Stretch Marks
Stretch marks or striae are a common skin problem that can often make you feel uncomfortable.
Symptoms of Stretch Marks
They occur as visible lines on the skin due to sudden changes in body size, usually on the abdominal areas, thighs, upper arm, breast, buttocks, etc.What Causes Stretch Marks?
Whenever the connective tissues are stretched beyond its flexibility, caused by either the contraction or expansion of skin, the collagen will be weakened. This results in fine scars on the middle layer (called dermis) of the skin. The scars appear as pink, purple or red marks, and can fade to silvery white or gray.
Causes can be: pregnancy, people who have sudden loss or gain in their body weight, genes, stress, etc.
Aloe Vera For Stretch Marks
Aloe vera is an African plant that belongs to Xanthorrhoeaceae family. It has many amazing healing properties that helps in curing many health problems. It can be used as a gel, powder or juice.
Aloe vera has approximately 75 nutrients, 18 amino acids, 20 minerals, 200 enzymes (active) and 12 vitamins.
Is Aloe Vera Good for Stretch Marks?
Here are some of the properties that make aloe vera effective in curing stretch marks.
Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Stretch MarksRemoval:
- It has rich source of essential nutrients and other active components that helps in relieving you from the burns, scars, cuts and stretch marks on skin.
- Regular usage of aloe vera repairs the damaged collagen fibers of dermis and lessens the stretch marks appearance.
- It contains a lot of water and other nutrients which helps in sustenance of skin tissues.
- It has the capability of penetrating deep into the skin, nourishes and repairs it from the damage that is caused by stretch marks.
- The anti – oxidants in this aloe vera helps to repair the damaged skin cells and enhance the generation of new skin cells to remove this stretch marks.
- It has anti-septic properties that not only clears the stretch marks but also helps to heal rashes, cuts, burns, etc.
- It not only cures the stretch marks but also prevent it from recurring again on the skin.
- Regular application of aloe vera regenerates and rejuvenates the skin which helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks on skin.
- Aloe vera has 2 different types of hormones, viz. Auxins and Gibberellins which exhibits anti – inflammatory properties and growth hormones that stimulate the replenishment of healthy skin cells. These hormones also help to maintain a natural production of collagen by the body.
- It contains some plant collagens which is proven to increase the skin’s elasticity.
How To Use Aloe Vera To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks cannot be removed completely, but can be faded by following the natural home remedies in which aloe vera is used.
Home Remedies For Stretch Marks
Follow these remedies without fail to minimize the appearance of stretch marks.1. Aloe Vera Gel
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera leaf
- Lukewarm water
Method:
- Squeeze a fresh aloe vera leaf to extract its gel.
- Apply this directly on the stretch marks.
- Rub it gently for few minutes so it gets properly absorbed.
- Leave for few minutes to dry and then wash off with water.
- Repeat regularly.
2. Aloe Vera with Vitamin A and E Oils
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel – 1/4 cup
- Vitamin E capsules – 10
- Vitamin A oil capsules – 5
- Lukewarm water
Method:
- Squeeze fresh aloe vera gel from the leaf and place in a bowl.
- Extract oil from both a vitamin E oil capsules and a vitamin A oil capsules.
- Stir with the aloe vera gel.
- Apply this mixture on the stretch marks and rub it in gently.
- Leave for a few minutes to dry and was with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- You can also add 1/2 cup of olive oil before applying.
- Use this 2 – 3 times a day on daily basis.
3. Aloe Vera with Coffee
The chemicals in coffee help to lighten the scars and tighten the skin.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel or juice
- Coffee ground
- Warm towel or cloth
- Water
- Olive oil or moisturizer
Method:
- Mix a sufficient amount of ground coffee and fresh aloe vera gel into a paste.
- Apply this paste on stretch marks and spread it evenly.
- Massage it gently for 3 – 5 minutes.
- Let it sit for about 15 – 20 minutes.
- Use a warm towel or cloth to wipe it off.
- Rinse with water and apply olive oil or moisturizer after drying.
- Repeat the same process daily for about a month to reduce stretch marks.
4. Aloe Vera with Lemon Juice
Lemon juice exfoliates the skin to remove the dead skin cells which helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel or juice – 2 teaspoons
- Lemon juice or Lime juice – 1 teaspoon
Method:
- Mix aloe vera gel with freshly extracted lemon juice.
- Apply this on the stretch marks.
- Leave to dry naturally.
- Rinse off with water and apply moisturizer after drying.
- Regularize this process until the marks have cleared.
5. Aloe Vera Homemade Moisturizer
This homemade moisturizer helps in lightening the existing stretch marks on the skin and enhances the new skin growth on that area.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel
- Olive oil
- Wheat oil
- Airtight container or empty moisturizer
Method:
- Stir equal quantities of aloe vera gel, olive oil and wheat oil in a small bowl.
- Pour this in an airtight container.
- Leave overnight and apply this on the stretch marks.
- Continue doing the same process regularly to get rid of stretch marks.
6. Aloe Vera with Castor Oil
Ricinoleic acid in castor oil and vitamin E in aloe vera repairs the collagen and helps to fade stretch marks.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel
- Castor oil
Method:
- Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf.
- Finely mash the pulp of aloe vera until you get a watery consistency.
- Add castor oil and stir well.
- Pour into a pan and heat.
- Apply this warm mixture on the stretch marks.
- Repeat this regularly to clear the stretch marks.
