams. 

Studies in 2015 showed how retinol could effectively eliminate stretch marks and make them less severe and smaller. Thus, some recent research has determined the effectiveness rate of tretinoin for stretch marks. Additional studies must still establish all its impact on stretch marks.  

Though, be mindful that Vitamin A products may irritate your skin. It would be best to follow the instructions carefully if you try the ingredient. Retinoids also have some risks and side effects, especially for pregnant women. So, you shouldn’t use this item if you are: 

• Lactating
• Trying to be pregnant
• Pregnant

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the best natural skin treatments and has been proven to heal many skin concerns in history. The jelly that comes from the aloe vera plant leaves works best by applying directly to the skin, soothing and moisturizing what you need. 

In 2018, a study said aloe vera encourages the skin to heal from wounds and burns. And because stretch marks are a type of scarring (from damaged skin), the ingredient’s skin-repairing properties can help stretch marks to fade.

Though there is little clinical proof that aloe vera treats stretch marks, pure aloe vera may be worth trying. It can make you achieve your goal of healing and softening your skin. Apply a pure aloe vera from a plant after showering. You can also purchase an over-the-counter product for your stretch marks daily.

Centella 

Centella (Cica Creams) is a herb famous for use in most Korean beauty products. Centella help in treating the scar treatment or calming and repairing the sensitive skin. It also helps in reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production. 

Studies from 2015 say that creams with Centella can help you prevent stretch marks during the pregnancy period and enhance how they look. Still, more studies are highly suggested. Overall, Cica creams are developing their effectiveness in Korea and the United States. 

But this ingredient can be a bit pricey. If you have enough with you, going for Centella treatment would be good. 

Coconut Oil 

Virgin coconut oil is also a famous skin treatment that heals many issues. One significant benefit is that it can help you maintain your skin’s protective barrier. In 2018, a study showed that coconut oil enhances skin infections, dry skin, and heals your wounds faster.

There’s still little evidence on how you can use coconut oil for stretch marks. Studies with other plants such as almond oil, cocoa butter, and olive oil haven’t created any progress from their uses. 

Gently massaging oil to your skin could help you eliminate stretch marks. This statement was supported in a study in 2015 telling that a soft daily massage of your stretch marks with coconut oil can help. But if you’re allergic to any coconut products and ingredients, you may want to avoid this option. 

Sugar

You may think that sugar only works for foods. But in this case, sugar can also be the best exfoliator. The tiny sugar crystals can wash away the dead skin cells and leave you with smoother skin. 

Microdermabrasion is a method performed by a dermatologist to make stretch mark fade. So tying sugar is a home remedy for exfoliation that is worth trying. Besides, it’s an ingredient that you may already have at home. 

So, how to make a scrub? Here’s the step

• Combine ½ cup of sugar with a softening agent, like coconut or almond oil. Mix the oil into the sugar and combine one at a time. Your scrub must be ready when it almost looks like beach sand. 
• Add ½ cup oil in total.
• Mildy rubbed the mixture over the stretch marks. 
• Repeat this two or three times a week while in the bath or shower. Then, rinse with warm water. 
• Create two small batches of the scrub. You can put your sugar scrub in a tight container for a short time. But, if it starts to smell or look off, create a fresh new batch. 

Summary

Stretch mark can genuinely affect your confidence, especially when going out to the beach. Flaunting your skin may not be easy with these marks, and so you might lose some of your confidence. Remember that any skincare procedure may cause any sensitivities or allergies. 

Still, any natural approach or home remedy would work out perfectly fine. So, if you observe a reaction, stop using the ingredient and take another step to heal those marks. 

You can ask for professional help in eliminating these scars by looking for a provider. Ensure to choose someone who can help you before and after the procedure. Set an appointment or book a consultation with your physician to develop the best plan for your stretch marks.