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1Using Foods
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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
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
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
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
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]
See Also13 Stretch Mark Treatments That Dermatologists RecommendUse These 7 Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks - GoodRxStretch marks: Why they appear and how to get rid of themAll the Ways to *Actually* Get Rid of Stretch Marks- 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
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
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
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
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
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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What is the fastest way to get rid of stretch marks?
Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist & DermatopathologistDr. 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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References
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4379290/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
- ↑ https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2012/05/just-spoonful-castor-oil
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21647066?dopt=Abstract%20
- ↑ http://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961613P0638X/1
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5057295/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28521546
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About this article
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.
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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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