7. Homemade Aloe Vera Lotion
This homemade aloe vera lotion is very effective in fading the stretch marks.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera butter – 3 cups
- Jojoba oil – 1/2 cup
- Coconut oil – 1/2 cup
- Container or empty lotion container
Method:
- Stir aloe vera butter, jojoba oil and coconut oil until properly mixed.
- Now apply this mixture on the stretch marks.
- Apply three times a day.
8. Aloe Vera with Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel
- Vitamin E oil
- Cocoa butter
Method:
- Mix sufficient amounts of aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil (from capsule) and cocoa butter in a small bowl into a paste.
- Apply this on the stretch marks.
- Leave to dry naturally.
- Wash off with water and pat the skin dry.
- Regularize this process until the marks have cleared.
9. Aloe Vera Exfoliation
Exfoliation is an effective way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, especially on the thighs.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel or juice
- Aveeno (OR) Neutrogena
- Cod liver oil (OR) Olive oil
Method:
- Add aloe vera gel and olive oil or cod liver oil to Neutrogena or aveeno.
- Stir it well and apply on the stretch marks.
- Rub gently in circular motions
- Follow this process regularly.
10. Aloe Vera with Olive Oil
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel – 1/4 cup
- Olive oil – 1/4 cup
Method:
- Mix together aloe vera gel and olive oil.
- Apply this on the stretch marks and massage gently for a few minutes.
- Leave for a few minutes to overnight.
- Wash off with water and pat the skin dry.
- If using on the breasts, apply this at night time and wipe it off in next morning with wet wash cloth.
- Store the remaining in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator.
- Repeat daily.
11. Aloe Vera and Vitamin E Oil
This process helps to stimulate the blood flow, and promotes the skin cell regeneration and collagen fiber production to improves skin elasticity.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel or juice
- Vitamin E oil capsules – 3 to 4
Method:
- Mix aloe vera gel or juice and vitamin E oil from capsules.
- Apply this on the stretch marks.
- Massage it gently for few minutes and leave it for another few minutes.
- Repeat daily.
12. Aloe Vera with Tea Tree Oil and Cocoa Butter
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel
- Tea tree oil
- Cocoa or Shea butter
- Mild soap
Method:
- Wash the affected areas with a mild soap in the morning.
- Rinse off with water and pat the skin dry.
- Apply aloe vera gel on these areas.
- Leave it, then around lunchtime apply either cocoa or Shea butter on the areas.
- Repeat applying cocoa butter or Shea butter as often as possible before bed.
- Before going to sleep apply tea tree oil.
- Repeat the same process daily.
13. Aloe Vera with Honey and Almond Oil Mask
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera pulp – 1 cup
- Honey – 2 teaspoons
- Almond oil – 2 teaspoons
- Warm water
Method:
- Blend aloe vera and add honey and almond oil.
- Continue blending until you get a smooth mixture.
- Apply this on the stretch marks and leave for 30 – 45 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water.
- For more effective results, repeat this same process for 2 – 3 times a week.
14. Aloe Vera with Avocado Mask
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel – 5 tablespoons
- Ripe avocado (pulp) – 4 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Warm water
Method:
- Blend aloe vera pulp and avocado pulp in a blender.
- Add olive oil to make a creamy paste.
- Clean the area with water and apply this on the stretch marks.
- Leave for about 30 – 40 minutes and then wash off with warm water.
- Repeat 2 – 3 times a week.
15. Aloe Vera Drink
Drinking aloe vera is also effective in treating not only stretch marks but also many health, skin and beauty problems.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel – 1 to 3 teaspoons
- Water – 1 glass
Method:
- Mash aloe vera gel to make a juice , or use a blender.
- Add to water and stir well.
- Drink this water regularly.
- You can also add this juice into any other fruit or vegetable juices.
16. Aloe Vera Oil for Stretch Marks
This oil rejuvenates the skin, improves blood circulation and enhances skin’s elasticity to clear the stretch marks on the skin.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel – 1/2 cup
- Coconut oil – 1/2 cup
- Essential oil (your choice) – 2 to 4 drops
- Pot
Method:
- Mix equal quantities of aloe vera gel and coconut oil.
- Add an essential oil of your choice and mix well.
- Pour in a pot and place on the stove over low heat.
- Heat this mixture for 10 – 12 minutes.
- Allow the aloe vera oil to cool for a few minutes.
- Pour in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for 2 weeks. Refrigerate this to make it last longer.
- Apply this on the affected areas of skin after bath.
- Apply regularly.
17. Aloe Vera with Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel
- Cod liver oil
Method:
- Stir a sufficient amount of aloe vera juice or gel and cod liver oil together.
- Apply this on the stretch marks.
- Leave for few minutes to dry.
- Repeat regularly.
Tips And Precautions:
- Follow these tips and precautions to get maximum benefits from these methods.
- Apply aloe vera gel twice a day for effective results.
- Tt not only helps to clear stretch marks but also removes wrinkles and other skin problems by moisturizing the skin.
- Pregnant women can apply this aloe vera gel regularly to avoid the formation of stretch marks.
- You can also mix aloe vera gel with any natural oils like almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc. and apply this on the stretch marks.
- You can also use aloe vera containing creams and lotions.
- The longer you have these stretch marks, the longer it will take to get rid of them.
- Consult a dermatologist if you didn’t find any change in the appearance of these stretch marks after following these processes.