Stretch marks appear around the breasts, thighs, buttocks, hips, stomach and arms of individuals who are pregnant, build muscle mass through lifting weights, are overweight or going through puberty. The marks are caused by skin tissues that expand too quickly for the body to heal. Marks appear where the skin has separated and can be red, purple or white. Red stretch marks are the newest and easiest to treat. Medical options for treating stretch marks, such as Retin-A and laser treatment, can be costly. Natural alternatives to reduce the appearance of stretch marks are available, but their effectiveness has not been proven.
Step 1
Rub the area affected by stretch marks twice daily with cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is the most well-known natural treatment for stretch marks, and it is argued that the thick emollient-rich properties of cocoa butter moisturize the skin, creating more suppleness. While it is true that cocoa butter moisturizes the skin, there are no scientific studies proving the effectiveness of this method. Pregnant women and those prone to developing stretch marks should apply cocoa butter in the morning and evening.
Step 2
Break open vitamin E capsules or buy liquid vitamin E and rub the oil straight on to the stretch marks. According to a study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2000, vitamin E is more effective at treating stretch marks than cocoa butter. Vitamin E should be used twice daily.
Step 3
Apply wheat-germ oil to the stretch marks daily after you get out of the shower. There are no studies linking wheat-germ oil and stretch-mark reduction, but there is anecdotal evidence about the effectiveness of this natural remedy. According to Childbirth.org, mix wheat-germ oil with almond oil so it does not have such a thick consistency. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to give the oil a calming scent.
Things You'll Need
- Wheat germ oil
- Vitamin E
- Cocoa butter
- Almond oil (optional)
- Lavender oil (optional)
