Getting Rid of Stretch Marks After Pregnancy: A Review of Home Remedies
The female body is truly a marvel. It is strong, elegant, and relentless. It can sustain, persevere, and push past preconceived limits. Above all, it is the ultimate vessel to the miracle of life.
While every life experience leaves its mark, pregnancy can completely transform a woman; her body bearing most of the weight of change. In turn, stretch marks tend to appear on the stomach, breasts, thighs, obliques, and other areas, leaving women searching for the best way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks after pregnancy.
Home remedies are one of the most popular avenues women turn to first. Some remedies work, others don’t, as effectiveness can largely vary from woman to woman.
If you’re postpartum and wondering how to get rid of stretch marks after pregnancy naturally, take a look at our review of seven home remedies:
1. Natural Oils
There’s a lot of information surrounding oils – especially carrier oils and essential oils – when it comes to reducing the appearance of or preventing stretch marks.
Carrier oils are derived from seeds, kernels, nuts and are odorless.
Carrier oils to try:
- Coconut Oil
- Canola Oil
- Argan Oil
- Almond Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Mustard Oil
Essential oils are aromatic (evaporate rapidly and contain the natural smell and characteristics of the plant) distilled oils extracted from plants and must be diluted with a carrier oil.
Essential oils to try:
- Rosehip Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Tamanu Oil
- Evening Primrose Oil
- Hemp Seed Oil
- Lavender Oil
Since essential oils are too strong to apply undiluted, carrier oils help dilute any essential oil (without compromising its therapeutic qualities) and promote an effective application.
2. Honey Scrub
The mixture of honey, sugar and lemon can create a natural stretch mark treatment.
Honey is a natural moisturizer. Manuka honey in particular is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. The vitamin C in the honey helps reduce inflammation and regenerates skin tissue.
The tiny beads of sugar act as a gentle exfoliant.
Lemon promotes the production of new collagen (from the vitamin C) and lightening of the stretch marks (from the citric acid).
Recipes for this scrub vary, with some calling for a fourth ingredient of olive oil.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera contains essential nutrients that act as superior skin soothing compounds. With consistent use, aloe Vera can help repair the skin’s damaged collagen fibers and lessen the appearance of stretch marks.
It is recommended to use an aloe Vera leaf or fresh gel – opposed to aloe Vera found at the store – as they are the most organic versions of the plant.
4. Egg Whites
The high levels of protein and enzymes found in egg whites can revitalize damaged dermis (top layer of the skin), increase elasticity, and promote fresh, healthy looking skin.
It is recommended to separate one to two egg whites and lightly beat them together. With a pastry brush, apply the egg whites to the stretch mark-damaged skin. Once it has air dried, it is best to rinse the skin with cool water and moisturize with lotion.
5. Baking Soda and Lime
You may be surprised to learn that baking soda can act as a natural skin exfoliator. Combined with lime juice (some prefer lemon juice), the mixture possesses a natural skin bleaching property from the citric acid. With consistent use, stretch marks have been said to fade over time.
Most recipes call for one teaspoon of each and to let the mixture dry on the damaged skin for 10-15 minutes. To remove, use a gentle, circular scrubbing motion and rinse any excess with water.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acetic and malic acid found in apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been said to breakdown scar tissue and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.*
It is recommended to spray ACV on stretch marks every night before bed, and to wash skin every morning. For any skin type, ACV can make skin dry, so it’s important to moisturize every morning as well.
*It’s important to note that ACV is not the best route for sensitive skin. It can cause irritation, redness and swelling.
7. Dry Brushing
Moving a body brush with soft, natural bristles, in a circular motion on stretch marks can promote blood and lymph circulation. With this activity, the appropriate amount of nutrients can reach the stretch marks to stimulate healing. Dry brushing can also thoroughly exfoliate the damaged area, removing dead skin cells and prompting new skin growth.
*Dry brushing must be done with absolute tenderness, as skin with stretch marks is already very sensitive and irritated.
If Home Remedies Don’t Prove Effective for You
Why Home Remedies Don’t Always Work
If you try one or all of these home remedies and the appearance of your stretch marks are showing little to no improvement, don’t throw in the towel just yet.
You may find it comforting to know that most home remedies have never been proven to remove or fade stretch marks in clinical studies.
Since stretch marks develop after the skin’s elastin and collagen have ruptured, the damage is really under the skin’s surface.
Most home remedies – and moisturizers and creams, like shea and cocoa butter – only target the skin’s surface. Without penetrating and reaching the damaged skin tissue, stretch marks will not fade.
There is a comprehensive stretch mark treatment that embodies naturally occurring substances proven to safely exfoliate and permeate damaged skin tissue, supporting the formation of healthy, beautiful skin.
A Breakthrough Stretch Mark Cream After Delivery to Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks
As the first two-step method successfully reducing the appearance of stretch marks, ReTone Stretch Mark Therapy Kit delivers quick results without the exposure to retinoids, parabens, and phthalates. Exfoliation followed by application of the specially formulated cream supports the natural regeneration of collagen and elastin. This results in thicker and less translucent skin, visibly reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
The ReTone Stretch Mark Therapy Kit started as an idea from a post-pregnancy mother of two who tried products and home remedies and still had stretch marks.
If you’re ready to see real results, discover ReTone’s simple and straightforward process.