According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of stretch marks are pregnancy, medication, weight gain and certain medical conditions like Marfan syndrome and Cushing's disease. Stretch marks generally appear reddish or brown, and often look like streaks. Stretch marks most commonly develop on the upper arms, stomach, thighs, abdomen, breast and buttocks. However, there are some natural remedies to help get rid of stretch marks, though these treatments have not been evaluated by the FDA for effectiveness.
Aloe Vera Gel and Vitamin E Oil
According to Jethro Kloss, author of "Back to Eden: The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods, and Home Remedies Since 1939," a mixture of natural aloe vera gel and pure vitamin E oil can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks if used regularly.
To make a mixture of aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil, combine one part aloe vera gel with two parts vitamin E oil. To use the mixture, apply a thin layer on a daily basis after showering, and leave it on for one hour or overnight. This should be repeated as long as needed.
It is best to use all natural aloe vera gel that does not contain any other ingredients, as added ingredients can alter the effectiveness of the treatment, and in some cases, irritate the skin causing additional redness.
Lavender Essential Oil
According to Melanie A. Sachs, author of "Ayurvedic Beauty Care," lavender essential oil can help reduce and eliminate the appearance of stretch marks on the skin if used regularly. To use lavender essential oil on the skin, mix one part lavender essential oil with 10 parts of a carrier oil such as olive oil, vitamin E oil or almond oil.
Gently massage a small amount of the mixture into the skin for two to three minutes and let the oil dry naturally. There is no need to rinse the skin after application unless you notice redness or feel that the oil has irritated your skin. Note that it is very important to always properly dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin, as they can be very irritating when applied without some type of carrier oil.
Dried Apricot Scrub
A mixture of dried apricots and olive oil is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and acne scars by helping slough off dead skin cells, says Melanie A. Sachs, author of "Ayurvedic Beauty Care."
To use dried apricot scrub on the skin, combine 1/2 cup dried apricots with 1/8 cup olive oil in a food processor or blender and blend until the mixture forms a thick paste. Gently scrub the skin with the mixture in the shower without the water running for three to five minutes before rinsing the skin with cool water. Pat the skin dry and apply your regular moisturizer to the area.
References
- "Back to Eden: The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods, and Home Remedies Since 1939"; Jethro Kloss; 2004
- "Ayurvedic Beauty Care"; Melanie A. Sachs; 1994
- Mayo Clinic: Stretch Marks: Causes
- Mayo Clinic: Stretch Marks: Definition
