How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Naturally: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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1Using Foods

2Using Lotions and Juices

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Article Summary

Co-authored byAdarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD

Last Updated: June 12, 2023Approved

Stretch marks are badges of transition, but if you'd like to hide them, how do you get rid of them or at least make them fade? There's no cure-all, but there are plenty of things you can do. Natural ones, too!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Using Foods

  1. 1

    Rub egg whites on your belly. Time to get icky, eh? Hopefully it'll be worth it. The protein in egg whites can mask stretch marks temporarily, so this is a good temporary fix (though it doesn’t provide any health or recovery benefits). Whip the whites of 3 eggs to soft peaks and apply a thick layer to your stretch marks for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

  2. 2

    Get your spud on with potatoes. If you've been laying off the carbs, there's a new reason to add potatoes to your grocery list. The juices are full of vitamins and minerals that help restore skin cells. So while you're preparing some rosemary potatoes for your family, steal one and literally rub it over your stretch marks. Just hope no one catches you or you'll have some 'plain' to do.[1]

    • To get specific, cut your potato into thick slices. Rub the pieces over your stretch marks, making sure your slice is juicy. Allow it to dry and then wash the residue off with warm water.

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  3. 3

    Use olive oil. It's high in Vitamin E, which is great for your skin. If you'd like to keep it for tonight's stir-fry, you can also use straight up vitamin E oil -- even the stuff infused with lavender, jasmine, and rosemary if you'd like. As long as it has a high concentration of Vitamin E, you're good to go.[2]

    • The idea here is that your skin will soften, and when it softens, it expands, and, in general, goes with the punches more easily. Future ones will be less likely, too!
    • Rumor has it that castor oil is also as effective as any home remedy can be.[3]
  4. 4

    Use sugar. You've read wikiHow's How to Make a Sugar Scrub, right? A little sugar, oil, and lemon juice is a great exfoliant for shaving and what else? Yep, stretch marks, too. And you'll smell great, too![4]

    • White sugar works best and almond oil is good, too. When you rub it in, take a minute -- or ten -- to bask in your sugary goodness. Consider it an excuse for a long shower!

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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Using Lotions and Juices

  1. 1

    For new stretch marks, use tretinoin cream. This cream works wonders on your body's collagen-rebuilding skills when the stretch marks are brand new. The only caveat? Do not use it when you're pregnant. There could be harmful effects on the fetus -- the jury is still undecided.[5]

  2. 2

    Be wary of creams and lotions marketed as a stretch mark-removing miracle. It's just not true. While some people may get good results, it's only with utter diligence, the fact that the skin is hydrated, and quite frankly, sheer luck and lucky genetics. So before you go shoveling out your pocketbook, think again.

    • If it has retin-A or glycolic acid, you may want to consult your physician. They could be harmful; it's best to check with your doctor before you use any over-the-counter solution. You definitely don't want to deal with a skin allergy or skin discoloration![6]
  3. 3

    Lounge in lemon juice. Surely you've heard of lemon juice lessening freckles, and it's the same principle: lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. Because of that, it can help stretch marks fade more quickly. Rub in the juices to the affected area and let it dry for about 10 minutes before rinsing off. Be sure to do this several times a day for a noticeable effect.[7]

  4. 4

    Use shea or cocoa butter. These two items are super hydrating and can bolster skin regeneration and smoothness. If used a couple times a day, stretch marks may start fading.[8]

    • Really, any lotion is good for your skin and your stretch marks. The more hydrated your skin is, the better it'll feel and look.
  5. 5

    Add on aloe vera. You already knew this stuff was great for sunburn and your skin in general, but it's also good for stretch marks. It's nature's super healer -- for results, use it daily. It's super safe during and after pregnancy, too![9]

    • You can also make a mixture of 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel, the gel from 10 vitamin E capsules and 10 vitamin A capsules (prick with toothpick or thumbtack and squeeze) and rub it on the area until your skin absorbs it.
    • The raw aloe vera will leave a residue. After a few minutes, just wipe it off with lukewarm water.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question

    What is the fastest way to get rid of stretch marks?

    Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist

    Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil is a board certified Dermatologist, Dermatopathologist, and the Owner of Mudgil Dermatology, a state-of-the-art dermatology practice based in New York, New York. As one of the few dermatologists in the area to achieve board certification in both dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Mudgil specializes in all aspects of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He received his Bachelor's degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Emory University and earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the Stony Brook University School of Medicine. In medical school, Dr. Mudgil was among a handful of students nationwide to receive a coveted Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship and Scholarship. He then completed his residency in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, where he served as chief resident. Additionally, Dr. Mudgil went on to complete a fellowship at the prestigious Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatopathology. Dr. Mudgil is also a member of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine teaching faculty.

    Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD

    Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist

    Expert Answer

    The best treatment is fractional laser resurfacing on its own, or fractional laser surfacing with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). Just keep in mind that these treatments won't completely eliminate your stretch marks, though they can reduce them.

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      Tips

      • Another potential remedy, though harder to find, is alfalfa powder. You can mix a little with some essential oils for hydration infusion for the skin.[10]

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      • Love your body! Stretch marks are common and natural, not shameful. It's okay to want to remove them, but avoid letting it become an insecurity. Stretch marks heal.

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      • Don't stretch after you have eaten.

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      Warnings

      • None of these is guaranteed to be fully effective. Take all advice with a grain of salt.

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      About this article

      How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Naturally: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (25)

      Co-authored by:

      Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD

      Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist

      This article was co-authored by Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD. Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil is a board certified Dermatologist, Dermatopathologist, and the Owner of Mudgil Dermatology, a state-of-the-art dermatology practice based in New York, New York. As one of the few dermatologists in the area to achieve board certification in both dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Mudgil specializes in all aspects of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He received his Bachelor's degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Emory University and earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the Stony Brook University School of Medicine. In medical school, Dr. Mudgil was among a handful of students nationwide to receive a coveted Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship and Scholarship. He then completed his residency in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, where he served as chief resident. Additionally, Dr. Mudgil went on to complete a fellowship at the prestigious Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatopathology. Dr. Mudgil is also a member of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine teaching faculty. This article has been viewed 638,247 times.

      9 votes - 89%

      Co-authors: 43

      Updated: June 12, 2023

      Views:638,247

      Article SummaryX

      To get rid of stretch marks naturally, try mixing sugar, oil, and lemon juice to make a homemade body scrub. Then, each time you’re in the shower, use the scrub to gently exfoliate your stretch marks. After you exfoliate, rub olive oil or shea butter onto your skin where the stretch marks are, because moisturizing your skin will smooth it out. Alternatively, apply aloe vera gel to the affected area to help heal your skin. To learn which over-the-counter creams are effective against stretch marks and which can be harmful, read on!

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      How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Naturally: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

      FAQs

      How do you get rid of 100% stretch marks? ›

      Treatment options include:
      1. Laser skin resurfacing. Laser skin resurfacing is a type of surgery. ...
      2. Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a type of surgery. ...
      3. Microneedling. During microneedling, your healthcare provider pokes your skin with thin needles. ...
      4. Retinol. Retinol comes from vitamin A. ...
      5. Does cocoa butter get rid of stretch marks?

      How to clear a stretch mark naturally? ›

      10 Home Remedies to Naturally Reduce Stretch Marks
      1. Aloe Vera.
      2. Sweet Almond and Coconut Oils.
      3. Sugar.
      4. Vitamin A.
      5. Hyaluronic acid.
      6. Argan Oil.
      7. Lemon juice.
      8. Rosehip oil.

      Can vaseline remove stretch marks? ›

      Can Vaseline remove stretch marks? While Vaseline can help to moisturise the skin and improve its overall appearance, it is unlikely to completely remove stretch marks. Using Vaseline in combination with other treatments can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time.

