Stop letting stretch marks negatively affect your self-image.
Stretch marks form when your skin expands and can appear virtually anywhere, from your chest and arms to your stomach and legs. Though surprisingly common, they can make you feel insecure about your body.
Boost your confidence with these science-backed methods to fight stretch marks:
Retinoids
Products containing retinoids are proven to fade stretch marks over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, retinoids are a compound derived from vitamin A that promotes cellular growth and collagen production. As a result, they effectively reduce the appearance of skin imperfections.
Almond Oil
Almond oil could be the secret to preventing and treating stretch marks. Since almond oil is incredibly nourishing and anti-inflammatory, it benefits skin prone to scarring, acne, and other common conditions. If you notice stretch marks forming on your skin, start making it a daily habit to rub almond oil into the areas.
Hyaluronic Acid
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends hyaluronic acid for stretch marks. This naturally occurring substance is highly hydrating, helping your skin retain moisture. Studies have shown that applying hyaluronic acid-based products to early stretch marks can prevent them from becoming very noticeable.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has many skin benefits, including minimizing stretch marks. The gel-like substance, extracted from aloe vera plants, moisturizes and supports your skin’s ability to repair itself. It can combat stretch marks by improving your skin health and encouraging it to heal the scarring.
Sugar
Add regular sugar scrubs to your beauty routine to treat stretch marks at home. Sugar is an exfoliator that gently sands away dead skin cells to reveal a smoother complexion.
Healthline states it acts similarly to microdermabrasion, a medical procedure that rejuvenates skin by removing the top layer. Exfoliating with sugar keeps stretch marks at bay and feels like an indulgent, relaxing spa treatment.
Microneedling
You may have heard of face microneedling, but did you know it can also target stretch marks on other body parts? Microneedling involves puncturing the skin with tiny needles, encouraging your body to produce more collagen. It may sound painful, but microneedling is minimally invasive and, if done correctly, should only feel slightly uncomfortable.
Egg Whites
Egg whites are among the most potent at-home stretch mark remedies. They’re full of skin-loving proteins and amino acids with plumping and hydrating properties.
Mederma suggests whisking two egg whites until foamy and applying them directly to your stretch marks. Once dry, wash the egg whites off and moisturize the area.
Chemical Peels
Getting a chemical peel could significantly improve the appearance of stretch marks. Several types effectively treat stretch marks, including glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels.
They work by penetrating the skin to exfoliate and rejuvenate it from within. The best way to determine the right chemical peel for your body is to speak with a licensed practitioner.
Shea Butter
While shea butter won’t eliminate stretch marks, it can make them less noticeable. Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, which heal and strengthen the skin.
These vitamins improve elasticity and softness, helping fade the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Applying high-quality, unrefined shea butter to your stretch marks several times daily may also reduce redness.
Laser Therapy
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, laser therapy is a proven stretch mark treatment. The non-invasive procedure uses light energy to boost cellular regeneration, effectively repairing stretch marks. You’ll likely have to undergo several laser therapy sessions to see improvements, but the results are permanent.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is full of fatty acids that soften and protect the skin. It can be applied to various body areas to prevent and diminish stretch marks. This moisturizing oil has many healing properties that combat the formation and severity of stretch marks and other skin damage.
Centella Asiatica
Erase stretch marks for good with Centella asiatica, an herb-derived skincare ingredient. Centella asiatica extract is often used to treat wounds and eczema due to its high antioxidant content and soothing qualities.
Studies show it’s also beneficial for stretch marks, encouraging your skin to produce more collagen and elastin. Centella asiatica plumps the skin to noticeably reduce the presence of stretch marks.
Lemon Juice
One easy way to minimize stretch marks is to use lemon juice. Thanks to citric acid and vitamin C, it has a natural lightening effect. You can fight stretch mark-related discoloration by gently rubbing pure lemon juice onto the area, letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and washing it away with warm water.
Discover the best products for stretch marks
Combat stretch marks at home using targeted formulas that improve skin health. These are the top products for stretch marks worth adding to your daily routine.
Best Stretch Marks Oils, Serums, and Creams
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
