11 Natural Remedies for Stretch Marks

Growth spurts during puberty, sudden weight-gain, rapid increase in muscle mass, and pregnancy all have one thing in common.  They all have the potential to leave behind the shiny hair-line scars known as stretch marks.  When the body grows faster than skin cells are able to replicate, the resulting fractures in the dermis – the second or middle layer of skin which is responsible for the structural integrity of our bodies – first appear as purple or reddish lines.  Gradually these marks lighten, but they won’t disappear without help.

This article reveals eleven of the best natural and home remedies to lighten and fade your stretch marks.

1. Derma Roller

While this remedy may be too painful for some people to employ, the derma roller has received great reviews from those who have used one regularly to rid themselves of stretch marks.  This handy hand-held device features a small wheel with anywhere from two hundred to over five hundred micro needles that penetrate through the outer layer of skin and into the dermis.  When rolled over stretch marks, the hundreds of tiny needles stimulate collagen production deep in your skin to promote healing.  Because the needles of a derma roller are so thin, be certain to get one made with titanium that won’t break or bend.  You want the needles to be straight to prevent damage to the epidermis.

Use this device before applying some of the other all-natural remedies mentioned below to get the best results possible!

2. Rose Hip Seed Oil

When it comes to healthy skin, there are few moisturizers that can hold a candle to rose hip seed oil.  Cold-pressed from the seeds of the moss rose (Rosa moschata) this light-weight, non-greasy oil is full of essential fatty acids that improve skin strength and elasticity.  Rose hip seed oil is also the best source for trans-retinoic acid, a natural form of vitamin A that encourages skin to regenerate faster.  Use 100% organic rose hip seed oil with a derma roller to minimize healing time.

3. Wheat Germ Oil

Another popular treatment for stretch marks is with wheat germ oil.  While this treatment is reported to be better for new stretchmarks, it may also help with older, lingering scars.  Apply organic wheat germ oil after using a derma roller for faster results.

4. Coconut Oil

Wet-milled or cold-pressed virgin coconut oil is another super hero for your skin.  While it is a saturated fat, coconut oil sets itself apart from your run-of-the-mill sat fats in that it is primarily made up of medium chain triglyceride lauric acid.  This 12-carbon fatty-acid has a long list of proven health benefits, including the ability to improve skin elasticity, increase cell regeneration, and fight off infection.  Use coconut oil over stretch marks by itself, or as a follow-up to the derma roller and say “goodbye” to those unwanted scars.

5. Argan Oil

Triterpenoids and anti-oxidants naturally present in argan oil offer amazing healing power!  When applied to stretch marks, argan oil will help to fade these scars while also moisturizing skin and improving cell health.  Argan oil is composed of about 80% fatty-acids which soften and strengthen skin, restore elasticity, and encourage growth of new cells.  Also, pure organic argan oil can be used as a healing moisturizer after treatment with a derma roller.

6. Vitamin E Oil

For a wonderfully therapeutic stretch mark treatment, whip up a batch of homemade body butter using this recipe.  The active ingredients – shea butter, coconut oil, vanilla oil, and vitamin E – all have health benefits for your skin and will help to reduce the appearance of or eliminate scars completely.

7. Gelatin 

Real gelatin (not the kind you buy on the dessert aisle in the supermarket) is one of the best dietary sources of collagen available.  When ingested, this amazing food helps to firm skin and promotes growth of new cells, as well as a long list of other health benefits (joint support, hair and nail health, improve digestion, etc.)  Use gelatin to make delicious homemade desserts.  Alternately, another great source of gelatin is from homemade broth.

8. Egg Whites

Amino acids naturally present in egg whites can soak through the epidermis, helping to strengthen skin and heal scars.  To make an egg white mask, whip the whites from two large eggs until you begin to see soft peaks.  Using a soft brush or sponge, apply this treatment to stretch marks and allow it to dry completely before removing.  Follow up with a good stretch mark-fighting moisturizer.  This treatment may be repeated up to three times per day. 

Apply to unbroken skin only and try to use organic eggs from free-range hens to avoid the added hormones and antibiotics common to mass-produce egg farms.

9. Sugar Scrub

Another great way to get rid of stretch marks is with a homemade sugar scrub.  Mix two parts organic raw cane sugar with one part virgin olive oil.  Add a teaspoon or two of organic lemon juice until your scrub has the desired consistency.  Glycolic acid in sugar and citric acid in lemon juice are both powerful alpha-hydroxy acids which remove dead skin and rejuvenate skin by stimulating new growth.  Use this treatment two to three times per week and be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer like coconut or jojoba oil.

10. Sliced Potato

Full of vitamins and minerals which are great for skin health and cell regeneration, potato juice is an unlikely but useful weapon against stretch marks.  Just cut a fresh organic potato into thick slices and rub the exposed flesh against scarred skin.  Let the juice soak in for about fifteen minutes before rinsing off with warm water.  Repeat this treatment about once per day.

11. Aloe Vera

Fresh aloe vera gel is another excellent source of vitamins that help to heal skin.  Aloe is also one of the most perfect natural moisturizers and has been used for thousands of years to keep hair, skin, and nails strong and healthy.  Because aloe vera is so gentle, feel free to use this treatment as much as you want.

Try out one or more of these natural remedies at a time and use them for a couple of weeks to figure out what works best for your skin.