Home Remedies For Stretch Marks
Moisturization is key to improve skin elasticity. Studies have found that keeping the skin moisturized using oils and emollients can help prevent stretch marks. The remedies discussed below can help keep the skin moisturized, thus preventing and fading stretch marks.
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is traditionally used as a skin moisturizer. It may help to keep your skin moisturized and prevent stretch marks.
You Will Need
1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Massage the coconut oil onto the affected area for 5-10 minutes.
- Make sure to massage it onto damp skin.
- You may leave the oil overnight or wash it off after 1-2 hours.
How Often You Need To Do This
2 times every day.
2. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter has a moisturizing effect on the skin, although one study found that it had no significant impact on reducing stretch marks. Several formulas of ointments for stretch marks containing shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E showed conflicting results. While they proved to be useful in some cases, they did not show any improvement in the others.
You Will Need
- ½ cup of cocoa butter
- ¼ cup shea butter
- 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil
- 1 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix the two butters and coconut oil.
- Heat them (if needed) for a few seconds to melt them.
- Add the vitamin E oil and mix well.
- Massage the mixture onto the affected area.
- Leave it on overnight or wash it after 1-2 hours.
How Often You Need To Do This
2 times every day.
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid and other ingredients that have a skin-conditioning (emollient) effect (3). This may help improve the appearance of stretch marks.
You Will Need
1-2 tablespoons of castor oil (cold-pressed)
What You Have To Do
- Massage the castor oil onto the affected area.
- Leave it on overnight and wash off the next day.
How Often You Need To Do This
Every day before going to bed.
4. Shea Butter
Shea butter is a natural emollient. Hence, it can keep your skin moisturized. This moisturizing effect may help improve the appearance of stretch marks over time.
You Will Need
½ cup of shea butter
What You Have To Do
- Melt the butter (by microwaving it for a few seconds).
- Massage it onto the affected area.
- Leave it on overnight and wash it off the next day.
How Often You Need To Do This
Every day before going to bed.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has moisturizing properties and promotes collagen development (4). This property of aloe vera may help to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix both the ingredients.
- Massage the mixture onto the affected area.
- Leave it on for at least an hour.
- Wash it off.
How Often You Need To Do This
2 times every day.