      How does sugar remove stretch marks? ›

      Sugar will act as abrasive particles that polish the top layer of the epidermis, oil will moisturize the skin, and salt will have an anti-inflammatory effect. Due to the constant renewal of the epidermis, stretch marks will become less noticeable.

      How to fade stretch marks fast? ›

      What to do about stretch marks
      1. retinoid (often called tretinoin) creams or hyaluronic acid – these may help if used on new stretch marks, but you should not use retinoid creams if you're pregnant as they may harm your baby.
      2. light or laser treatments.
      3. microdermabrasion, which removes a thin layer of skin.

      Can stretch marks be cut off? ›

      With the abundance of stretch mark creams and solutions to prevent stretch marks on the market, it may seem possible, but no, you cannot get rid of stretch marks completely, unless you are considering a stretch mark removal surgery like a tummy tuck.

      Can salt cure stretch marks? ›

      SALT SCRUB: Gently exfoliates the skin. Removes dry and dead skin, leaving your skin soft and moisturized. Win Against Aging, Stretch Marks, Cellulite, Acne & Dead Skin Scars. DETOXIFY: Salt scrubs work the same way as sugar scrubs, buffing away dead skin cells.

      Can baking soda remove stretch marks? ›

      Thanks to its exfoliating properties, baking soda can be a great remedy in helping you get rid of stretch marks. Mix it with lemon and you have one of the best recipes for stretch marks-free skin.

      Does lemon juice remove stretch marks? ›

      Soak a cotton ball in the juice of a lemon, then let it sit on your skin for about 10 minutes. If done regularly, the natural acids of the lemon juice may help lighten stretch marks.

      Can Vicks get rid of stretch marks? ›

      Researchers haven't found evidence that any topical cream or lotion is effective in reducing stretch marks. Nevertheless, some people report success in fading stretch marks using Vicks VapoRub.

      Can coconut oil remove stretch marks? ›

      Coconut oil can be used as a natural home remedy to expedite the healing process for these scars. This oil is said to have natural healing properties that also help in reducing the red appearance of stretch marks. It also helps in healing wounds quickly.

      What cream can clear stretch marks? ›

      Retinoid cream.

      Derived from vitamin A, retinoids — such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Avita) — that you apply to your skin may improve the appearance of stretch marks less than a few months old.

      Can you 100% get rid of stretch marks? ›

      There is no way to completely get rid of stretch marks permanently, says Dr. Akhavan. But dermatologists offer two types of treatments to help get rid of stretch marks: at-home treatments and in-office procedures.

      Can Ice get rid of stretch marks? ›

      As you know by now, stretch marks are tiny scars that form as your skin stretches. As they heal, these tiny scars can cause inflammation and swelling, which can make stretch marks look even worse. Rubbing ice on stretch-marked skin can help relieve and reduce this swelling and inflammation.

      Does Dawn remove stretch marks? ›

      You can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks by religiously using tissue oil or a moisturising body cream like the Dawn Vitamin E & Argan Oil body cream. It contains skin-nurturing and restoring ingredients like vitamin E and argan oil which can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

      Can stretch marks be removed fully? ›

      Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, but treatment may make them less noticeable. Treatment can also help alleviate the itch. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before treating stretch marks. Some products contain ingredients, such as retinol, that can harm your baby.

      Will stretch marks ever go away? ›

      While stretch marks don't usually completely disappear, they do tend to fade over time. For example, you might find your pregnancy stretch marks fade after about 6 months. However, this will vary for everyone as factors such as your skin tone, elasticity and location all play a role.

      Do teenage stretch marks go away? ›

      Many creams and other skin products claim to get rid of stretch marks, but the truth is that most don't work and are costly. Usually, the best thing to do is be patient because stretch marks often fade with time. If they still bother you when you're an adult, you can ask your doctor or see a specialist for treatment.

      Are lots of stretch marks bad? ›

      Stretch marks aren't painful or harmful, but some people don't like the way they make their skin look. Stretch marks don't require treatment. They often fade over time, with or without treatment. They may never disappear completely.

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