6 Natural Ways To Reduce The Appearance Of Stretch Marks And Scars
July 17, 2019
Whether they’re caused by rapid weight gain, pregnancy, or growth spurts, stretch marks are very common. Caused by a tearing of the dermis, they're considered a type of scar because the composition of the damaged skin in stretch marks is the same in other types of scars.
Though stretch marks are unlikely to fade to an extent where they can’t be seen, there are plenty of natural ways to reduce their visibility and support skin health in the process. Ranging from rosehip oil to lemon juice, there is no shortage of options to choose from. Here are 6 natural ways to help reduce their appearance or prevent them in the first place.
Rosehip Oil
Holding a unique combination of fatty acids, it’s no wonder rosehip oil is a favoured component of many natural skincare products. The ingredient helps to hydrate, protect, lessen inflammation and reduce hyper-pigmentation on the skin. These effects work to lighten stretch marks and scars to reduce their visibility.
Aloe Vera
Though aloe vera is known for its soothing skincare advantages, the plant can also assist with the healing of scars. Massaging aloe vera gel onto a scar (after it has closed) can help to support the collagen within the skin and deliver a variety of nutrients and antioxidants, all while reducing irritation.
Before applying aloe vera gel, ensure the skin is clean and dry. Then, after covering the scar with the gel, wait until it has dried before putting anything over it to support absorption.
Vitamin E
The use of vitamin E creams and oils are a widely popular means of treating scars and stretch marks. As an antioxidant, vitamin E helps to protect against the destruction of cells from free radicals, although the skin promoting benefits don’t stop there. It’s also an effective moisturiser, anti-inflammatory, and healing agent, helping to hydrate, sooth, repair, and strengthen the skin.
Many oils and creams can be found in pharmacies, though vitamin E can also be attained from the diet. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables.
Coconut Oil
Similar to other organic stretch mark treatments, coconut oil helps to reduce the appearance of scars by creating an environment where they’re unlikely to arise in the first place. By hydrating and moisturising the skin, coconut oil can boost elasticity, ultimately making it resistant to scarring. Not to mention, coconut oil is packed with vitamin E, helping to protect skin cells from free radicals.
Just like other items on this list, coconut oil should be applied to clean, dry skin - after a warm shower is an ideal time, as the pores of the skin will be open, ready to accept and absorb the coconut oil.
Cocoa Butter
Containing fatty acids and phytochemicals, cocoa butter can potentially help to prevent stretch marks. The compound is popular for its hydrating properties, helping to moisturise and support skin health. For already present stretch marks, cocoa butter assists by softening and fading the scars, reducing their visibility.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a common home-remedy for getting rid of stretch marks by simply reducing their appearance. The fruit acid within the juice helps by bleaching the skin, overall lessening the redness of the scars, making them harder to notice.
Start off by cleaning the skin and removing any dead skin cells. Squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl, then apply it to the affected area (avoiding any open wounds). Leave the lemon juice for 5 to 10 minutes before removing it. This treatment won’t deliver results immediately, but rather over a long period of time if the process is done regularly.
Want all of this in a skincare product?
Never fear! Minus the lemon juice, there are many products in the Clémence Organics range perfect for reducing scarring and stretch marks:
Clémence Organics Ultimate SOS Balm is packed with vitamin E, as well as rosehip oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and more, making it the perfect tool to combat stretch marks.
